10 Facts you may not have known about the VC Valiant
Most commonly reported issues with the VC Valiant
VC Valiant service part numbers
VC Valiant interior trim codes
The VC Valiant was released in March 1966. Mechanically, it was basically the same car as its predecessor. The biggest differences from the AP-6 to the VC Valiant were cosmetic. The Valiant VC cars shared the same doors and structure as the AP6, but the Australian designers added a new nose and tail to create a wider, squarer, lower car that looked larger than it actually was. Despite how it appeared, the VC Valiant was relatively similar in size when compared to the AP-6.
The engines were carried over with a number of refinements made to increase ride smoothness and fuel economy. The ‘Borg Warner’ manual transmission was introduced with the VC Valiant, the Australian transmission replacing the American unit used in the previous models. The automatic transmission was also revised. It can be argued as to whether or not the ‘Borg Warner’ transmission was actually better than the one it replaced, however it was chosen as it was an Australian made component which increased the Australian content of the car, something Chrysler had been pushing for its cars since the introduction of the AP-5 Valiant.
During the mid 1960’s, Australian drivers were concerned about their own and their passengers safety on the roads. Valiant adapted to this need by proving seat belt attachment anchor points (seat belts could be purchased as an extra) and more plush padding on the inside of the car.
Standard equipment increased with the VC Valiant and included things such as windscreen washers, armrests, coat hooks and variable intensity instrument lighting. Disc brakes were also added as an option.
Competition was heating up in the family car market. Not long after Valiant released its V8 engine in the previous AP-6 model Ford and Holden did the same thing by releasing their own imported V8 units. Petrol was relatively cheap in the mid 1960’s so V8’s became popular quickly among family cars.
Although the VC Valiant sold well and was well received by the market and motoring press, it did cop its share of criticism for its steering and handling, in particular its steering responsiveness and its understeer. The first Valiants exported were the VC Valiant in 1967. In total 65 634 VC’s were produced before it was replaced by the VE Valiant on October 1967.
10 Facts you may not have known about the VC Valiant
Most commonly reported issues with the VC Valiant
VC Valiant service part numbers
VC Valiant interior trim codes