History Of Chrysler Australia

History Of Chrysler Australia

Chrysler had not been commercially used in Australia since 1982. For more than 50 years, Australians have been purchasing Chryslers for a variety of purposes. From towing the boat for the family to racing on circuits to charging across the nation.
Chrysler Australia is a subsidiary of Chrysler Corporation in the United States. Chrysler Corporation is a multinational giant founded by Walter P. Chrysler. Walter P. Chrysler was a former railroad worker who made his name working for Buick. He then took over Maxwell Motor Company, which had a heavy debt. He bought the Chalmers Company and launched in 1924 a brand new car, Chrysler, based on a design by Walter P. Chrysler.

The six-cylinder model featured a variety of refinements, including hydraulic brakes on all four wheels. Chrysler cars arrived in Australia during the 1920s. In 1935, 18 independent agents founded Chrysler-Dodge De Soto Distributors Pty Ltd. The distributors combined their strengths to buy and sell Plymouth, Dodge and De Soto cars.

The company purchased a controlling stake in T.J. Richards & Sons. This highly successful Adelaide-based company had been Holden’s main competitor since 1922. T.J. Richards designed and fitted bodywork to local Chrysler vehicles for several years. T.J. Richards produced Australia’s first steel sedan body for the 1937-38 sales season.

T.J. Richards has been designing and fitting bodies for local Chrysler vehicles for several years. T.J. Richards produced Australia’s very first steel sedan body during the 1937-38 selling season. Chrysler-Dodge De Soto Distributors produced aircraft and munitions during World War 2. The majority of skilled workers remained in the company when it returned to the production of motor vehicles in 1945. Chrysler Corporation purchased a controlling stake in the company and changed its name to Chrysler Australia Ltd.

Simca Automobiles of France

Chrysler Australia then embarked on a vigorous expansion plan, inspired by Holden’s success. The company aimed to produce a range of cars and light commercial vehicles that were 90 per cent Australian. The company continued to assemble and partially manufacture a range of six-cylinder and eight-cylinder vehicles while this plan was implemented. Chrysler Royal, You can also find out more about the following: Dodge Phoenix Vehicles based on U.S. design. At the end of 1958, Chrysler Corporation Chrysler Australia has a 30% interest in Simca Automobiles of France. This allows Chrysler Australia to import Simca vehicles and assemble them. Chrysler Australia’s Valiant was launched in January. 1962. The Valiant caused a sensation, and it was released at the perfect time. Chrysler’s operations were in a shaky state by the early 1960s, as its big American cars lost ground to the all-conquering Toyota. Holden ( GM ). Simca’s sales were dwindling, but with the release of the Ford Falcon Chrysler’s problems got worse.

Early response was received in 1961 When company officials devised an idea to build a compact six-cylinder US-designed car in Australia. The firm imported over 1,000 US-built cars to release the new model as quickly as possible. R Series Valiant sedans. The cars were built in Adelaide’s Mile End Plant and they arrived on the showroom floor in early 1962 The response was overwhelming and showed that Australians would be smitten with the new brand. By the time of the R Series Chrysler imported large numbers of cars that were sold within days. S Series Local assembly of sedans had begun. Chrysler built 10,000 Valiants. 1962 The company was unable to meet demand despite increasing its registration numbers by 146 per cent. Valiant’s fortunes began to slide dramatically after this spectacular debut.

Tonsley Park

You can also find out more about the following: The 1962 Valiant is slightly more expensive than its equivalent Holden You can also find out more about the Falcon It was larger and more powerful than the previous models. It gained a reputation as a superior car and Chrysler’s popularity led them to invest $36 million in an expansion plan that would allow it to produce over 50,000 vehicles a year with a progressive increase of local content. The construction of the Tonsley Park plant began in 1962, and the “Australian Valiant” sedan was launched in May 1963. This AP5 Valiant, with its high local content and design adapted to local conditions, strengthened the brand. The Australian Valiant AP5 Station wagons were to be introduced in November 1963. In March 1964 The first Valiant was completed at the new factory, and it was announced in April that the $36M expansion program was doubled to $72M.

You can also find out more about the following: In 1965 Chrysler took over Rootes Australia In Melbourne, Australia, and the manufacturing and assembly facilities of that company were acquired. In 1967 Chrysler opened its Lonsdale Engine Plant and climbed to third place on the national sales chart with 13,5 percent of the market for new vehicles. Local content continued to increase in leaps and bolts. From 1962, minor assembly on the R-S Series was done to 65 percent in 1965 In 1967, the average was 95 percent. In 1967, some models contained as much as 97% local content.

Chrysler Australia’s Best Year

Chrysler Australia was in a golden age from the mid-late 1960s because it could not meet demand despite increasing production. At this point, Chrysler Australia was Australia’s eleventh-largest company of any kind and its second-largest exporter. 1969 Chrysler had its best year ever with 42,654 Valiants. Chrysler Australia Ltd sold 66,948 vehicles and achieved a net profit of $7,225.931. In 1969, most people thought Chrysler’s automotive success would last into the 1970s. But it didn’t. Valiant sales dropped in the early 1970s due to a series of misfortunes including fuel crises, quality control issues, and unpopular models.

The marque fell further from the top sellers list, despite the Charger sports coupé being a trump card. The company solved many problems and became the pioneer in the country for features such as computer-aided fuel management and electronic ignition. The E-49 Charger was the fastest-accelerating Australian-made production car. The fightback was too late, as the public’s confidence had dropped, and the company’s US parent, which was in financial trouble, did not have the funds to invest in new models. It seems that the decision to hold back Valiant’s prices to compete with Holden and Ford directly was a mistake.

Assembling the Mitsubishi Galant

By the time this happened, many people stopped considering that car to be a ‘cut above’ its competition. By 1977 Valiant still produced a six-year-old variation VH model. The sales that year were down to 17,500 units. The company made good progress in the smaller car market. The US parent company bought the Japanese Mitsubishi vehicle division and in 1971 Chrysler Australia agreed to assemble Mitsubishi Galant. The Galant, which was badged Valiant in Australia, became a huge success and gave Chrysler the market share it missed out on with Simca and Hillman.

Chrysler has expanded again to manufacture the Sigma The local version of Mitsubishi’s Japanese Galant. The factory produced Valiants with ever-decreasing numbers but at higher standards. The small car market grew from strength to strength. 1978 Sigma The Chrysler Australia Ltd.’s four-cylinder car was the best-selling vehicle in the market. Chrysler Australia Ltd, despite its success, faced severe financial difficulties. Chrysler Corporation was facing even more difficult times in the US and was close to being shut down. Former Ford President Lee Iacocca was put in charge. US Chrysler Corporation In the late 1970s, the company took some drastic steps to stay afloat.

Chrysler sold off its overseas interests including the Australian operation. Chrysler Australia Ltd. was purchased by Mitsubishi In October, you can expect to see a lot of us. 1980 Mitsubishi Motors Australia Ltd. was the new name. In August 1981, the last Valiant model was produced. At that point, 13 models series were available with 565 338 units produced. In 1962, the original R Series The S Series. Then came the AP5 ( 1963 ), AP6 ( 1965 ), VC ( 1966 ), VE ( 1967 ), VF ( 1969 ), VG ( 1970 ), VH ( 1971 ), VJ ( 1973 ), VK ( 1975 ), CL (1976) Then, the CM ( 1978 ). The VJ, which was built in 90,865 pieces, was the most popular. The final model, which was the least popular, was the CM Only 16,005 units were sold in the three years.

RV-1 Valiant, January 1962

The first batch of products has been delayed due to the delay in full production. Australian Valiant CKD kits were assembled. The price was 1299 pounds, which is on par with Ford. XK / XL Falcon and Holden EK / EJ models. This was a “hot” Valiant, with a 3688cc six-cylinder long-stroke engine mounted at a 30-degree angle to reduce the hood height. The car also featured a three-speed manual transmission with a floor-mounted shift. The styling gimmicks were a fake spare wheel cover that was moulded in the boot lid and an egg-crate grille. The suspension design was the same as the previous version when it came off the production line. It consisted of torsion bar springs at the front and leaf springs at the back. The wheelbase was 2705mm, and the overall length was 4673mm.

The top speed of the RV-1 The first option was 57 km/h, while the second one was 105 km/h. It took only 13.6 seconds to go from a standstill up to 100 km/h, which was pretty quick for its time. A quarter-mile standing time of 18.8 seconds was also considered fast. Fuel consumption was 12.3 litres/100kms (23mpg), which was not very economical. The 49-litre fuel tank was a major factor in this. The RV-1 was notable for its negative earth electrics. An alternator replaced the traditional generator. The cabin featured bench seats, while the instrumentation on the binnacle-mounted to the facia was limited to just a few instruments. Speedometer A matching dial with other minor gauges. The panel was made from a single piece of plastic.

SV-1 Valiant 1962 – 1963

You can also find out more about the following: SV-1  The first locally produced Valiant was Australianised, and it went into production by the end of 1962. The grille was simplified cosmetically and the spare wheel boot lid was replaced with a smooth press. The chassis was sealed with a lubricant that is said to last for 50,000 kilometres. The SV-1 retained its 145 bhp, 3688cc, pushrod engine and three-speed gearbox. However, the original floor-mounted shifter was replaced by a lever mounted on the steering column. A torque flite automatic was available, controlled by push buttons on the facia. The price was raised to 1388 pounds as expected. However, 10,009 units were sold. This showed Chrysler that they had hit a winning formula. They were on to something. The Valiant was gaining popularity among car buyers.

AP-5 Valiant, 1963 – 1964

The Valiant was given a brand new body in 1963 to increase the local content. AP-5 VC models of 1966 had straighter lines with minor modifications. The 3688cc engines were improved with a Holley carburettor and Autolite electrics instead of Bosch. The Safari wagon, with its wider tyres and the same wheelbase as the sedan, was added to the range in 1964. In 1964, Chrysler was able to catch up with the demand after the Tonsley Park Stamping and Assembly Plant opened. The fact that Chrysler was independent of US plants also allowed local stylists to design unique cars. 49,440 Valiants AP5 In this only third year of production, a total of 2,500 units were produced.

AP-6 Valiant, 1965 – 1996

The facelift was given a new camshaft; self-adjusting drum brakes, zone windshields and a full-width padded fascia. 1965 The Valiants is something that will excite the advertising men. The wheelbase was unchanged, but the body was 63mm larger. The automatic’s gear-changing system was replaced with a lever mounted on the steering column. The simple grille from the AP5 The design was more elaborate, with slightly protruding front lights on each side. Interior trim in two tones and a larger range of paint finishes were available. In the top range, Regal windscreen cleaners, carpets and other luxury features were standard. The Valiant’s performance was still regarded as a high point, setting it apart from its Holden or Ford competitors. Chrysler also introduced the 4.5-litre V8 used in the Plymouth Barracuda The V8 was available in sedan or wagon versions, with 180 bhp. The V8 came in sedan and wagon versions.

With acceleration from a standstill to 100 km/h in under 11 seconds, the V8 was a very powerful engine for its time. It provided a top speed of almost 180km/h. The V8 was only available with an automatic transmission but featured a short shift lever mounted on the floor to add a sporty feel. Separate front seats were available, but they couldn’t be called buckets. Disc Brakes Finned Drums instead of the full performance would have given the audience more confidence. Front The rear was modified to include an additional leaf. The Tonsley Park factory produced 200 cars per day in a single 8-hour shift but still couldn’t keep up with the demand. Chrysler had ten different models and was at 65% local content. It is expected to reach 95% within five years. A total of 43,344 vehicles were sold. AP6 Model was built.

VC Valiant, 1966 – 1967

The new front and rear sheeting brought the VC Valiant The styling was brought back to the American Dodge Dart look. The three-speed manual transmission received an all-synchronized mechanism. This was the first medium-sized Australian sedan to receive this feature. The engines remained the same, but top speeds dropped to just under 145 km/h. Zero to 100 km/h took 13.3 seconds, and standing quarter-mile time was 19.3 seconds. During the VC currency, production volume jumped up to 65,634 units.

VE Valiant 1967 – 1969

The 1967 Chrysler model featured a body that was 140mm longer and had crisp, straight lines. It also boasted a 50mm-longer wheelbase. A new camshaft and two-barrel carburettor, along with an improved exhaust system, gave the 225 engine an additional 1 5 bhp. The V8 engine also reached 195 bhp. Drum brakes remained standard but disc brakes became available across the entire range. The VE sold 68,688 vehicles at the end.

VF Valiant 1969 – 1970

The VF Valiant line was also notable for its youth-oriented Pacer 225. This was undoubtedly influenced in part by the massive increase in interest shown towards GT models. Chrysler’s achievement of the 95% local content plateau was also important from a commercial perspective. All Valiant panels were exclusively Australian press. Local content in some models was up to 97%. The VF is essentially a VE facelifted with a horizontal grille. The parking lights and indicators are located in the slits above the front guards. Slots mounted on the side allow a clear view of the light. The shrouding was criticized as a safety issue. The six-cylinder engine, transmissions, and other features remained the same, but the V8’s capacity was increased to 5.2 litres (31.8 cubic inches). There were two versions, one with 210 bhp and another with 230.

Chrysler began a period of rapid expansion at the end of the 1960s. The first was the Pacer 180 with a three-speed manual transmission. This car, taking a page from the RV-1, had the shifter mounted on the floor for the first seven years. The top speed was 174km/h, with 112km/h being available at second place and 68km/h at first. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h was 10.8 seconds, and the standing quarter-mile took 17.8 seconds. In 1969, the two-door Valiant was introduced. It was more aimed at the luxury market, not the sports-oriented types like Holden’s Monaro. Chrysler Australia, to shorten the process, simply took the American Dodge Dart front end and grafted it forward of the windscreen pillars. The car was available in six- or eight-cylinder versions with either automatic or manually operated transmissions and steering column-mounted shifting levers. The wheelbase increased by 76mm to up to 2819mm. The total VF production reached 52,944.

VG Valiant 1970 – 1971

Chrysler Australia produced one of the most locally-made six-cylinder engines ever by reworking a design taken from a motor that was practically stillborn in America. This engine replaced the old “225 Slant Six.” The Hemi engine was mounted in the engine compartment upright. It had a short stroke and an oversquare layout. The four-litre unit produced 165 horsepower, 185 horsepower, and even stronger versions for Hemi pacers. Chrysler’s engine plant in Lonsdale was completed and is still one of the best of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. This ensured the quality of “Hemi”, engines. Ford had introduced ventilated disc brakes on the front of the XW Falcon, and this was another mechanical advancement for the VG. These anchors were effective despite the lack of any power assistance. The extra effort was said to be worth it for the improved “feel” of the pedal. The Pacer was the most notable change, as many features that were previously optional became standard.

VH Valiant 1971-1973

Long 1 1 1 inch wheelsbase. All of these curving, almost fashionable lines were a shock to the system after the square shapes and forms of previous Valiants. The larger bodies, with their -no overhangs and distinct American overtones were also a shock. VH may have been appropriate at the time of its introduction. It became obvious, however, that it was inappropriate with each passing year. The Ranger was the base model, with a 140 horsepower 215-inch engine, three-speed column gearshift, and drum brakes on all four corners. The 245-inch engine, which was now Hemis, had 16.5 horsepower and 200 horsepower. The 318-inch V8 was also available. All models except the 215 were equipped with disc front brakes. Pacer 265 had 218 bhp and 4800 rpm with a three-speed gearbox. The zero to 60 km/h time was well under 4 seconds. For the standing start at 100 km/h, it took 8.4 seconds. The VH Pacer achieved 16.5 seconds over a quarter-mile. The VH Pacer’s performance was satisfactory, even though it had three gears. It could reach 70 km/h at first, 128km/h at second and a maximum speed of 192km/h.

The Charger was the star of the show. It was unabashedly designed to be a kind of Australian Mustang. A flagship car that would uphold Chrysler’s honour in racing. It was a huge problem for the commercial world, as 60% of the Charger panels were unique. It was a costly venture to produce 14,000 units per year, but in the 21-5 engined base version, it was still the most affordable six-cylinder Chrysler at that time. The equipment options were numerous, including the 245-inch and 265-inch six-cylinder engines. The “Six Pack”, priced at $3975, featured three twin-choke Webers with extractors that produced 280 horsepower and a torque of 318 ft. lbs. The track pack, with its 160-litre fuel tank, limited-slip differential and magnesium alloy wheels, was a hit. XLs, R/Ts, and other XL models quickly followed suit.

VJ Valiant 1973-1975

Cost increases forced all manufacturers to abandon the two-year model change at the end of the first half 1970s. In this case, the facelift was minimal and left customers appealing to the special equipment available. The grille has been made ornate and the rectangular headlights have been replaced with a round, conventional type. The seats inside were given a more plush appearance. For the first time, a locally-made car offered an electronic ignition. The discs were also made power-assisted. Sound alienation was improved, and a new glovebox lock, as well as a bootlight, was introduced. The Pacer, Ranger XL and Regal 770 were all dropped.

Customers could still order these cars, but they had to customize the remaining models according to their own standards. The same thing happened with the Chrysler by Chrysler where several previously standard features were made available as options. The 340-inch V8 engine that was based on a 318 but used too many parts unique to it, was replaced in 1974 by the 360-inch unit found in the Charger. It could achieve 100 km/h within 9 seconds and 16.3 seconds for the standing quarter. The Australian-made Valiant produced 90,865 VJ modes, which is the highest number of any Australian-made car in its 20-year production.

VK Valiant 1975-1976

The Valiant line was rationalised by splitting it into the VK Ranger, CK Regal and Charger models. The Charger is the only model that did not get basic flow-through ventilation, but it received a heated rear screen in its 770 version. The VK /CK received a new grille and a revised interior. The first Big Three car to use multi-functional steering wheel mounted controls, it controlled wipers and headlights flashers as well as low beams and direction indicators. Email’s Bendix operation was closed and a Carter two-barrel carburettor took its place. Fuel Pacer, an economy-oriented light that appears when driving becomes uneconomical, was first introduced. To round off the rationalisation process, which impacted 20,555 VKs manufactured, the Valiant utility was renamed Dodge.

CL Valiant 1976-1978

When it was first introduced, the CL The market share would be between 10-12%, or roughly 18,000 vehicles per year. It was hoped that this would rise to 25,000 vehicles. The new grille, which was reminiscent of Mercedes, and the revised taillights improved the look, but Ranger was no longer offered and Chrysler’s long wheelbase Chrysler model was discontinued and replaced with the Regal SE. The Valiant was improved in many ways, but it came too late. Prices were kept low and standard equipment increased. The handling modifications made to the CL suspension in April were another effort in this direction. 1978.

Changes were made when the CL The cost of the suspension was not justified by Americans. Holden’s Radial Tuned Suspension was the only way to make the Valiant better, but it was too late. Imported from the USA were improved power steering and Computer Controlled Electronic Lean Burn, which were incorporated into the optional V8 engines. Le Baron, a limited edition Regal SE with a silver grey body finish and many standard features was released. During the currency period of the CL Chrysler celebrated their 25th anniversary with Australia along with the production and sale of the 500,000th Valiant. Of these, 32,672 were CLs.

CM Valiant 1978 – 1981

Electronic Lean Burn, now available on the Hemi six, has made the last Valiant model one of the most efficient. It features excellent quality and a fine ride. The Hemi Six also offers good handling, steering and great economy. The four-litre six with manual was based on the V8s and developed in Australia. It can achieve an economy of almost 10.5 litres per 100 km. On August 28, the second-last Valiant that came off the Tonsley Park assembly lines was given away as a raffle to the approximately 3000 employees of the plant. The 16,005th Valiant was the very last Valiant. CM Purnell Brothers, of Bankstown, near Sydney, added the to their extensive collection of Chrysler products at their museum. Purnell Brothers had a record of over 20,000 Valiants and Regals sold in the past, which is why they were the last to get one.