Valiant VH Charger Specifications
CH Chrysler by Chrysler Specifications
10 Facts you may not have known about the VH Valiant
Most commonly reported issues with the VH Valiant
VH Valiant service part numbers
VH Valiant interior trim codes
The VH Valiant was introduced in July 1971, replacing the VG Valiant. It featured a completely new look over the previous model. The previous look was popular among buyers, however it was getting a little long in the tooth. It was a rounder, larger looking car with a more simplified design despite actually being very similar in dimensions. It made the car look bigger than what it actually was. The VH featured a complete styling make over, both inside and out. This caught on very quickly with buyers who were in awe of the new design. 67,800 VH Valiants were produced in total.
The VH is best known by enthusiasts as the Valiant that introduced the ‘Charger’ variant. It is arguably the most iconic and collectable of all Valiant variants.
The VH was the result of a $22 million investment. Boot space was improved, as was the fuel tank capacity. It was the first fully Australian designed Valiant. When compared to the previous Valiants they were larger cars, both inside and out. They were designed to look bigger than they actually were.
Despite the many fans the new look had, it did come with its fair share of criticism. The main criticism being its practicality on the road. It was a larger model with larger panels. This created numerous ‘blindspots’ which made it hard for buyers in a number of everyday driving scenarios, namely parking. As it was a larger car with bigger panels, naturally, it was a heavier car which hurt performance and fuel efficiency. Another issue the VH faced was issues relating to build quality, as can be expected from a new body shape with new sheet metal and numerous equipment additions.
The ‘Hemi’ engine was carried over from the VG. Tweaks were made and 4 different versions were available, 2 4.3L, a 4.0L and a 3.5L, all 6 cylinder models. The 5.2L ‘fireball’ V8 was also carried over.
New features and upgrades included a floor mounted handbrake, new and upgraded suspension, better interior soundproofing and thicker, stronger tyres.
Despite the ever increasing amounts of standard material and equipment upgrades, the price increased were well justified and did not appear to be scaring off buyers. The Valiant was still perceived to be the more luxurious of the main Australian family cars (Holden, Ford, Valiant).
The VH Valiant, introduced the ‘C’ range which stood for ‘Chrysler by Chrysler’. Sold along side the VH was the CH Valiant which was built on a longer wheelbase. It was introduced to compete with the long wheelbase models being produced by Holden (Statesman) and Ford (Fairlane) at the time. It was available as both a 2 and a 4 door.
The Valiant had originally tried to enter the luxury market years earlier with the V.I.P Valiant variant, introduced with the VF. It was largely believed that the car had failed to gain any traction in the sales department because it was built on the same wheelbase as the Valiant sedan at the time. Holden had the same problem with its Brougham variant and had changed course a few years later by introducing the Statesman. Chrysler corrected this as well by over the CH.
Did you know: The front bumper bar of a CH Valiant weighs 89kg.
Valiant VH Charger Specifications
CH Chrysler by Chrysler Specifications
10 Facts you may not have known about the VH Valiant
Most commonly reported issues with the VH Valiant
VH Valiant service part numbers