While most of the world knows the Charger nameplate under the Dodge brand, Australians remember the famed nameplate under the Chrysler brand. The Chrysler Valiant Charger (VH) was a two-door coupe version of the Chrysler Valiant four-door sedan and was based on the American Chrysler A-body architecture that underpinned the North American Dodge Dart and Plymouth Duster.
Even though the Valiant Charger shared its front suspension with the American Dodge Dart, it featured wider fenders, a wider rear axle, making the front and rear track of the vehicle much wider than its American cousins. It also allowed for wider wheels than the Dodge.
The VH series Charger was very popular in Australia. The Charger VH, at one point, totaled 80% of all Australian Chrysler Valiant production. Today, most people may recognize the car from racing games like Forza Horizon 5.
The car was designed by famed Chrysler designer Robert Hubbach. Hubbach had a legendary career at the Chrysler design studios, creating some of the company’s most iconic rides and concepts like the Chrysler minivans of the early 1980s, the 1994 Dodge Viper GTS Concept Car, 1996 Dodge Viper GTS Coupe, 1997 Dodge Viper GTS/R, 1995 Chrysler Atlantic Concept, 1997 Dodge Copperhead Concept Car, and designed the inspiration to the 2005 Chrysler 300C with the 2000 Chrysler Nassau Concept. So there is quite a bit of American influence in its design, despite being built “Down Under”.
To our surprise, we recently found one of the Australian muscle cars that found its way to the Detroit suburbs. Showcased on the popular online automotive auction site “Bring A Trailer”, the Aussie Charger was offered at no reserve with two keys and a clean Michigan title in the seller’s name.
Although, this car wears R/T badges, it is not a true Valiant Charger R/T. That model was powered by a 4.3-liter (245 cubic-inch) HEMI-6 six-cylinder engine. This car is powered by the 5.2-liter (318 cubic-inch) V8 four-barrel mated to a 3-speed automatic transmission. The combination replaced the factory 3.5-liter (215 cubic-inch) HEMI-6 engine. The car included 15-inch wheels, front disc brakes, a four-barrel Holley carburetor, a Pioneer Premier head units, and black vinyl front bucket seats. The six-digit odometer shows 315k kilometers (~196k miles), and the total mileage is unknown.
The right-hand-drive (RHD) A-body features the center console, dash, door panels, and trim from a Valiant Charger 770. While the car did have some quirks to it such as a non-working tachometer, a loose-mounted center console, and a steering wheel in need of alignment, overall the car looks in good shape with typical wear for an unrestored 50 year old vehicle. The Valiant Charger is one of those Mopars, you could show up with at any local car meet and would instantly gain attention due to its rareness in North America. Approximately, 32,000 Valiant Chargers were built from 1971 to 1976 with maybe a few handful making their way to American shores.
The car ended up selling this past week for a grand total of $22,000 USD. What makes this deal even more unique, is that the winning bidder is back in Australia. So it appears that the car is returning home. Hopefully, it will be restored to its former glory.
To see more pictures of the Valiant Charger, you can visit the Bring A Trailer page.
1973 Chrysler Valiant Charger Image Gallery:
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