Chryslers by the Bay highlight – 1972 VH Valiant Charger XL
Given the Chrysler focus of the annual Chryslers by the Bay show ‘n’ shine that’s held annually in Geelong, the appearance of a number of Chargers is a given. This year’s 26th edition of the all-Mopar show was no exception, with stock, modified and restored Chargers on show, as well as most other members of the extended Chrysler family. Along with the Dodges and Plymouths you’d expect to see, this year’s Chryslers by the Bay also saw Imperial, RAM, Jeep and even American Motors vehicles brave extreme heat to be a part of the show.
When the majority of early Chargers you see at a Chrysler show are R/Ts (or R/T tributes), it’s refreshing to see something like this XL grade, which has been mechanically and cosmetically refurbished in several areas, but retains the stock Hemi 245 six and factory option four-speed manual.
When new, an XL like this sat above the base Charger and below the 770 grade, while the R/T was the pick of the crop, even though it wasn’t necessarily the highest priced in standard Hemi 265 form. That changed when the E38 or E49 options were selected, though.
The current owner explained this Charger XL had been sold new in Queensland, spending many years there with its meticulous first owner. Undersealing and other long term care measures were applied, like adding sealant at the end of the drip rails to prevent rust forming. Apparently, the first owner even wrote his address on the inside of the hubcaps should they come adrift on the road!
The second owner was based in Sydney, who the current, Victorian-based owner bought it from. While he’s restored multiple Chryslers over the years, including Pacers and Chargers, this Charger XL was so good that it’s only needed minor refurbishment.
The underseal was painstakingly removed, but the paint is mostly original, as are most of the exterior details and badging. It’s the same inside, with only the driver’s seat retrimmed – the other seat trims, carpets and headlining are original. The factory Hemi 245 was fully rebuilt by the current owner and the engine bay cosmetically refurbished at the same time, but the four-speed is untouched. Those sports wheels are factory Charger options (standard on the R/T), with the only real deviation from stock being the ride height, which has been dropped by approximately three inches.
There were multiple Chargers to admire at this year’s Chryslers by the Bay, but this one stood out for its originality and was rewarded with a Top 10 spot in the show’s judging – the only Charger this year to make the Top 10 – alongside some immaculately restored earlier Valiants and American Mopars that included a 1960 Chrysler 300F and 1955 Plymouth Plaza.
For JUST CARS’ report from the 2024 Chryslers by the Bay, click HERE.
