Chrysler Valiant (RV1)


The Chrysler Valiant is an automobile which was produced in Australia from January 1962 to March 1962 by Chrysler Australia. It was the first Australian Chrysler Valiant model.
The Valiant RV1 was launched in Australia in January 1962. Completely knocked down packs were imported from Windsor in Canada, bodies were painted at Chrysler Australia's Mile End facility and final assembly was undertaken at Tonsley Park.Gavin Farmer, Great Ideas in Motion, 2010, page 107 The Australian model comprised a combination of US Valiant V100 base model and V200 deluxe model components.Gavin Farmer, Great Ideas in Motion, 2010, page 106

Model range

The Valiant RV1 was produced in two models:
  • Valiant RV1-2 manual sedan
  • Valiant RV1-4 automatic sedan
The RV1 was offered only in 4 door sedan form. The RV1 was marketed by Chrysler Australia as the "Valiant by Chrysler" rather than as the Chrysler Valiant.

Engines and transmissions

The RV1 was offered only with a capacity inline-six engine, with a choice of three-speed manual transmission or optional three-speed TorqueFlight automatic transmission.

Production and replacement

1,008 RV1s were produced by Chrysler Australia prior to its replacement by the Chrysler Valiant in March 1962. 672 of these were RV1-2 manual sedans and 336 were RV1-4 automatic sedans.