The Chrysler CM Valiant is an automobile that was produced in Australia by Chrysler Australia from 1978 to 1980 and subsequently by Mitsubishi Australia from 1980 to 1981. It was a facelifted and revised version of the Chrysler CL Valiant, which it replaced. It was the last Australian Chrysler Valiant.
| Chrysler CM Valiant | |
|---|---|
 Chrysler CM Valiant Sedan | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Chrysler Australia .[1] Mitsubishi Australia[1] |
| Production | November 1978 – August 1981[1] |
| Assembly | Tonsley Park, Australia[1] |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 4-door sedan[2] 5-door station wagon[2] |
| Layout | FR layout[2] |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 245 cu in (4.0 L) I6[3] 265 cu in (4.3 L) I6[3] 318 cu in (5.2 L) V8[3] |
| Transmission | 3 speed manual[3] 4 speed manual[3] 3 speed automatic[3] |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 111 inches (2819 mm)[3] |
| Length | 197.5 inches (5016 mm) (Sedan)[3] |
| Width | 74.6 inches (1895 mm)[3] |
| Height | 55.4 inches (1407 mm) (Sedan)[3] |
| Curb weight | 3368 lb (1528 kg) (Sedan)[3] |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Chrysler CL Valiant[1] |
| Successor | Mitsubishi Magna[4] |
Model range
editThe CM Valiant was offered in 4 door sedan and 5 door station wagon body styles in the following models:
- Chrysler Valiant sedan[5]
- Chrysler Valiant wagon[5]
- Chrysler Regal sedan[5]
- Chrysler Regal wagon[5]
- Chrysler Regal SE sedan[6]
Regal models were marketed as Chrysler Regals, without the Valiant name.[5]
A GLX pack, option code A16,[7] was offered on the CM Valiant sedan.[8] It featured the 265 cubic inch (4.3 litre) engine, the four speed manual transmission, or 3 speed auto or the 318 v8 engine with an auto, “Hot Wire” cast alloy wheels, a tachometer, front grille paint treatment, tinted side glass, roof console with map light, rear seat armrest, floor console, body stripes and other embellishments.[1]
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Chrysler CM Valiant Sedan -
Chrysler CM Valiant Sedan with GLX pack -
Chrysler CM Regal Sedan -
Chrysler Valiant CM Regal sedan -
Chrysler CM Valiant wagon -
Chrysler CM Valiant wagon -
Chrysler CM Regal Wagon -
Last Australian Valiant built, August 28, 1981 was this Chrysler CM Valiant, a white 4.0 litre automatic sedan seen here on display prior to auction in 2003 -
"Last Barstard" (sic) written in the body sealer under the boot floor carpet on the last Australian Valiant built by an assembly line worker
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Changes
editThe CM models featured a new grille, revised tail lights plus new mouldings and badges.[1] All body panels were carried over from the previous model.[9] The six cylinder engines were now fitted with Chrysler’s “Electronic Lean Burn System” which resulted in easier starting, better responsiveness, smoother running and improved fuel economy.[1]
Utility, Panel Van and Charger coupe models were not carried over from the CL Valiant range.[1]
Engines and transmissions
editThree engines were offered:
The 318 cu in (5.2 L) V8 engine option was discontinued around August–September 1980.[10]
Five transmissions were offered:
Production and replacement
editThe CM Valiant was produced by Chrysler Australia from 1978 until the takeover of that company by Mitsubishi in 1980.[1] Mitsubishi Australia continued production through to 28 August 1981.[1]
A total of 16,500 examples of the Chrysler CM were built with no immediate replacement model introduced.[1] Eventually, the Mitsubishi Magna was developed to replace both the Valiant and smaller Sigma, and production started in 1985.
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Chrysler Valiant CM, www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au Retrieved on 9 August 2013
- ^ a b c Elisabeth Tuckey and Ewan Kennedy, Chrysler Valiant, 1996, page 172
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r Valiant CM Technical Specifications, www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au Retrieved on 9 August 2013
- ^ Corby, Stephen (24 July 2015). "Top 12: Mould breaking cars". Wheels. Retrieved 26 January 2016.
- ^ a b c d e Regal and Valiant (Chrysler CM Regal and Valiant sales brochure 5/2006261), Chrysler Australia Ltd., July 1980
- ^ Regal and Valiant (Chrysler CM Regal and Valiant sales brochure), Chrysler Australia Ltd., date unknown, as reproduced in "Elisabeth Tuckey and Ewan Kennedy's Chrysler Valiant, 1996, pages 179 to 181"
- ^ Gavin Farmer, Great Ideas in Motion, A History of Chrysler in Australia, 2010, page 421
- ^ GLX Information, www.valiantglx.com Archived 26 January 2014 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved on 9 August 2013
- ^ Tony Davis, Aussie Cars, 1987, page 155
- ^ Gavin Farmer, Great Ideas in Motion, A History of Chrysler in Australia, 2010, page 204
