1967 VE Series Valiant. Dec 07
In October 1967, Chrysler Australia skipped the model designation VD (for obvious reasons!) and introduced the Valiant VE range.
Bigger than previous Valiants (wheelbase up 50mm), the VE had both a wider track and overall length. Styling was borrowed from the Dodge Dart and the US Valiant, with large areas of almost flat sheet metal. There were no carryover body panels from the VC. The new models had a more aggressive grille treatment, curved side glass, a concave rear window and a longer boot line.
While the look was all new, there were significant improvements in ride and handling and many more customer choices.
Chrysler introduced a high spec model which was aimed at competing against the Ford Fairlane. Know as the VIP, it was fitted with a 4.47-litre V8, TorqueFlite automatic transmission, coaxial power steering, power assisted front disc brakes and high speed nylon cord tyres. Unfortunately the VIP was built on the same platform as the standard Valiant, which was a distinct disadvantage, in comparison with the Fairlane.
There were 18 Valiant variants, most fitted with the 225 slant six (3.6-litre) engine. A slightly more powerful engine was fitted to Regal models. Models included the sedan, Regal sedan, Safari wagon, Regal Safari wagon, V8 station wagon and Wayfarer.
The top of the range V8 engine was boosted to deliver 146kW and peak torque of 347Nm at 2000rpm. This engine was standard on the VIP models and optional on others.
All VE Valiants came with dual brake lines, with separate front and rear braking systems - a first for a volume produced Australian car.
Improvements across the VC range included a larger 64-litre fuel tank, a shorter gear lever throw on the manual box, relocation of the dip switch from under the brake pedal to the high left of the firewall and the changing of the windscreen washer system from vacuum to electric.
The VIP model was lavishly finished for its day and included reclining front bucket seats with built-in adjustable headrests - a rare feature in 1967. The VC achieved 95% local content.
1967 Valiant VC
Engines: 3.686-litre six-cylinder, 108kW @ 4000rpm, 292Nm @ 2400 rpm; 3.68 high performance six cylinder, 119kW @ 4500, 298Nm @ 2500rpm; 4.47 litre V8, 145kW @ 4400rpm, 359Nm @2000rpm.
Transmissions: 3-speed manual, 3-speed 'TorqueFlite' automatic (column shift).
Chassis construction: Unitary
Suspension: Front - Independent by lateral, non-parallel control arms with steel torsion bars and double acting telescopic dampers. Rear - Rigid live axle with semielliptic asymmetrical longitudinal leaf springs, double acting telescopic dampers.
Steering: Worm and ball nut type. Brakes: Four wheel hydraulically operated drums. Power assisted front & rear drums. Identification: Body based on Dodge Dart and US Valiant, New grille, inset headlights, front indicator lights built into bumper bar.
Total number built: 68,688
