CJ Chrysler by Chrysler Specifications
10 Facts you may not have known about the VJ Valiant
Most commonly reported issues with the VJ Valiant
VJ Valiant service part numbers
VJ Valiant interior trim codes
The VJ Valiant was introduced in April 1973. It would be a replacement for the VH Valiant that was introduced in July 1971.
Increasing costs of manufacture and production had meant that the cosmetic and mechanical changes were relatively minor in comparison to the last 2 Valiant updates. The emphasis of change was on the equipment levels and what was offered. The 8 cylinder engine was changed from a 340 cubic inch unit to a 360 cubic inch unit during the VJ Valiant production run. In order to save costs a number of variants were dropped from the VJ line up such as the Pacer, Charger RT, Ranger XL and the Regal 770.
The VJ Valiant was quite possibly the least changed Valiant in overall terms. It looked similar and while there were a number of upgrades made, they were significantly less in number and effect when compared to previous models. With that being said however, it did feature an electric ignition and a metric speedometer.
It was seen as a somewhat bold move by Chrysler to make so few changes to a car whose fortunes were beginning to turn. Initially the Valiant sold in droves and was quickly taking market share away from Holden and Ford. In the early 1970’s this trend began to turn as the Valiant began to lose market share. To add insult to injury, the early 1970’s were dubbed as the ‘Japanese invasion’ by many car manufacturers. Toyota entered the Australian family car market and overtook the Valiant as the number 3 manufacturer.
Most of the changes were made primarily to address the issues that came with the VH. Improvements were made to driver visibility and durability. Rust had been a bigger issue than before, so much attention was paid to that.
The 3.5L ‘Hemi’ (215 cubic inch) engine was dropped from the engine line up as was the high performance Charger variant.
Chrysler upgraded safety equipment levels in July 1974 with front disc brakes, door reflectors, lockable glovebox and retractable seatbelts all as standard features across the range.
The VJ Valiant sold better than any Valiant ever produced in Australia with just under 91 000 models produced.
CJ Chrysler by Chrysler Specifications
10 Facts you may not have known about the VJ Valiant
Most commonly reported issues with the VJ Valiant
VJ Valiant service part numbers