10 Facts you may not have known about the AP-6 Valiant
Most commonly reported issues with the AP-6 Valiant
AP-6 Valiant service part numbers
AP-6 Valiant interior trim codes
March of 1965 saw the introduction of the second Australian produced Chrysler Valiant, the AP-6. Cosmetically it was a minor facelift of the AP-5, most of the changes were under the skin.
The AP-5 Valiant had sold more than expected, the AP-6 Valiant that followed would be a success for Chrysler. The AP-6 would be remembered best by enthusiasts for introducing the V8 engine to the Valiant range. It was a powerful engine for its time. The V8 engine, like the slant 6, was sourced from the USA. It was a 273 cubic inch (4.4L) unit which produced 135kW.
The AP-6 also took steps to making it a more luxurious car by making more options standard in its Regal variant. Just over 43 000 AP-6 Valiants were produced.
With the AP-6, the Ute was introduced to the Valiant line-up. It was available as a ‘Slant 6’ and only 2,000 were built.
Some of the main changes were the introduction of self adjusting brakes and power assisted brakes, better performance from the slant 6 engine and the introduction of the V8 engine.
Although it was basically an American design, the AP-5 and AP-6 created a serious emphasis on being an Australian car for the Australian people. The name itself was one of the less subtle attempts, one of the more subtle changes were the colour of the cars. Over 70 percent of all AP-5 and AP-6 Valiants were white. This is due to the fact white was better able to withstand the Australian heat. Many imported cars of the era, mainly English cars were painted black and did not fare well in the Australian summer heat.
Demand for the Valiant was as popular as ever, with waiting lists estimated to be as long as 4 months for the AP-6. Despite the new manufacturing facilities, demand still far exceeded supply.
10 Facts you may not have known about the AP-6 Valiant
Most commonly reported issues with the AP-6 Valiant
AP-6 Valiant service part numbers