Chrysler Valiant (VG)

{{Short description|Australian full-size car}} {{Use dmy dates|date=November 2019}} {{Infobox automobile | image = 1971 Chrysler VG Valiant sedan (6109313978) (cropped).jpg | caption = Chrysler Valiant sedan | name = Chrysler Valiant (VG) | manufacturer = Chrysler Australia | aka = Dodge Utility | production = March 1970 – May 1971<ref name=UniqueSpecs>[http://www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au/valiant_vg_technical_specifications.htm ''Valiant VG Technical Specifications'', www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au] Retrieved on 2 October 2014</ref> 52,944 produced<ref name=UniqueSpecs/> | assembly = Australia: Tonsley Park New Zealand: Petone (Todd Motors) | predecessor = Chrysler Valiant (VF) | successor = Chrysler Valiant (VH) | body_style = 4-door sedan 2-door hardtop 5-door station wagon 2-door coupe utility | layout = FR layout | platform = | engine = {{convert|215|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} I6<ref name=UniqueSpecs/> {{convert|225|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} I6<ref name=UniqueSpecs/> {{convert|245|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} I6<ref name=UniqueSpecs/> {{convert|318|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} V8<ref name=UniqueSpecs/> | transmission = 3-speed manual<ref name=UniqueSpecs/> 3-speed automatic<ref name=UniqueSpecs/> | wheelbase = 108 inches (2743 mm)<ref name=UniqueSpecs/> 111 inches (2819 mm) (Hardtop)<ref name=UniqueSpecs/> | length = | width = | height = | weight = | related = Chrysler VIP (VG) | designer = }}

The ''' Chrysler Valiant (VG)''' is an automobile which was produced by Chrysler Australia from 1970 to 1971. It was the eighth Chrysler Valiant model to be produced in Australia.

==Overview== The Valiant VG was a mildly facelifted version of the Valiant VF with a restyled front grille and rectangular headlights.<ref name=Tuckey_72>Elisabeth Tuckey and Ewan Kennedy, Chrysler Valiant, 1996, page 72</ref> Sedans were also given restyled horizontal taillights.<ref name=Tuckey_72/>

Chrysler Australia continued to a produce a station wagon in the VG range, marketed as the "Safari Wagon."<ref>'1970 Chrysler Valiant VG Safari Wagon' | URL: https://burnsandcoauctions.com.au/portfolio/vg-valiant/ (accessed 13 April, 2025)</ref>

Rear end styling on the utility remained virtually the same for the third consecutive model series.<ref>Larry O'Toole, The Good Old Aussie Ute, 2000, page 201</ref>

From the A-pillar back, the two-door hardtop remained the same as the VF Valiant/U.S Dodge Dart.

The VG range featured a newly introduced Australian built "Hemi" six cylinder engine which was claimed by Chrysler to be the most advanced engine of its kind in the world.<ref name=Tuckey_77>Elisabeth Tuckey and Ewan Kennedy, Chrysler Valiant, 1996, page 77</ref>

==Model range== The Valiant (VG) was offered in 4-door sedan, 2-door hardtop, 5-door station wagon and 2-door coupe utility models.

* Valiant sedan<ref name=UniqueSpecs/> (VG-M41) * Valiant hardtop<ref name=UniqueSpecs/> (VG-M23) * Valiant Safari wagon<ref name=UniqueSpecs/> (VG-M45) * Valiant Pacer sedan<ref name=UniqueSpecs/> (VG-S41) * Valiant Pacer hardtop<ref name=UniqueSpecs/> (VG-S23) * Valiant Regal sedan<ref name=UniqueSpecs/> (VG-H41) * Valiant Regal hardtop<ref name=UniqueSpecs/> (VG-H23) * Valiant Regal Safari wagon<ref name=UniqueSpecs/> (VG-H45) * Valiant Regal 770 sedan<ref name=Tuckey_73>Elisabeth Tuckey and Ewan Kennedy, Chrysler Valiant, 1996, page 73</ref> (VG-H41 shared with Regal) * Valiant Regal 770 hardtop<ref name=Tuckey_73/> (VG-H23 shared with Regal) * Valiant Wayfarer utility<ref name=UniqueSpecs/> (VG-L20)

Coupe utilities again used the previous VE series rear end styling with updated front end.

{{Clear}} <gallery widths="200" heights="150"> File:Chrysler VG Valiant sedan.JPG|Chrysler VG Valiant sedan File:1970-1971 Chrysler Valiant (VG) sedan (2016-11-12) 02.jpg|Chrysler VG Valiant sedan File:1970 Chrysler VG Valiant Hardtop (10129652556).jpg|Chrysler VG Valiant hardtop File:Chrysler VG Valiant Safari.JPG|Chrysler VG Valiant Safari wagon File:Chrysler VG Valiant Pacer Sedan 2.JPG|Chrysler VG Valiant Pacer sedan File:1970 Chrysler Valiant VG Pacer Hardtop (13302747704).jpg|Chrysler VG Valiant Pacer hardtop File:1970 Chrysler Valiant VG Regal Sedan (21758221234).jpg|Chrysler VG Valiant Regal sedan File:Chrysler Valiant VG Regal Hardtop (16159332090).jpg|Chrysler VG Valiant Regal hardtop File:1971 Chrysler Valiant (VG) Regal Safari station wagon (2015-07-10) 02.jpg|Chrysler VG Valiant Regal Safari wagon File:1971 Chrysler VG Valiant Regal 770 sedan (41469779441).jpg|Chrysler VG Valiant Regal 770 sedan File:Chrysler Valiant Regal VG Series (17038712371).jpg|Chrysler VG Valiant Regal 770 hardtop with option A78 roof extension package File:1971 Chrysler Valiant Wayfarer (VG) (13100867784).jpg|Chrysler VG Valiant Wayfarer utility File:Chrysler Valiant VG Ute (16238619650).jpg|Chrysler VG Valiant Wayfarer utility </gallery>

===Dodge utility=== A heavy duty variant of the utility was marketed as the Dodge utility.<ref name=UniqueSpecs/> (VG-E20) <gallery widths="200px" heights="150px"> File:Dodge VG utility (41469782301).jpg|Dodge VG utility </gallery> {{-}}

===Chrysler VIP=== {{Main|: Chrysler VIP}} A long wheelbase variant of the VG Valiant was also offered as the Chrysler VIP (VG-P41). <gallery widths="200px" heights="150px"> File:Chrysler VIP VG Series (16416690164).jpg|Chrysler VIP File:Chrysler VIP VG Series (16416689874).jpg|Chrysler VIP </gallery>

==Engines and transmissions== Four engines were offered. * {{convert|225|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} I6 "Slant 6"<ref name=UniqueSpecs/> * {{convert|215|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} I6 "Hemi"<ref name=UniqueSpecs/> * {{convert|245|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} I6 "Hemi"<ref name=UniqueSpecs/> * {{convert|318|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} V8<ref name=UniqueSpecs/>

The {{convert|215|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} "Hemi" was added to the lineup early in 1971,<ref name=Davis>Tony Davis, Aussie Cars, 1987, page 112</ref> replacing the {{convert|225|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} "Slant 6".<ref name=UniqueSpecs/>

Two transmissions were available. * Three speed manual<ref name=UniqueSpecs/> * Three speed automatic<ref name=UniqueSpecs/>

==Production and replacement== A total 52,944 of VG series Valiants were built<ref name=UniqueSpecs/> prior to the replacement of the VG by the Valiant VH in June 1971.<ref name=Tuckey_87>Elisabeth Tuckey and Ewan Kennedy, Chrysler Valiant, 1996, page 87</ref>

==References== <references/>

Category:Cars of Australia Category:Cars of New Zealand Category:Valiant vehicles Valiant Category:Cars introduced in 1970 Category:Cars discontinued in 1971 Category:1970s cars Category:Rear-wheel-drive vehicles