Chrysler Valiant VIP (VE): the V8 flagship of 1967

The Chrysler Valiant VE was built in Australia from 1967 to 1969 and released in October 1967 in place of the VC. It was larger than any earlier Valiant, and its premium model was renamed Valiant VIP because the V8 engine had become an option across the whole range. The VIP was the four-door performance model of the series.

Chrysler Valiant VIP (VE) at a glance

This page is based on one source, the English Wikipedia article on the Chrysler Valiant (VE), which describes the VIP as a model of that series.

History of the Chrysler Valiant VIP (VE)

A larger Valiant for 1967

The VE Valiant was larger than any previous Valiant model. Its styling followed the American Dodge Dart and Plymouth Valiant, and no body panels were carried over from the VC. From the A-pillar back the shape was Australian-influenced, while the panels ahead of the A-pillar and the bonnet came from the American Dart and Valiant, except for the grille, which was convex on the Australian cars instead of concave as on the American ones. The new range brought dual-line brakes, double-sided safety wheel rims and front safety belts, with power-assisted front disc brakes on the V8 models.

The VIP and the range

The VE was offered as a four-door saloon, a five-door estate and a two-door coupé utility. The saloon was the Valiant (VE-M41), with the Valiant Safari estate (VE-M45), the Regal saloon (VE-H41) and Regal Safari estate (VE-H45) above it, and the VIP at the top in saloon (VE-P41) and Safari estate (VE-P45) form. The Valiant and Valiant Wayfarer utilities were added in May 1968. A variant of the utility was sold as the Dodge utility (VE-E20), with a painted grille and bumpers instead of the chromed items of the Valiants. The VIP was the first four-door performance model of its kind in the range, with the V8 engine, automatic transmission, power steering, front disc brakes and reclining front seats.

Engines and the end of the run

The VE was the first Valiant series to be offered with a choice of three engines: a 145 bhp 225 cu in (3.7 L) straight-six, a 160 bhp 225 cu in High Performance six and a 195 bhp 273 cu in (4.5 L) V8. A three-speed manual and a three-speed Torque-Flite automatic were available, with the V8 and the automatic fitted as standard to the VIP. Chrysler Australia also kept building Valiant estates, which Plymouth in the United States had stopped making in 1967. The VE was named Wheels magazine’s Car of the Year in January 1968, and a total of 68,688 were built before the VF range replaced it in March 1969.

Design and features

• V8 standard: the VIP came with the 195 bhp 273 V8 and a Torque-Flite automatic as standard equipment.
• Three engines: the VE was the first Valiant series offered with a choice of three power units.
• New safety kit: dual-line brakes, safety rims, front seat belts and front disc brakes on V8 cars.
• Award winner: Wheels Car of the Year in January 1968.

Chrysler Valiant VIP (VE) versions

• Valiant (VE-M41): the standard saloon.
• Valiant Safari (VE-M45): the standard estate.
• Regal (VE-H41, VE-H45): the mid-range saloon and estate.
• VIP (VE-P41): the V8 saloon with automatic transmission and disc brakes.
• VIP Safari (VE-P45): the estate version of the VIP.
• Dodge utility (VE-E20): the painted, lower-priced version of the utility.

The later Australian flagship is in Chrysler Valiant VK Regal; the American and Argentine branches of the name are in Plymouth Valiant V-100 and V-200 and Valiant (Argentina). More cars are in the Valiant collection.

Video: Valiant VIP, VE series, 1968

Video by xr0500 on YouTube.

Sources

• Chrysler Valiant (VE), English Wikipedia: range, engines, VIP equipment, production