The Valiant family - Plymouths, Dodges, and Chryslers

When introduced, the sporty Valiant took first through seventh place in NASCAR’s compact car races - and won the Mobil Fuel Economy Challenge. The final generation was far more conservative, but its coupe version (the Plymouth Duster) was a runaway success. The Valiant, Dart, and Duster never lost their reputation for rock-solid drivetrains, from slant-six to 360 V8.

In its final year, the 360-powered Valiant-derived Dart Sport and Duster were the fastest sedans in America, based on their top speed of 121.8 mph; they were only 2.7 mph behind the Corvette. The Australian Valiant Charger and Pacer were contenders on the track and street, setting long-standing quarter-mile records and winning many races in New Zealand. The Valiant-derived Barracuda and Duster were hot in the States, especially with the 340 engines.

The Valiant was the basis of the Dodge Dart, Plymouth Duster, Demon, Dodge Lancer, Demon, Plymouth Scamp, Chrysler 3700, early Plymouth Barracudas, and Australian Charger, Chrysler Pacer, Drifter, Utility, and others - economy and racing cars, panel vans and coupes.

The 36-mpg Plymouth Feather Duster had a space to economy ratio that is admirable even today.

Related links: Other A-bodies | Plymouth Duster and Scamp | Dodge Demon | Chrysler 3700 | Plymouth Barracuda | Valiant Pacer | Valiant Drifter

"Rarely has a car with such little sex appeal been so popular for so long." - Author Known

"Darts and Valiants were the Energizer bunnies of compact cars, and many are still on the roads, their reputation for longevity intact." - The New York Times

A Valiant history

The Valiant was introduced in 1959 as a 1960 model. While Valiant was a separate marque, like Dodge, the brand was quickly merged into Plymouth in the USA.

The Valiant was to be European in nature, from its high-revving engine to its curvaceous body; it boasted an alternator at launch (a Chrysler first), a pushbutton transmission, and a torsion bar suspension for superior handling.

The last US/Canada Plymouth Valiant was produced in 1976, when it was replaced by the Plymouth Volare, essentially a third-generation Valiant. The Chrysler Valiant continued in Australia through 1980, and in South America through 1982 (as the Dodge Dart, Chrysler 3700, and Dodge Charger). The fourth generation, the Dodge Diplomat / Plymouth Gran Fury, lasted until 1989.

Related links: Creating the Valiant | Chronology | Models | Duster development | Dodge Dart

International footprint

Some of the most impressive Valiants were made in Australia, where a Hemi-head six-cylinder engine, fed by multiple Weber carburetors, set a speed record which (arguably) still holds. Modified Chrysler Valiant Chargers became New Zealand's most successful racing car. Australian Valiants were also sold in Africa.

“The Valiant had a very good reputation for reliability, they said [in Sweden] that “it was so good that even a cop couldn't break it.” - Mattias Johansson

Related links: Australia | New Zealand | Canada | South Africa | South America | Spain 

Valiant performance including racing

There were many high-performance Plymouth Valiants, including the HyperPaks, big-block-eating 340s, the 383 Dodge Dart GTS, 440-powered Dodge Dart GSS, supercharged 1972 Gran Spaulding Dodge Demons, and Hurst-prepared 426 Dodge Darts! There was even a Lotus racing Plymouth Valiant! That’s not to mention the infamous Mr. Norm’s Hemi-powered 1968 Dart - now once again available!

"Chrysler passenger cars returned to Australia in 1996 to find Australian reverence for the beloved Valiant was still intact." - Chrysler Australia

Related links: Lotus racing Valiant | New Zealand racing

Valiant (and other A-body) information

The Valiant and its siblings would change their shape and options, but their reliability and favorable torque-to-weight ratio would remain. Click on the links below for more information on Valiant variants (such as the Dodge Dart), specifications, engine selections, and stories about the Valiant. We also have a number of photos covering a wide range of models and years. (The photos do include Darts, Chargers, etc.)

Related links: Overview of North American Valiant Varieties | Specs | Engines | Transmissions | Valiant Stories

Photos: North America | South America | Australia/New Zealand
Ranger, Safari, and Regal | Pacer | VIP

Information for owners

If you own a Plymouth Valiant, Plymouth Duster, Dodge Dart, Demon, etc., do yourself a big favor and visit the repairs and parts page.

Related links: Forum | Repairs and Parts | Books | Allpar all-Chrysler site  | acarplace car reviews

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