10 Facts you may not have known about the VF Valiant
Most commonly reported issues with the VF Valiant
VF Valiant service part numbers
VF Valiant interior trim codes
The VF would replace the VE Valiant in March 1969. It was essentially a facelifted VE. It shared its middle section with the previous VE Valiant, but there was new front and rear styling.
The VF introduced the popular ‘Pacer’ variant which had a younger demographic in mind who wanted a sportier car. Performance was the key sticking point. The VF Pacer was based on the American Dodge Dart. It was powered by a high compression version of the Slant 6. There were few cars that could match it on a performance for price basis. The Regal 770 was also introduced as a luxury variant.
The 273 cubic inch (4.4L) V8 engine was replaced by a larger 318 cubic inch (5.2L) unit. An energy absorbing steering column was also added for safety. Air conditioning was also an option for the first time in the Valiant range.
A total of five engine options were available with either 3 speed automatic or a 3 speed manual transmission. The VF Valiant range consisted of 11 different models.
The VIP in the VF range was built on a larger wheelbase than the Valiant, making it a viable competitor of the Ford Fairlane. Standard equipment was high, however this was reflected in the price, which was a turn off for a number of would be buyers. This seemed to be contrary to the rest of the Valiant range, where the higher price was perceived as a higher quality and more prestigious product and therefore sold well.
With the VF Valiant, a 2 door coupe was offered for the first time to compete with the Holden Monaro and the Ford Falcon GT. Although they are collectible today, they were a little underwhelming upon release and never really threatened the market share of Ford and Holden. The 2 door Valiant was more of a luxury coupe than a muscle car, buyers were after the latter.
The VF Valiant would be the last Valiant to use the ‘Slant’ 6 engine. It would be replaced by the VG Valiant in March 1970 after a production run of 52 944.
10 Facts you may not have known about the VF Valiant
Most commonly reported issues with the VF Valiant
VF Valiant service part numbers
VF Valiant interior trim codes