Chrysler Valiant VC - Best Dressed of The Big 3

[@markbehr88]

Here is part 5 in my Auto History Series on the Chrysler Valiant - the VC. Please help the channel by hitting the Thumbs up button 👍 and the Subscribe button. Thanks for watching. 👍

[@Steven-p4j]

Years back, I had a girlfriend, who's stepdad parked his VC Valiant, (White slant 6) in a supermarket parking lot. They loaded their car with the shopping and halfway home, the dad felt something was wrong and asked that the glove box be opened. Once opened, it was revealed that this wasn't his car. Returning to the parking lot, he found his own Valiant, among the many white VCs by plate number, and transferred the shopping to his own vehicle. It shows how little divergence existed in the key and lock combinations, among Chrysler cars.

[@onz76]

That's funny!

[@jamesfrench7299]

HAHAHAHA!! White was a very very common colour for that model as well as others that followed. "Hey, the engine pulls well what's going on?"

[@markbehr88]

@@Steven-p4j Ha hah. That is a great story. 👍

[@markbehr88]

@@onz76 👍

[@Kwanglebeh]

That was common knowledge among certain circles back in the day. I had an AP5 wagon that had the door key but no ignition key, I used to start it with the handle of a teaspoon.

[@cheltboy]

Having owned a Holden, various Ford Falcons and a couple of hemi Valiants, I rate the Valiants highest, followed by Falcons. Holden was always the sentimental favourite with most buyers, and in my opinion, the Valiant was the best engineered of the 3 makes. The hemi six was awesome motor, and I hear nothing but praise for the earlier slant six. All-in-all, I sorely miss those days of the locally build cars (warts and all).

[@markbehr88]

@@cheltboy I agree re the loss of our homegrown cars. Such a shame. At least we have our memories! 🤔👍

[@bradleamon4466]

Yes my old man had three valiants the VC with the slant 6 was amazingly fast off the mark and at the same time silky smooth and whisper quiet unfortunately we don't have it anymore we have the vg fully restored in the she'd the only optional things it has is a heater demister and carpet the other one is there last of the last glx factory fitted ps ac hemi 265 and 4 speed floor shift

[@gregharvie3896]

Hi there Mark, my favorite Valiant of all time is the VC V8, one of my dad's mates Joe Sant bought a VC V8 for himself & a VC Regal wagon for his wife with his quarter share of the Opera House lottery ticket that Dad, Joe and 2 others had bought in Xmas 1966. Joe kept them like new for near 20 years, a gunmetal grey wagon with white roof and a mottled/speckled maroon vinyl interior (as a kid i was always curious how Chrysler had achieved the marbled effect in the vinyl) and his VC V8 sedan was white paint and black vinyl roof with black interior, he had ordered his with the unique locking automatic gearlever in the central console, you put a key in the push button that you had to depress to make it move out of park. Valiant offered this on VC, VE, VF & VG's then never again on any of the later Valiants. These were classy looking cars for their time, this makeover of the AP5/AP6 was excellent on a very limited budget, with these new squared up formal lines suiting the near vertical back window. Chrysler were also very clever as on this car they had made the front & rear bumper the same unit to also cut costs, how clever is that !!

[@markbehr88]

@@gregharvie3896 I agree Greg. One of the best presented Valiants ever. 👍

[@SouthCoastLimited]

Holden (Monaro) lifetime fan but ageing has given me a new found respect for the Aussie Chrysler for sure.

[@perpetualgrin5804]

Come across ,you are welcome.

[@markbehr88]

@@SouthCoastLimited Fair call. 👍

[@markbehr88]

@@perpetualgrin5804 Yes, I am sure he is. 👍

[@adrianmclean9195]

Lol - I'm so glad you said Bathurst the correct way, instead of how it has been internationalised with the " thirst ". Born in Blayney.

[@markbehr88]

@@adrianmclean9195 Yes, I was born in NSW so we don’t say it like Jeremy Clarkson. 😀👍

[@andrewruss2764]

Agree. I actually live in Blayney myself

[@Aussie3225]

I bought one in 1970 for $2000 from Paceway Chrysler in Perth. It was a Regal, in absolutely beautiful condition. It was the most powerful car I’d owned in those days. Slant six engine really gave it some sting. Still miss it to this day

[@markbehr88]

It would have been a really smart car back then I am sure. 👍

[@fentonpeter1582]

At 7.03 that driver coming down off the mountain is working really hard. How those drivers kept that up for so long is nothing short of amazing !

[@markbehr88]

You’re right. I don’t think any of them had it easy back then. 🤔👍

[@BTW...]

On the edge. Handles like a bag of cats.

[@markbehr88]

@ That good hey! 😀👍

[@ThreenaddiesRexMegistus]

These really were great looking cars! I had the 273 Safari wagon until it rusted away. The 8 bonnet emblem was prone to getting nicked. 👍🏻

[@markbehr88]

@@ThreenaddiesRexMegistus I bet it was. 😀👍

[@nigelbritton964]

I remember when I was a kid at school and a teacher drove in a new green VC Valiant Regal and I thought wow it looked great with the vertical taillights and the trim down it's side

[@markbehr88]

@@nigelbritton964 Yes, it would have been very smart back in the day. 👍

[@tedburnard841]

Learned to drive in my mother’s VC in 1971. It was a white standard sedan with TorqueFlite auto. It was white with blue interior. It was a 66 build and was bought as a dealer demonstrator in mid 1967 to replace our EH Premier wagon that we rolled. The VC was kept until 1979 and was super reliable.

[@markbehr88]

@@tedburnard841 Sounds like a great car 👍

[@johnclements6852]

Thanks Mark, still looks like a classy car today.

[@markbehr88]

@@johnclements6852 Pleasure. I agree. 👍

[@mrdoiii]

Thanks again Mark! Can’t relate to this particularly but once again great insight.

[@markbehr88]

@@mrdoiii Thanks very much. 👍

[@skatedd2451]

It's about time someone bought out an Aussie Car channel love your videos

[@markbehr88]

@@skatedd2451 Thanks very much. 👍

[@SamLukie]

Stylish, powerful Car. I had one back then.

[@dxer22000]

stylish but you had to stand on the brake pedal - crap drum brakes

[@markbehr88]

@@SamLukie 👍

[@markbehr88]

@@dxer22000 🫣

[@barrycuda3769]

Very good. I love seeing all those brochure photos ( the only brochure I have is for the Todd motors VF range). Unusually the bumpers on the VC sedan are the same for front and rear. My VC Regal was an Australian assembled, gunmetal silver , with a special patterned black vinyl roof , the vinyl was what was left over from doing a hearse , it looked good. There was a beautiful black VC Valiant V8 in my town that I loved the look of , so I painted mine black , inside and outside, looked fantastic, all that was missing was the 273 , the bucket seats, console , and the extra nice v8 model trim , which would have been nice, but good enough.

[@markbehr88]

@@barrycuda3769 Glad you liked it. The VC is one of my favourites. 👍

[@louiskats5116]

G'day Mark, I reckon I bought & sold over 10 VC V8's all sold into Adelaide in the early 90's, all of them driven to Adelaide from Melbourne. You name it every colour combo, but white with black vinyl roof was extremely popular & I had orders coming out of my back side for VC V8's especially white & black roof. I remember my 1st VC V8 I bought from a Italian family in Flemington. Orginal owner, used as the wedding car, holiday car, kids from hospital you name it, the cars name was Bianca. Back in 1992 1 owner immaculate VC V8 for $2,500. The whole family & grand kids came to say good bye to Bianca the old Italian owner crying his eyes out & twirling a handkerchief as crying very emotional. Went to a good home & saw Bianca again after 32 years at this years Chrysler Show in Adelaide. Been sold on but talking to a guy who had a white VC V8 & worked out it was the car. VC V8 not a bad angle on them. Thoroughly enjoyed the video. Cheers Louis Kats 👍

[@markbehr88]

@@louiskats5116 That’s a great story Louis. Glad you enjoyed the episode. 👍

[@louiskats5116]

@@markbehr88 👍👍👍

[@markbehr88]

👍

[@markbehr88]

@@louiskats5116 👍

[@michaelguerin56]

Thank you Mark. These cars always looked good and have definitely passed the test of time. Nice to learn a few extra tidbits, including the higher load rating of the Dodge Ute. I suspect that if you could find/restore a nice Dodge Ute, front disc brakes would be a practical necessity with that load rating😁 and also for the lower rated Wayfarer Ute! Cheers from NZ🇳🇿.

[@markbehr88]

@@michaelguerin56 Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it. 👍

[@1BIGFROGGY]

I miss my 67 225 VC 3 speed auto Valiant! She was a Faun colour. Huge boot space, comfy seats, easy to work on. I was a 3rd generation to own a Chrysler in my family which started with my grand parents. My grandad traded my nan's AP6 in on a Mitsubishi Sigma Astron 2000 which I think were the new Chrysler in Australia. I'd like to own a Wayfarer one day but thet're getting rarer and moe expensive! I'd be chuffed to find and own another VC though as well. Solid and tough cars! I bought mine off a Greek bloke as did one of my mates! I later sold my car to another Greek bloke who said his father thought they were the best car ever built.

[@markbehr88]

Lots of great memories and cars. 👍

[@ldnwholesale8552]

Valiant,,, Greek Mercedes!

[@markbehr88]

@@ldnwholesale8552 They had good taste. 👍

[@rogerdepretto440]

Owned a VC Valiant S/W had 225slant six auto white red interior brilliant car handles like a shopping trolley but never let me down.

[@markbehr88]

Very cool. 👍

[@commodorenut]

Nice video once again Mark. This brought back some memories. My grandfather had a white VC with red vinyl trim. What I remember most about it was the lack of seatbelts in the back. I was only a little kid in ‘78 when he traded it on a new CL - his retirement car, bought to tow a caravan around Australia. I still have clear memories of seeing the VC’s triangle tail lights being driven away by one of the dealer staff, and the new car being brought around into a “portico” type structure where they did the whole pomp & ceremony congratulating the new car buyer. Then seeing seatbelts in the back of the new CL 🙁 as the salesman pointed out all the features of the new car and explained things….. but it was a V8, and it sounded good 😊. My Grandma kept that CL for 25 years.

[@markbehr88]

@@commodorenut Thanks very much. A V8 CL is a cool car. 👍

[@cherylstollery3444]

Love the VC

[@markbehr88]

@@cherylstollery3444 Me too 👍

[@andysaunders3708]

Loved those Dodge 106 utes!

[@markbehr88]

@@andysaunders3708 Pretty rare now. 👍

[@PhillipMurrayChester-sg9uj]

Another great video thanks Mark. (Can’t get enough of Chrysler). The VC was a touch stately to my eyes. To this day, I think it stands slightly apart from all the valiants. I would have liked to see Valiant keep its quality and style edge above its competitors it had with the VC.

[@markbehr88]

@@PhillipMurrayChester-sg9uj Thanks. I agree with your summary of the VC. 👍

[@rosskelly8268]

The VC had very clean and elegant styling.

[@markbehr88]

I agree. 👍

[@AussieAliner]

Hi Mark, thx for the great video. the VC Valiant was the 1st new car my dad ever bought. It was a sky blue base model manual, no radio, no heater, i remember my dad installed an after market heater, had to feel under the dash to move 2 levers to turn it on. Great memories as i was about 3 when he got it, he loved it, i remember sitting next to him changing into 3rd gear for him. We lived in South Western Sydney and curiously this model were mostly owned by the Greeks and Italians. We seemed to be the only Aussies who owned one! Took us on many family holidays.

[@markbehr88]

@@AussieAliner Thanks. Great memories hey! 👍

[@noelgibson5956]

Where I grew up in southern NSW, plenty of farmers owned them throughout the 60's and 70's, including my own parents who had a VC wagon. In a common practice at the time, many switched to ZJ Fairlanes once the Valiant was no longer sold.

[@jamesfrench7299]

All you see now are anglo aussies owning them. The Italians and Greeks were on a good wicket earlier on.

[@markbehr88]

@@jamesfrench7299 They were larger looking, American styled cars back then, which appealed to those communities in particular. They were also relatively cheap second hand compared to Ford and Holden. 👍

[@jamesfrench7299]

@@markbehr88 in other words they had good taste and were wise with their money.

[@shaun30-3-mg9zs]

Hi Mark, I have seen a Valiant VC at a classic car show about 5 years ago ( Pre-covid ) The owner of a 225 6 cylinder Wagon/estate in green I was having a good chat with him and he said it was a UK car sold through Rootes ( Chrysler UK ) as I was looking around the car I also sat behind the wheel and looked under the bonnet and saw the VIN plate made by Chrysler Australia. I know they were available in the UK but I did not see many of these cars. The owner also had a 1964 Ford Mustang 6 cylinder in pale metallic blue RHD and this car was from Australia and a 1965 Ford Lotus Cortina in white with the green stripe, he showed me the photos on his phone. Great video on the Valiant VC, catch you soon Take care

[@markbehr88]

@@shaun30-3-mg9zs Thanks Shaun, yes Ford Australia built a couple of hundred Mustangs in 1965 or thereabouts. 👍

[@Luke-PlanesTrainsDogsnCars]

Your probably lucky you didn't receive the Leyland P76 in the UK, because it was slated to be sold there...and can now be said it wouldn't have gone well!.😑🙃🙂

[@shaun30-3-mg9zs]

@@Luke-PlanesTrainsDogsnCars The Leyland P76 wasn't a good looking car. The car we missed out on from Leyland Ausralia was the Morris Marina 6 cylinder, my Dad had a Marina 1.8 4 cylinder, same engine from the MGB B series engine de-tuned

[@markbehr88]

@@Luke-PlanesTrainsDogsnCars Although they did ship a few over as well as a Force 7V. 👍

[@Luke-PlanesTrainsDogsnCars]

@@markbehr88 Yep..Force7 for Lord Stokes wife ...how rude was that?😂

[@davidtrollope6644]

Loved my VC ute

[@markbehr88]

@@davidtrollope6644 A rare beast. 👍

[@rosskelly8268]

I like your videos Mark. If I sometimes throw in some criticisms it's because I actually watch your videos all the way through and learn from your knowledge and research.

[@markbehr88]

@@rosskelly8268 Thanks Ross. All good. Thanks for watching. 👍

[@AndyYates-f6p]

My first car was a vc valent sedan with a 225 slant 6 manual it was a very good cor my dad had vc valent Ute manual 225 slant 6 I love them

[@markbehr88]

@@AndyYates-f6p Excellent. 👍

[@anthonybollini]

Mark, when you come back the states I"ll show a vc cop car that in a collection in Michigan

[@markbehr88]

@@anthonybollini Sounds great. 👍

[@jamesmcgowen1769]

My grandfather’s last car was a VC. He lived in outback QLD so I only saw his sky blue 6 cyl Valiant once around 1977 ish. Years later he borrowed it to his daughter who rolled it. What impressed me was the windscreen popped out in one piece. The car went to the wreckers.

[@markbehr88]

@@jamesmcgowen1769 What a sad ending hey. At least she was ok I assume? 🤔👍

[@jamesmcgowen1769]

@@markbehr88 apparently she was okay. I guess her backside got bruised from pop’s right boot, but that’s about it !

[@markbehr88]

@@jamesmcgowen1769 Yes. Fair enough 😀

[@jamesfrench7299]

@@markbehr88 I know of a guy who wrote off the family's VG wagon not long after he got his Ps. Another who wrote off the family's 78 Toyota Corona wagon, the model before the one that got the Holden misfire four.

[@markbehr88]

@@jamesfrench7299 Remind me to never lend any of my cars to your friends. 😀

[@richardmcgrath61]

The VC sedans are very easy on the eye. Simple but elegant design. I don't remember seeing any station wagons or utilities here in NZ.

[@markbehr88]

@@richardmcgrath61 Agree. Good looking car. 👍

[@toni4729]

I had later models but but the VC V8 is the one I always would have loved to have owned. It was a magnificent vehicle.

[@markbehr88]

@@toni4729 Agreed. 👍

[@bossdog1480]

I had a white one with red seats I think they were. It's the ONLY car I ever made a profit on when I sold it. lol I remember it used to drift about a lot.

[@markbehr88]

@@bossdog1480 The red interior was very cool. 👍

[@keithholland7465]

Good stuff

[@markbehr88]

@@keithholland7465 Thanks 👍

[@jamesfrench7299]

The front has a similar expression to the XC Falcon. Very masculine and serious looking. Much more squared off front and rear succeeded in making it look like a whole new body only the wagon reminding you this is a not the case. Those 34 base trim with V8s must be very desirable. Reminds me of the EB Falcon GLi V8 I saw at an auction.

[@markbehr88]

Agree. Very nice, formal styling. Those police cars would be so rare. I am not sure any still exist? 🤔👍

[@jamesfrench7299]

@@markbehr88 can always do a replica.

[@markbehr88]

True. It should have the model code per my episode. 👍

[@smiddysmidton8313]

AP6 v8 was a good start but underdone imo the VC V8 was pretty special . The coffin console and the special Sargent stripes on the rear. Also ran at Bathurst as you mention. Loved the VC.

[@markbehr88]

@@smiddysmidton8313 Yes, a great model. 👍

[@alanblanes2876]

Splendid video...and if people in North America had known about how stately and well proportioned these cars were, they would've clamored for some in the domestic market.

[@markbehr88]

Thanks very much. I reckon you are right. A Valiant V8 sedan would have gone down a treat there as “the little aristocrat”. 👍

[@louiskats5116]

G'day Mark, Great that you mentioned the Police Interceptors I knew of one in SA back in 1993 in a garage in North East suburbs of Adelaide, only saw the outside of it no V8 badging abit of a sleeper. Apparently there was one at this years Chrysler Show in Adelaide but it left by the time I got there. Cheers Louis Kats 👍

[@markbehr88]

@@louiskats5116 Thanks. I had never heard of them prior to researching the episode. 🤔👍

[@louiskats5116]

@@markbehr88 Column auto with disc brake front & dog dish caps on them. This would have to make them the first V8 Aussie Interceptor in my opinion. Cheers Louis Kats 👍

[@markbehr88]

Although there were the Lark V8s. 🤔👍

[@louiskats5116]

@@markbehr88 The VC V8 Station Wagons were column auto from the factory. The following year you can buy a VE V8 Regal Column Auto too

[@markbehr88]

@@louiskats5116 Yes. I wish they offered floor shift V8 wagon 👍

[@anthonyg638]

Such a good looker

[@markbehr88]

@@anthonyg638 Agree. 👍

[@peterwesty6006]

Nice video Mark loved these cars as a kid,l love you to do Valiant Charger vid they were my favourite as a kid and we wou give the two finger peace symbol hey charger. Keep up the good work

[@markbehr88]

Thanks very much. I will definitely be doing the Chargers down the track. 👍

[@danbenson2445]

Still got mine and drive it daily.

[@markbehr88]

@@danbenson2445 Excellent. 👍

[@Eric-kn4yn]

​​​​@@markbehr88 did VC regal come with free suit and tie 🤣

[@markbehr88]

@@Eric-kn4yn Only if you asked. 👍

[@Eric-kn4yn]

​​​​​@@markbehr88 what % were automatic i guess vast majority and the torqueflite was excellent not sure if valiant had it until the end CM when your on a good thing stick to it.

[@markbehr88]

@@Eric-kn4yn I don’t know the percentage of auto but assume it was probably 70% or so depending upon the model. More manuals in utes for example where it would have been 50% or better for manuals. 👍

[@GerardDaly-y1n]

Love the v8 cool car

[@markbehr88]

@@GerardDaly-y1n Agree. Would love a gold or white one. 👍

[@robbiebob6267]

Hi..... I have a very nice original VC utility in beige & brown interior & I love it!...... Personally .... the utilities are getting very rare compared to sedans & station wagons .

[@markbehr88]

@@robbiebob6267 For sure. A lot less sold and they were worked hard. 👍

[@jackjacko8706]

My son owned a three speed manual back in the 80’s. Had a Gem rebuilt Repco Engine. As was the want in those days, teenagers drove cars beyond their limits. The car was very fast and the engine outlasted four teenagers, three gearboxes and two diffs. Lol . Then my son bought his first V8, a Ford Fairlaine and was most upset when his mate whom he had sold the Valient too, went passed him as of he was standing still. Still talks about the car today.

[@markbehr88]

@@jackjacko8706 At least he has his memories. 👍

[@Ballterra]

Never owned a VC did dream of a nice V8 one got close with a late model VE V8 (318ci). Great video 👍🏼

[@markbehr88]

@@Ballterra Thanks. A V8 VE (should have been a 273 unless it had an engine swap?) would have been a nice car. 👍

[@Ballterra]

@@markbehr88 Yes sorry forgot to mention it was swapped. It was my first Val then I had several more during the 80's and early 90's including two more VE's but slant sixes column auto. My neighbor has his Dads VC which he bought new it's mint around 80k on the clock (miles that is)

[@markbehr88]

Still a cool car. The 318 would have had more power and torque. 👍

[@aussietaipan8700]

Awesome mate, keepem going.

[@markbehr88]

Thanks. Tell your mates and put it on your social media and forums so we can let more people know about our Aussie car history. 👍

[@barrycuda3769]

If these comments about the VC's brakes being useless were true, I wouldn't be here to say otherwise, considering the very steep hills I drove mine on. They work fine , the only thing you have to be wary of, is having both front wheel cylinders giving an even amount of braking pressure, which was easily achievable by renewing them every now and then , which was/ is cheap to do.

[@markbehr88]

@@barrycuda3769 Yes, drum brakes are fine if well adjusted. If you don’t have a well adjusted driver, different story 😀

[@barrycuda3769]

@@markbehr88 I learned to make sure they work evenly , after a bit of a scare. I was going down a steepish hill, the road was wet , halfway down there's a give way (give way to the right) , a late model Jag appeared from the right , I braked , and one front wheel locked up , and I was sliding straight for the side of the Jag , I was sure I was going to hit it ,but he just slipped past me, narrowly avoiding contact by inches. I believe the Jag driver was completely unaware of it all.

[@markbehr88]

@@barrycuda3769 Scary! 🫣

[@jesus_built_my_hotrod]

​@@barrycuda3769 sounds like most jag drivers back in the day

[@madaro504]

my 1st car. Slant 6 was an amazing engine... sooo smooth. Coffin tail lights, aluminium visor 2 tone paint. Todd motors..

[@markbehr88]

Nice. 👍

[@terrybebbington3032]

Great video again Mark, your attention to detail is to be admired. A few comments though. You mentioned that the VC had a tandem brake master cylinder, I don't believe that this was the case until the VE Series. Also the V8 engine wasn't actually 'optional' for VC. The V8 was standard equipment & exclusive to the P45 V8 'model'. The V8 engine was an option though in the later VE Series.

[@markbehr88]

@@terrybebbington3032 I believe the tandem boost actually came out on the earlier models. I don’t think I said the V8 was optional on other models. It was a choice for buyers but as I said in the model codes it was only on the P41 and P45 plus the 34 police cars. 👍

[@smiddysmidton8313]

Yes i think VC was single master only ? (PBR) solid disc were optional though.

[@markbehr88]

The brochure quotes the brakes as duo servo so I take that to be tandem master cylinder? Unless it is Chrysler’s copywriting describing something that it isn’t? 🤔

[@smiddysmidton8313]

@@markbehr88 Hi Mark duo servo is different ,not dual master cylinder. Duo servo are two different sized drum shoes in the one drum (self adjusting) cheers

[@markbehr88]

@@smiddysmidton8313 Right. I stand corrected. My 1963 Studebaker Lark has a dual master cylinder. Seems the local cars were a bit slow. 🤔👍

[@ianmontgomery7534]

My father won a raffle where he could choose between a falcon, Holden or Valiant and he chose the VC Valiant in white with dark green upholstery. I learned to drive in that car and I was so sad when it got rear ended while parked outside my brothers house. I had looked after that car for Dad and it was in perfect condition and low mileage. It was not th same after it got repaired.

[@markbehr88]

@@ianmontgomery7534 What a shame. Pretty cool your Dad winning it. 👍

[@ianmontgomery7534]

@@markbehr88 the funny part is that he won it on a Friday night and I only found out at school on Monday and I had to ask my brother whether it was true!

[@markbehr88]

@@ianmontgomery7534 Pretty cool. I remember, years ago when Mum received a phone call from the shopping centre, telling her that my older brother (who she entered in a competition) had won a trip around the world incl attending the 1972 Olympics. She was jumping all over the place and I thought she had gone mad - so I know the feeling! 😀👍

[@lundsweden]

These were a common sight growing up in Sydney in the 70s/80s/90s. They must've sold well, considering they weren't on sale all that long.

[@markbehr88]

@@lundsweden Yes, I mentioned the sales at the end. 👍

[@jimclarke1108]

I bought my second car in 1969, was VC V8 regal i was 19😁, my P plate lasted longer than both cars.......

[@markbehr88]

@@jimclarke1108 Shame hey? 🫣

[@TigerRogers0660]

Great research Mark !! A lot of things i did not know. The VC Valiant looked far superior (both outside & inside) to the HR Holden or the XP Falcon.

[@markbehr88]

@@TigerRogers0660 Thanks. The XP actually won Wheels Car of the Year too. 🤔👍

[@TigerRogers0660]

@@markbehr88 It did too. But in my opinion it was a real backwards step styling wise from the XM. It used parts from the 1960 Comet.

[@markbehr88]

@@TigerRogers0660 Yes. That’s right. There are Falcon episodes on the channel. 👍

[@jarrodemery4631]

Added to your list , the 8 was also on the horn button and V Eight badges on the inside of the front doors. I do miss my Regal Eight Safari (yes, I know Chrysler did not call them that). Also, Dodge 106 ute had no padded dash and (IIRC) no Valiant symbol in the Bpillars.

[@markbehr88]

👍

[@Gokizzmass]

The Slant 6 & 273 V8 were great donks. I had both over the years.

[@markbehr88]

Agree. 👍

[@kimbo3068]

My father had a habit of buying very ordinary cars until he outdid himself & bought a VC 225 slant six! We loved that car to bits!

[@markbehr88]

He hit the jackpot. 👍

[@jasoncarpp7742]

Hey Mark. Another awesome video! Nice looking car, the Chrysler VC Valiant. Have you ever driven one?

[@markbehr88]

Thanks very much. I have. A gold V8. Years ago. I have also ridden in a white V8 sedan. Nice car.

[@darroncrick9993]

Had a VC V8 in the late 1980s. Great interior, looked distinctive, handled like a bar of soap. Sold it for next to nothing when the motor started playing up. Should have kept it but wouldn't want another now. Its time has passed. It suffered from the standard Chrysler issue of rubbish quality trims, knobs and handles which would break off if you looked at them. Motor sounded fabulous burbling around in a multi-level car park.

[@markbehr88]

@@darroncrick9993 I’d take it. 😀👍

[@aussie8114]

Dad had a white VC for a few years. I remember it had a pretty thin and hard steering wheel. I got to drive it a few times on my L plates. It got T boned going through an intersection at night, dad was a very good driver but on that occasion he failed to see the oncoming car as we were turning, I got lucky actually because it hit just behind the passenger door where I was sitting.

[@markbehr88]

You were lucky. No side airbags in those days! 😳

[@grantlee2975]

My first car was a VC V8 and always was a Chrysler fan and restoring a VC now, but did not know that the Police had 34 stock Valiants with the 273 V8. Maybe if someone has one they could contact Mark and do a video on it.

[@markbehr88]

@@grantlee2975 Glad you enjoyed it. Sure, if there is one out there. 👍

[@jamesmatheson5115]

In 1976 I owned a Gold VC Regal with the 273 V8 bucket seats centre console, beautiful car. just like the car @3:05

[@markbehr88]

@@jamesmatheson5115 Very nice. 👍

[@jamesmatheson5115]

@@markbehr88 I sold it in 1978 to a work mate for $1500 and bought myself a HK 307 Monaro also for $1500.

[@markbehr88]

@@jamesmatheson5115 The 307 Monaro would have been cool. 👍

[@loggggon]

Had one f these , it is still the best car I’ve owned

[@markbehr88]

That’s a good endorsement. 👍

[@mick00000000002]

I love you history. Bro or mate. Please show the car in person. Go on trip and record. Then upload with the real thinking. God bless. )

[@markbehr88]

If you check put the channel there is a video of an AP6 V8 going to a car show. 👍

[@Luke-PlanesTrainsDogsnCars]

If you had to have a vinyl roofed car in the 70's then the VC Valiant Regal in white with black top looked quite handsome. Must say that line up of cars from around 1966 (guessing) at Tonsley Park looked impressive...until it all hit the fan. The Oz Chrysler Royal from 57-63 would make a, umm... curious but _interesting_ video.

[@markbehr88]

@@Luke-PlanesTrainsDogsnCars I might do the Royals one day. 👍

[@noelgibson5956]

​@@markbehr88 Maybe slip the Centura in there somewhere too.

[@markbehr88]

You never know. 👍

[@peterm1826]

My father had to VC V8. From new. Great car never let us down. But Valiants were light at rear end.

[@markbehr88]

@@peterm1826 Would have been a cool family car. 👍

[@peterm1826]

@@markbehr88 it was a great car. I remember my father doing the vinyl roof. With a nail brush and polishing the paint work. It was immaculate.when I got my license. I asked could I borrow the car. The answer was a firm no. And a not. In your life.

[@markbehr88]

@@peterm1826 I had the same with my Dad and his 72 Galaxie LTD but eventually drove it and now I own it. 👍

[@darylparker5263]

Best car by far.

[@markbehr88]

👍

[@gary1705]

My dad had a new VC Wagon in blue with matching interior I always felt as a young boy that this car was a cut above the rest in prestige even being the base model 👀

[@markbehr88]

It was really. 👍

[@anthonymaddison9588]

As i mentioned earlier, the old man bought a white 273 wagon new . Family car in the Wheat Belt WA. Caravaning,Lots of Perth trips, Holidays normal long distance WA driving.My main driver when i got my license in 73 in the Perth hills. Partys , beach, pubs,Drive Ins, partys Couple years later a mate and i drove her to Cairns, them day's the road north of Port Headland was dirt.With lots of stops and cruising around Nth Queensland took 3 months.Ended up driving her to Normanton and gave her to a mate. Never to be seen again.That car could right 10 books.

[@markbehr88]

@@anthonymaddison9588 Should have kept it. 🤔👍

[@anthonymaddison9588]

@@markbehr88 Should have kept my Lada Niva, but hey.

[@markbehr88]

@@anthonymaddison9588 😳

[@southernsandgroper3423]

Mark, was this also the first time Chrysler introduced the top spec model name “VIP” with the V8 (signified by the three chrome bars on the rear side panels and the vinyl roof)? Also the introduction of the new bonnet emblem, using the 8 in the stylish V. The VC model was a head turner, and precursor to the more salubrious VE VIP (1968).

[@markbehr88]

@@southernsandgroper3423 The VE was the first VIP model. While the VC V8 was specced like one (as was the AP6 V8) the VIP nameplate was not used in the VC. 👍

[@myke49]

In 1966 my parents were on the lookout for a car to replace our Morris Minor. They bought a VC Valiant. It was the basic Valiant with the three speed auto box. My mother announced that she would continue to drive the Morris but once she drove the Valiant, she never ever drove the Morris again. She very quickly discovered that to leave the traffic at the lights, she just had to put her foot on the big pedal on the right and all the other traffic at the lights disappeared in her rear view mirror. I used the Valiant to tow trailers full of camping gear for Scouts and quickly discovered that the Valiant was extremely good at emptying the fuel tank and I also discovered that the brakes were rather hopeless. Around the same time, we bought a Renault 10 as a second car. It could easily out do the Valiant in the breaking department. The valiant brakes were useless. Shortly after, I bought my first car. A 1954 Series I Land Rover. I was studying Geology at Macquarie University and the Landy did many field excursions with me and friends. I had found my perfect car. I am still driving a Discovery II td5 diesel. Mike in Oz

[@markbehr88]

@@myke49 Your Mum sounds like she was a wise lady! Also, if you like Renault 10’s check out my episodes on the channel. 👍

[@noelgibson5956]

3:50.......that takes me back to my yoof! Brand new 1986 Mitsubishi's! Had a TP Magna and an '85 Colt sedan. Looks weird seeing them as brand new cars. Sigma still looked ok.......but had nothing on the 70's original.

[@markbehr88]

@@noelgibson5956 I was working the Motorshow stand in Syd then.

[@MuscleCarLover]

The VC has a very confident profile to it. I think it looks a lot nicer than the HR Holden, but about on par with the HD, though I think the XP Falcon would still probably win in terms of looks for me. An automatic for circuit racing sounds kinda hilarious to me

[@markbehr88]

@@MuscleCarLover It did well at the big race. 👍

[@MuscleCarLover]

@@markbehr88 I wouldn't be surprised if they had the Torqueflite. From what I heard, first auto to be quicker than a manual. And I suppose more focus could be directed to steering and throttle control

[@markbehr88]

@@MuscleCarLover They would have been Torque Flites. Very durable. 👍

[@OLDS98]

Thank you Mark. The information was interesting That was interesting to learn they sold Dodge there. Did they sell later Dodges in Australia like Challenger and Charger? I know they sold Chrysler 300 there. The interesting thing is the Australian Chryslers were more elegant than the American models. I saw Chrysler products in a film about South Africa from this era. The film was Cry Freedom. The Chryslers were bigger and larger and nicely equipped too in Australia. Thank you for your efforts because I know it takes a lot.

[@markbehr88]

@@OLDS98 Thanks very much. Yes, we have the Dodge Phoenix (which was basically a Plymouth Fury), the Caliber plus some other later ones whose names escape me. No Challengers unfortunately. 👍

[@OLDS98]

@@markbehr88 That is interesting that you got the Plymouth Fury sold as a Dodge Phoenix. I heard the Australians wanted the later Challenger but as you said did not get it. They I must admit were creative selling their products in other countries and creative in many other ways with names, trim levels and options and appearance. I know that the Dodge Diplomat, Dodge Dynasty, Dodge Monaco and Dodge Intrepid did not come to Australia. It is interesting what Chrysler was selling in Brazil as well.

[@markbehr88]

Yes, we received the Neon, Crossfire, Sebring convertible. None of them sold particularly well. And the Dodge Nitro and Avenger. I didn’t mind the look of the Avenger but, again, not a big seller at all. I saw one the other day. First time in a long time. 👍

[@OLDS98]

@@markbehr88 The Australians got quite a few it seems. You named several Dodge and Chrysler products. All the ones you name are long gone. Crossfire and Nitro did not do well here either. People fondly remember Crossfire. It was based off Mercedes Benz SLK. I will say this Chrysler brands are in a deep situation right now. The UAW might strike because things have become that bad at Stellantis as a whole. It is sad things are that bad now. It is interesting how global the American brands were back in the day.

[@markbehr88]

@@OLDS98 Yes, very sad what is happening to Chrysler. I wish they would get back to when Bob Lutz was there and they were hitting all the home runs. It may not even exist in the next few years. It will just be Rams and Jeeps. 🫣

[@Steven-p4j]

As a kid, I had a ride in a souped-up V8 Valiant, with the speedo indicating 120 MPH? It sure felt very floaty. It still beats me, why air-conditioning took so long to catch on in Victoria, when on hot sunny days, a car's interior could easily have reached 60 + Celsius

[@markbehr88]

Yes, it took a while. Vic does not get the humidity that NSW and Qld get. 👍

[@brianandglendaharkin9457]

My VC V8 had the vented drums Spanish red black trim . Back in the early 80s she was beautiful car I had wider 6 inch rims modified exhaust some head work and carb modes went like hell . Owned also 2 vc base model sedan’s manual in the 80s as well in the late 90 owned a white VC Ute and in the mid 90 s a maroon VC Ute she had quite a lot of modes to the motor etc 🙀. In 1975 we had 4 VC sedan in the family 2 Regals and 2 base models . But 2 days before Xmas 76 one of my brothers rolled his VC heading to work about 3 miles farm the farm gate . She rolled 7 times on the dirt road after hitting a bank and ended up against a telephone pole 🙀. Back window broke and down a bit but the front screen still ok . It was up side down all day to me and my dad and uncle etc put it back on its wheels guess what she started no worries and we dove it home . Yes it was a dirt road out the back of Tamworth NSW . And he just had a wheel alignment and the bloke lowered the front stupid ☹️which I reckon made it come around stupid on the corner which we dove on for years . Simple keep your Valiant level with the same size rims all round and the same tyre size all round there is other way but that the basic keep the same brand of shocks all round. . Back to the rolled VC my brother at the time never had his seat belt on ended up on the back seat with only a scratch 😀. They don’t Make them like that anymore 😮. 👍🏻🇦🇺✌️. Actually it just had fitted a 60 thou over slant with extractors . We later sold the motor to a bloke with a brown Regal VF . We would leave black rubber marks leaving the farm gate in the Vals dad was not impressed yes black rubber in the dirt 😂.

[@markbehr88]

@@brianandglendaharkin9457 Sounds like you guys had some nice ones. Your brother was lucky 👍

[@306champion]

The automatic would have been the Torque Flight. The Dodge ute was very popular within Gov' departments like State Rivers, SEC and so on and then bought at Gov' auction and ended up as a reliable cocky's ute.

[@markbehr88]

@@306champion Thanks. Yes, for sure re the Dodge ute. 👍

[@jimpikoulis6726]

Best dressed Mark will see what Hugo Boss has to say about that... 😂😂😂 Onya Mark!!!!

[@markbehr88]

@@jimpikoulis6726 Thanks. Hugo Boss designed most of the dress uniforms for the Germans in WW2. True story. 👍

[@jimpikoulis6726]

@markbehr88 indeed Mark... don't forget there were other companies like IG Farben, Siemens, Mercedes, Porsche, and many more German companies that supported the German Government 🇩🇪 during WWII. 😀😀😀

[@markbehr88]

@@jimpikoulis6726 For sure. I sometimes wear Hugo Boss too but not the WW2 line 😀

[@jimpikoulis6726]

@@markbehr88 😆😆😅😅😅

[@markbehr88]

@@jimpikoulis6726 😀👍

[@chaffcutter58.]

Bought one for 50 bucks , drove it on the farm ,till it died. Still down the creek.

[@markbehr88]

@@chaffcutter58. Sad ending. 😢

[@johngettins794]

I believe their is an episode of The Professionals" with Bodie and Doyle being chased by a Valiant but can't remember if VC or VE . Side note ,I had a Mitsubishi Lancer reg 1976, with production code NA 75 ,ironically same as North American Mustang internal Classification.

[@markbehr88]

I think that was a VE Regal or VIP? 👍

[@UncleJoeLITE]

Yeah, here we hit the brief period of "Horrible Valiants" as i knew them. 2:36 Is the 4 on the floor, not a 3spd? Not a fan of the dash, but I have a feeling my favourite Regal is coming up. _Optimistic release time Mark. You can schedule stuff in CS lol. Interesting fade btw._

[@markbehr88]

@@UncleJoeLITE Beauty is in the eye….. 2:36 is the 3 speed auto for the V8. Last frame made me laugh so I threw it in there. 👍

[@szilardtoth8814]

At 1:12 it's interesting to observe the rear amber turn signals are placed in the bumper. The Red tail light lenses are missing.

[@markbehr88]

Yes, I assume that was an “in progress” prototype. 👍

[@johnd8892]

The turn signals in the bumper was standard. Saved cost as the same bumper used front and rear. Amber lenses at the rear and clear at the front as was required then. Took a while for amber at front to come in or be required.

[@markbehr88]

@@johnd8892 Yes. I think Amber was 1973 or 1974 on things like HQ Holdens for example. 👍

[@robertristinge4385]

Many years later i made tools for Mitsubishi South australia. The company was National tool and Die On Huntingdale road Oakleigh Victoria. I wonder if it was the same factory they made the Magna in SA ?

[@markbehr88]

@@robertristinge4385 I have heard of that company. The Magna’s engine was built in Lonsdale, SA and the car at Tonsley Park. 👍

[@robertristinge4385]

@@markbehr88 That company had the biggest milling machines under the southern hemisphere, apparently they gave up the ghost about 7-8years ago. I stopped in1996

[@markbehr88]

@@robertristinge4385 Right. 🤔

[@anthonywalsh2164]

I think there was one in the Sweeney, UK tv series.

[@markbehr88]

@@anthonywalsh2164 I thought it was a VE?

[@anthonywalsh2164]

@@markbehr88 probably was, it’s a vague memory for me from childhood, along with the criminal destruction of Jaguars.

[@markbehr88]

@@anthonywalsh2164 I have the DVD boxed set. I know. Old school.

[@anthonywalsh2164]

@@markbehr88 ✒️👌

[@markbehr88]

👍

[@noelgibson5956]

Peak Valiant in my opinion, in terms of style, and certainly the best of the big three in 1966-67. My parents bought a brand new VC wagon in white. After considering an HR Holden wagon, they decided the Valiant was a better car with more power, size and class. In the 1980's you could pick these up for a case of beer or a favour, which I should have done! What are they worth now??

[@markbehr88]

@@noelgibson5956 Yes, wish I grabbed a V8 wagon. I always liked them. 👍

[@noelgibson5956]

​@@markbehr88 A VC Regal sedan for me.........all original in gold! 😍

[@markbehr88]

@@noelgibson5956 I quite like the Gold or White with a black vinyl roof and red interior. V8 of course. 👍

[@terrybebbington3032]

Mark, you mentioned at 6.50 that 2 V8 VCs competed at Bathurst in 1966 & were placed 10th & 11th, behind the first 9 placed Minis. Then you mentioned that disc brake became available in Nov 1966. Given that the Bathurst raced was held on the first weekend in October surely those 2 Valiants had disc brakes. There is no way that they would finished so well on those dreadful standard issue 9-inch drum brakes.

[@markbehr88]

@@terrybebbington3032 I would say so. Chrysler would have known we’ll before the race it would be an option. 👍

[@terrybebbington3032]

@@markbehr88 It makes you wonder if Chrysler built & sold the required 200 units before the race, doesn't it !!

[@markbehr88]

@@terrybebbington3032 Who knows? I am not sure that was a requirement then or if the cars had discs or drums? There are more detailed stories of the race online relating to those cars. Look up VC Valiant Racing Garage. 👍

[@johnd8892]

Chrysler then treated the V8 as a luxury model and did not go to an effort to get two or five hundred front disc brake cars sold. I had heard not enough sold before the race but the November 1966 introduction date would mean zero sold. Some talk of using the very strong auto gearbox downshifting aggressively to help a bit, or was that a Bathurst Dodge Phoenix earlier. No brake rules , just cars had to be what was sold to the public. And by 1966 in high numbers to avoid the race special Cortina GT500 and Holden S4. If Chrysler had sensibly sold the V8 with disc brakes from the start they might have won with the Valiant V8. Manual option might have helped too. Took until the Pacer in 1969 to have performance oriented Valiant. Early 500 winners at Philip Island had all drums.

[@terrybebbington3032]

@@johnd8892 Yes, up to 1965 the minimum build requirement was 100 units. For 1966 they increased it to 200 to prevent the Cortina GT500 from running a 2nd time. AFAIK the all winners of the 500 had front discs, except the Vauxhall Cresta (1960) & the XL Falcon (1962) had front disc brakes.

[@daveanaru3038]

I often think it would have been nice to see a Valiant win at Bathurst. Surely they must have got close to winning?

[@markbehr88]

They won their class with the VC V8. The Minis took out the top 9 or so places. The Chargers have done ok on occasion. Mainly when the GT or XU1 dropped out. I think there was a third one year? 🤔👍

[@davidbarnsley8486]

My first car when I was 15 cost $640 lovely in beige Had to add a bit When I met my girlfriend soon to be wife her dad had a dodge Ute in blue with a lock up metal canopy For a few years I wanted him to see it to me but he wouldn’t said it was too broken

[@markbehr88]

Very cool. 👍

[@kkiwi54]

I'm a NZer and grew up using the word saloon, but others seem to have adopted the American word

[@markbehr88]

Yes, Australia was a more English influenced society but post WW2 became very much more American influenced. 👍

[@shanehumphries2392]

my first car love it got it 1982 dad call it the the marfiar staff car all the mates hung out to much fun

[@markbehr88]

Good times. 👍

[@ianmontgomery7534]

There is a standard model V8 ex Victorian police car available on carsales at the moment.

[@markbehr88]

@@ianmontgomery7534 Wow. There you go. That would be very rare. 👍

[@ianmontgomery7534]

@@markbehr88 yes it has column shift for the auto.

[@markbehr88]

@@ianmontgomery7534 Cool. 👍

[@ChrisTopher-cy8ph]

My favourite teacher had a white VC and a MG from the '50's, TF? , both Chrysler and MG went bankrupt in 1980, uncle had a VIP V8, I Thought it ran on V8 tomato juice for a short while

[@markbehr88]

@@ChrisTopher-cy8ph Very cool. 👍

[@andysaunders3708]

I still think the AP6 looked better - the VC's wheelbase just seemed too short, and made it look deformed somehow. Just my opinion, and I acknowledge that they were a great car.

[@markbehr88]

@@andysaunders3708 I like both. Probably AP6 in a V8 wagon over VC but as V8 sedans a tie. 🤔👍

[@tonybennett638]

👍

[@markbehr88]

👍

[@mahcooharper9577]

Was certainly more modern looking than the APs, but I have always thought they were so ugly compared to what they replaced. I know I'm probably in the minority tho!

[@markbehr88]

@@mahcooharper9577 Yes, they seem to be well loved. 🥰

[@MaliqueGowley]

The vc is the classic car in every ps2 game, so basic that it barely has any styling at all. Though id love to have one to put next to my cl

[@markbehr88]

@@MaliqueGowley I like the style. Cadillac tail lights, vertical roof. Not really generic. 🤔

[@noelgibson5956]

I'd prefer the VC over the CL any day.

[@markbehr88]

@@noelgibson5956 I would too. 👍

[@MaliqueGowley]

@@noelgibson5956 do you have either?

[@MaliqueGowley]

@@markbehr88 I like vcs, but they are definitely basic looking cars compared to the fords and Holdens of the same year.

[@industrial-steampunk]

MMAL still use the same model code format today

[@markbehr88]

ahh, there you go. 👍

[@industrial-steampunk]

@@markbehr88 what did you do at mitsubishi Mark ?

[@markbehr88]

I started in 84 as Sales Planning and Distribution analyst in the NSW Zone. Back then it was 2 Analysts and 1 Manager. After about 2-3 years I ran it myself. Then I was promoted to Fleet Executive, then Regional Area Manager, then Metro Regional Area Manager (largest sales volume district and I was the youngest Area Manager). In 1989 I left and went to Holden. Mitsubishi was an excellent company to work for and I thoroughly enjoyed it. 👍

[@industrial-steampunk]

@@markbehr88 i have just retired after 47 years in spare parts, started with Chrysler in 77 I have done many franchises in that time but mitsubishi was always one them so unbroken Chrysler/mitsubishi for 47 years , i love your content and agree with most of your opinions on those beautiful cars

[@markbehr88]

@@industrial-steampunk Congratulations on a long career. Glad you enjoy the episodes too. 👍

[@Eric-kn4yn]

How and why did Dodge enter the scene for HD utes

[@markbehr88]

@@Eric-kn4yn Dodge and Fargo had been sold by Chrysler for many, many years. 👍

[@Eric-kn4yn]

$2490 entry for VC but advert in mag has $3050 for entry level ? Was there a big price increase chrysler paid courtesy VBU excellent wage nett $4200 annual in 1974 quick guess is cars where expensive back then 1966 /67.

[@markbehr88]

@@Eric-kn4yn Assume that is for Regal?

[@Eric-kn4yn]

VC like every car then were now priced in aus$

[@markbehr88]

@@Eric-kn4yn Yes.

[@spikesification]

The utility must be rare?…see a few v.c’s here in n.z still ..

[@markbehr88]

@@spikesification Yes, not too many around now. 🤔👍