The Chrysler Valiant (VK) is an automobile which was produced by Chrysler Australia from October 1975 to October 1976. It was the eleventh Australian produced Chrysler Valiant series.Gavin Farmer, Great Ideas in Motion, A History of Chrysler in Australia 1946-1981, pages 414 to 416
Overview The Chrysler Valiant VK series was introduced in October 1975, replacing the Valiant VJ series. The VK was essentially a facelift of the VJ with revised grilles, taillights and badging. The VK was intended to have significantly different styling to the VJ, however this did not eventuate due to financial constraints.
The range was rationalised with a reduced number of models and options. The Chrysler name was now promoted more strongly with Chrysler badging displayed prominently on the new models.New face, new features, Modern Motor December 1975 The Charger was now known as the Chrysler Charger,Chrysler Valiant VK, www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au Retrieved on 24 January 2015 having previously been promoted as the Valiant Charger by Chrysler.Valiant Charger by Chrysler (sales brochure for VJ series Valiant Charger by Chrysler)
The six cylinder engines were fitted with a new Carter carburetor.Tony David, Aussie Cars, 1987, page 143 A vacuum operated “Fuel Pacer” was offered as an option, the device using a flashing light to assist the driver in avoiding fuel wastage. This light was initially on the right-hand guard, but was later fitted to the instrument panel. Additional safety features included a pressure proportioning valve in the rear brake circuit,Gavin Farmer, Great Ideas in Motion, A History of Chrysler in Australia 1946-1981, page 197 power-boosted brakes and hazard warning lights. Indicator, headlight dipping, headlight flashing and windscreen wiper controls were now housed in a steering column stalk. This was the first multi-purpose stalk control to be fitted by any of the “big three" manufacturers, the other two being Ford and Holden.
Model range The VK series was offered in 4-door sedan, 5-door station wagon, coupé and coupé utility body styles in the following models:
Chrysler Valiant Ranger sedan Chrysler Valiant Ranger wagon Chrysler Valiant Regal sedan Chrysler Valiant Regal wagon Chrysler Charger XLChrysler Charger (sales brochure for VK series Chrysler Charger XL & 770), Chrysler Australia Ltd. Chrysler Charger 770 Dodge utility
200 Charger White Knight Specials were produced, based on the Charger XL.James Cockington, 1976 VK Chrysler Charger White Knight, Australian Muscle Car, Issue 78, 2014/15, pages 38 to 45 Specified via Option Code A50,Gavin Farmer, Great Ideas in Motion, A History of Chrysler in Australia 1946-1981, page 422 100 examples were produced in Arctic White and 100 in Amarante Red.
Engines and transmissions The range of engines available in the VK series comprised I6, I6, I6, V8 and V8. 3 speed manual, 4 speed manual and 3 speed automatic transmissions were offered.
As of July 1976, the 215 and 360 engines were dropped from the lineup, to conform with ADR27A emissions requirements. The 215 was replaced by a low compression version of the 245.
Production and replacement VK production comprised 11,722 sedans, 4,039 wagons, 1,625 Chargers and 3,169 utilities for a total of 20,555 units.Gavin Farmer, Great Ideas in Motion, A History of Chrysler in Australia 1946-1981, page 418 This was the lowest Valiant production since the S Series. The VK was superseded by the Chrysler Valiant (CL) in November 1976.
Chrysler CK series
Chrysler Australia also produced the related Chrysler CK series, a long wheelbase, luxury model developed from the Valiant VK.Elizabeth Tuckey and Ewan Kennedy, Chrysler Valiant, 1996, pages 144 to 149 In July 1976, the 360 (5.9L) engine was dropped to meet ADR27A emissions requirements, being replaced by the 318 (5.2L) engine as standard fitment to the Chrysler, which gained colour coded hubcaps and Cloth Cord trim at the same time. The Chrysler CK was replaced by the Chrysler Regal SE in October 1976, the later being the prestige model in the newly released Chrysler Valiant (CL) range.Tony David, Aussie Cars, 1987, page 147
See also Chrysler Valiant Chrysler Valiant Charger
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