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Thanks to Mike Sealey for writing this epic tale, and to Dan Stern and Stuart McAllister for their clarifications. For more information on Chrysler Canada in the 1960s and 70s, click here.
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| The Savoy was the bottom-line Plymouth.
Although the US Plymouth went from Savoy-Belvedere-Fury-Sport Fury to
Fury I-Fury II-Fury III-Sport Fury for 1965, Chrysler Canada went to
Savoy-Fury II-Fury III-Sport Fury. (In 1966 the Savoy became the Fury
I.) The 1965 Dodge was 330, Polara 440, Polara 880, Monaco. The 330 became Polara for 1966. Neither the Belvedere nor Coronet were sold in Canada in 1965. The Saratoga was available as a four door sedan and a two or four door hardtop in 1962-1966. The 1962 used the Newport exterior trim with rocker mouldings. The Windsor had no rocker mouldings and used the 300 side trim without the "300" emblem. The final Saratoga (1966) used Windsor taillamps. Convertibles were imported 1963-1965 but marketed as the 300. For 1966, the US 300 two door hardtop and convertible were imported and marketed as the Sport 300. The first Japanese Plymouth Cricket came on the market for 1973. The Canadian parts arm was Chryco - Mopar crept into use in the late 1970s and 1980s. |
The Canadian Valiant story started in Windsor, Ontario not long after Highland Park made the decision to proceed with production. Like its Australian cousin, the Canadian and U. S. Valiants started from a common ancestor, developing into a distinctly different car around the '63 model year; unlike the Aussie Valiant, the Canadian would basically revert to U. S. clone status by '67. (Any information or correction from Canadian Valiant fans would be most welcome; I'm writing this in the States from memory.)
Many Americans have forgotten (if they ever knew) the Valiant's original status as a separate make rather than (after '61) a smaller Plymouth. (An early Valiant print ad, apparently comparing Valiant to Chevrolet's Corvair and Ford's Falcon, opened with the words: "Nobody's Kid Brother. This one stands on its own four tires...")
Prior to the '60 model year, virtually all U. S. Chrysler Corporation dealers sold Plymouths as a companion make to Chryslers, DeSotos, or Dodges. Plymouth lost the U. S. Dodge dealers with the 1960 introduction of the Plymouth-based (full-size) Dodge Dart. This resulted in a loss of sales, which dropped Plymouth out of its traditional 3rd place in U. S. sales standings. The decision was made to prop up Plymouth sales by including Valiants in the totals. (Valiants were sold in the States by Plymouth dealers, leaving Dodge without a comparable car until the '61 Lancer.)
Canada, then as now, is a smaller market, which at the time had two vaguely equal MoPar dealer chains; Chrysler-Plymouth-Fargo Truck and DeSoto-Dodge-Dodge Truck. The decision to make Valiant available to all Chrysler Canada dealers was probably based on smaller volume, which in turn may have been perceived as not enough to support two very similar compact cars. This kept Valiant as a separate entity in Canada for some years after that policy was abandoned in the States.
The differences between the two Valiants are in my opinion the result of these two different paths.
Appears identical to U. S. Valiant, but may be identified by a slightly different nameplate on the front fenders. Where the U. S. nameplate simply says "Valiant", the Canadian nameplate has the words "By Chrysler" below the Valiant name. The same nameplate is used on the deck lid (and also on the Australian R and S series Valiants). There were also detail differences in interior trim (color option differed, other minor changes). The alternator was standard in the US, but optional in Canada, where a 35 amp generator was still standard.
| Bill Watson pointed out that Chrysler parts were sold by Chryco, not Mopar, in Canada until the 1980s, though the name "was creeping in" during the late 1970s. |
Chrysler's 1961 model year was most noteworthy for the termination of DeSoto production in North America and most foreign markets. Canada's DeSoto-Dodge dealers were granted Chrysler franchises as compensation, much as DeSoto-Plymouth dealers were in the U. S. This move, while initially appearing to have no direct effect on Valiant, probably cemented its early Canadian identity as a compact Chrysler (as opposed to a compact Plymouth), though the "by Chrysler" words were dropped after 1962. This marketing situation continues in Canada to this day, as witnessed by the marketing of the "Chrysler Intrepid" by Canadian Dodge-Chrysler and Plymouth-Chrysler dealers. Canadian Plymouth dealers also sell Dodge trucks, the Fargo name having been dropped in that market in late 1972. Valiant continued to be the compact sold by all Chrysler Canada dealers. (It's humorous for us Yanks to look in a Canadian phone book from this era and see listings for "Dodge-Valiant Dealers"...)
Again mostly identical to U. S. Valiant except for "Valiant by Chrysler" badging on front fenders and on lower right corner of trunk lid where "Plymouth" emblem was on U. S. model.
1962's big news in the States was the introduction of the Dodge Custom 880 to fill the market niche left open by DeSoto's demise. While the 880 was an attractive car (in my opinion, nicer looking than the '62 Dart/Polara), its undisguised combination of '61 Dodge front clip and '62 Chrysler tail left no explanation needed as to its place in Chrysler's grand scheme. U. S. MoPar fans were taken aback by the 880's mixed heritage. Canadians would not have been surprised, with many pre-1960 Canadian Dodges being Plymouths with Dodge front clips and distinctive Canadian model names (i. e., Dodge Regent = Plymouth Savoy, Dodge Mayfair = Plymouth Belvedere, etc.). However, with Canadian Dodge dealers selling the Chrysler line, the 880 was considered unnecesary in Canada. The mixing and matching of fronts and rears would reappear in the Canadian Valiant line the following year.
Bill Watson added:
Chrysler US adopted the reduction-gear starter for its engines, but Chrysler Canada hung on to the direct-drive starter for the six until 1967 or 1968. The only time this is a problem is when switching starters or replacing torque converters / pressure plates. The space needed for starter engagement is greater for the reduction-gear starter than the direct-drive. Thus a Canadian starter mated to an American-model torque converter will crack the starter pinion gears! Also, Canadian-built Chrysler vehicles were "Chrysler Corporation," not "Mopar" - at least until the 1980s.
The Dodge Lancer continued to be unavailable in Canada as well. This would become more significant in 1963.
The SV Valiant appears identical to U. S. model with the exception of small "Plymouth" emblem on lower right trunk lid being deleted.
The Dodge Lancer, like all Slant Sixes, was an excellent car, but had never sold as well as Chrysler had counted on. It was decided the problem was the Lancer's strong similarity to the Valiant. So, for the 1963 model year, while both little MoPars were cosmetically completely redesigned, the compact Dodge was given a longer wheelbase and distinctive styling from the Valiant. It also received a new name, inheriting "Dart" from the larger Dodge line (while continuing to use the "L" model designation which originated with Lancer, i. e., '63 Dart = TL Series; 1963 Valiant=TV series).
The Canadian Lancer was exported mainly to the Commonwealth countries, other than Great Britain. (Exports to South Africa after 1960 were unlikely, as Prime Minister John Diefenbaker led a movement to have that country expelled from the Commonwealth due to apartheid).
While a family resemblance remained between the siblings, the Valiant was noticeably smaller, except for the station wagon body which used the Valiant wheelbase (106") in both applications. The Dart was not only larger, but bore a distinct resemblance to the '63 Chrysler as well.
The Dart was unquestionably the best value on the U. S. market at that time, being roomier and better appointed than its competitors without becoming too large. This was no help to Chrysler Canada, who had placed all its chips on the Valiant. Someone must have realized also that a car marketed as a "compact Chrysler" and a sibling compact which actually looked like a little brother to the full-size Chrysler really should be the same car. Hence, the '63 Canadian Valiant, which was actually a Dodge Dart with a Valiant front clip. All models had side chrome identical to the 1963 U.S. Valiant, with some modifications to mate with the Dart quarter panel.
Bill Watson added:
The brochure illustration artist used American Plymouth Valiant models - thus showing incorrect rear quarter windows on the 2-door sedan. All Dart-based 1963-1966 Valiants used the reverse angle on the 2-door sedan. Had to - otherwise the window would not roll down. So there were no Dart-bodied Valiant 2 dr sedans with straight quarter glass. Another error in the brochure was the lack of rear quarter panes in the sedans on the driver's side - the vehicle used for inspiration, I suspect, was the prototype Plymouth Valiant that was a Signet hardtop on the driver's side and a V-200 sedan on the other. (It was updated for use at the 1964 introduction) This was the first year for the Valiant convertible - in fact for all Chrysler Canada built convertibles! The model number was TVX1 (-L, -H, -P). The "X" denotes export in Chrysler-speak and these Vali-Darts were built in Detroit. They were exported in right-hand drive to the UK and were reviewed by "the Autocar." (They used Dart upholstery, though).
1963 Canadian Valiant (believed to share TV series designation with U. S. cousin but in many ways has more in common with TL series):
Shared front sheet metal including most trim with U. S. Valiant. (Canadian V-200 did not have "Valiant" nameplate on front fenders between wheel well and front edge of door. Canadian Signet had "Signet 200" emblems in same location as U. S.)
Clone of '63 Dodge Dart from firewall back except for ornamentation and minor trim differences as follows:
Canadian V-100 (clone of Dart 170):
Dodge emblem on C-pillar replaced with Valiant crest; "DODGE" block letters on trunk lid replaced with "Valiant" script as seen on '60 trunk lid (no "By Chrysler" tag).
Canadian V-200 (clone of Dart 270):
"Two Seventy" badge with Dodge "delta" on C-pillar replaced by very similar "Valiant 200" badge with Valiant crest in same location as Dodge delta. "DODGE" block letters on stainless panel located on trunk lid between backup lights (if any) replaced by "Valiant" script as seen on V-100.
Canadian Signet (clone of Dart GT):
Dodge delta with "GT" insert replaced with Valiant crest. "DODGE GT" plastic insert in middle of stainless panel between backup lights replaced by black plastic insert, silver "Signet" script in middle flanked on either side by Valiant crests. The Dodge Story shows Signets with V-200 chrome adapted for the Dart body; however, it's been so long since I've seen one that I can't remember if production Canadian Signets had these pieces or not.
Ironically, the '63 Dart station wagons were virtually the same cars as the '63 U. S. Valiant wagons other than the adoption of Dart taillights. As a result, the Canadian Valiant wagon was a near clone of the U. S. version, except for the Dart taillights.
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(Courtesy Bill Watson) |
| Barracudas were built in Canada only in 1964 and 1965. All other years were imported.
The first generation Barracuda was marketed as a Valiant, and not as a Plymouth. Engines in Canada were much the same as in the U.S. - the 170 was the standard 6 with the 273 the standard V8. The 225 was the optional 6. (The 273 V8 was imported from Detroit, by the way.) The Formula S was available in Canada in 1965, but according to the parts book it was imported. Interiors on the 1964 models were identical to the American version, while the 1965 Canadian Barracuda used the Dart dashboard. As for the exterior, the 1964-1965 models had "Valiant" on the front and trunk lid, not "Plymouth". On the tail end "Barracuda" also appeared in small script below the trunk opening. For 1966 the name "Plymouth" did not appear on Canadian market Barracudas, even though they were built in Detroit. Starting in 1967 they were marketed as Plymouth Barracuda. For transmissions, the 3-speed manual was standard, with Torqueflite (pushbutton in 1964 and column or floor-mounted in 1965) or 4-speed on the floor as optional. Model numbers were VVX1-P / VVX2-P (1964) and AV1-P / AV2-P (1965). |
April's introduction of the Barracuda was the biggest news in A-Bodies on both sides of the 49th Parallel in '64, followed closely by the introduction of the 273 V-8 (which may have arrived later in Canada than the U. S. December '63 introduction). The Canadians did not graft a Dart tail section onto their Barracuda, but it did have some subtle but distinct differences from its U. S. cousin. The conventional Canadian Valiant continued as a '64 Dart (VL Series) with Valiant front clip and appropriate ornamentation changes.
All Canadian Valiants, including Barracuda, had a "Valiant" badge on the hood in place of the "Plymouth" badge seen on the U. S. Valiants. They also had the U. S. Valiant gauge cluster and hubcaps.
Bill Watson wrote:
1964 : Models VVX1- and VVX2- (L, H, P). (Other information interspersed).
Valiant 100 (Dart 170 clone)
Valiant nose on Dart body. Valiant script as seen on '63 Canadian replaces "Dodge" badge on trunk lid. Valiant crest with "100" banner across middle replaces Dodge delta with "170" model designation on C-pillar. Side chrome as normally seen on U. S. Valiant 100 with appropriate change to piece mating with rear wheel well. Two or four door sedan or wagon.
Valiant 200 (Dart 270 clone)
Valiant nose on Dart body. Valiant crest replaces Dodge delta with "270" model designation in middle of trunk lid. Stainless strip which reads "Dodge" at bottom of trunk lid replaced with similar strip reading "Valiant". Some seen with Valiant crest with "200" banner across middle replacing round badge with "270" model designation on C-pillar; others seen with Valiant-crest "TWO HUNDRED" badge as seen in '63. Side chrome as normally seen on U. S. Valiant 200 with appropriate change to piece mating with rear wheel well. NO "Valiant" badges on front fenders as seen on U. S. model. Four door sedan, wagon, convertible, and hardtop.
Valiant Signet (Dart GT clone)
Valiant front clip on Dart body. "Signet 200" emblems on front fenders as on U. S. model. Trunk lid ornamentation as on Canadian Valiant 200 with appropriate 270-to-GT chrome strip between backup lights upgrade. Some seen with Valiant crest replacing Dodge delta with "GT" markings on C-pillar; had chrome louvers as seen on '63 GT/Canadian Signet C-pillar. Canadian '64 Signet convertibles and hardtops had '63 louvers mounted near rear wheel well. Side chrome as usually seen on U. S. Signet with appropriate change to piece mating with rear wheel well. Barracuda "fake mag" hubcaps occasionally seen on late production Signets.
Signet 200 came as convertible or hardtop. The "Valiant" in script appeared on the front fenders of the V-200 just ahead of the front doors.
Valiant Barracuda (nearly identical)
"Plymouth" badge on hood replaced by "Valiant" badge. "Plymouth" block letters on trunk lid replaced by "Valiant" block letters as seen on Canadian Valiant wagons. "Valiant" script on panel below trunk lid replaced by "Barracuda" script. While 6-cylinder VIN started with "1", the V-8 started with "7" - thus reading like a Dart VIN. The Barracuda was not available with the stripe that was common in US adverts.
Valiant 100/200 Wagons (Dart 170/270 clones)
Identical to U. S. Valiant except for Dart taillights, Valiant crest replacing Dodge delta with model designation on tailgate, "Valiant" block letters replacing "Dodge" block letters on tailgate.
Allan Bowes added: "I had a 64 Valiant Signet 200 (Dart GT clone) which I bought new in 1964. This car had a 273 V/8 with a 4 speed transmission and Hurst shifter. Neat car. Biggest problem was that the transmission came with 140 weight oil in it and the first winter it was a bear (Saskatchewan at 40 below). The dealer had to overhaul the transmission in the spring. Another note when I bought the car there was an earlier 64 Valiant Signet 200 (Dart GT clone) in town which had a slant 6 and a 4 speed tranny. I think this combination disappeared with the introduction of the V/8 in the spring of 1964."
The U.S.-Canada Automotive Trade Pact (kind of a distant ancestor to NAFTA) was signed in January 1965. This was easily the biggest news in the Canadian auto industry this year. It was also the beginning of the end for many distinctively Canadian vehicles. At Chrysler Canada in '65, these included the Fargo line of trucks, the Chrysler Windsor (a renamed Newport), the Chrysler Saratoga (a renamed non-letter 300 4-door pillared sedan exclusive to the export market), the Plymouth Savoy (a C-bodied 2-door hardtop downgraded to Fury I/II trim levels; see below), the C-bodied Canadian Dodge (Polara, Polara 440, Polara 880, and Monaco; all had Plymouth-level engines and interior trim including Plymouth dashboards, and a Canada-only Monaco convertible was offered), and TWO different styles of Canadian Valiant.
Note: some records show that the Savoy was a Dodge in Canada, but I have seen one, and it definitely is not.
Bill Watson wrote:
The 100 (US Valiant 100) came as two and four door sedan and wagon, while the Custom 100 (US Valiant 200) came as four door sedan, hardtop, and convertible - no wagon. The 200 (US Dart 170) came as two and four door sedan - no wagon, while the Custom 200 (US Dart 270) came as four door sedan, hardtop, convertible, and wagon.
The Canadian 1965 models also had a different VIN then the American - an extra digit for the body style. Although 1965 Valiant illustrations show the "Valiant Signet" nameplates on the front fender behind the wheel opening, production models had them ahead and above the wheel opening. I own a 1965 Valiant Signet hardtop.
For the first time, Chrysler Canada offered equivalents of both the U.S. Valiant (AV series) and Dart (AL series), marketing both cars as Valiants and offering all models through Plymouth and Dodge dealers. Unlike '63-'64, there was no mixing and matching of front clips, but there were still enough differences to make visiting Yanks scratch their heads in confusion. I have seen a '65 Canadian Valiant owners manual which covered (and showed) both versions.
The AL was an ex-Dart (111" wheelbase - Dart with a Valiant front clip); the AV was the US Valiant and Barracuda (106"), but wagons are a special case. The Canadian Valiant 100 equalled the US Valiant V-100, and the Canadian Valiant 200 equalled the US Dart 170. Finally, the Canadian Valiant Custom 100 was similar to the US Valiant V-200, and the Custom 200 was similar to the US Dart 270.
There was also a special Canada-only model AL-1 two door sedan with straight quarter glass instead of the double-angle glass used on US Dart (AL-1) two door sedans. This was offered in 1963, 64, and 65 in Canada only - maybe 1966 as well (don't know).
Special thanks to the Andrus family for their patience while I scrutinized their Canadian '65 Custom 100, which I believe was probably the only one in Northern California at the time (mid-'70s).
Virtual equivalent to '65 U. S. Valiant 100, except for use of '65 Dart instrument cluster and "Plymouth" emblems on hood/trunk lid replaced with strongly similar "Valiant" emblems. V8 models used same emblem as U. S. Valiant.
Virtual equivalent to '65 U. S. Valiant 200 with changes as noted above, plus replacement of "Valiant 200" molding in curl of front fenders with strongly similar "Custom 100" molding. V8 models used same emblem as U. S. Valiant. Custom 100 convertible was offered (thanks, Rejan Sayak of Winnipeg, for confirming this, and also for saying there were 4-door Custom 100 sedans; both seem quite rare now).
Virtual equivalent to '65 Dart 270 with following changes; circular emblem at center of front hood which held Dodge delta replaced by similar emblem with Valiant crest; "Dodge" emblem deleted from hood; "Valiant" emblem (possibly same emblem as seen on 100/Custom 100 trunk lid) mounted lower right corner of grille; side molding same as Dart 270 except for piece near headlights, where "Dart 270" molding is replaced by strongly similar "Valiant 200" molding; "Dodge" block letters on trunk lid replaced by "Valiant" block letters; Valiant crest centerpiece in steering wheel; 2-door models had "Valiant 200" emblems near front of interior door; Valiant hubcaps used. Valiant 200 convertible and 2-door hardtop versions may have been offered in Canada but this is not confirmed. V8 models used same emblem as U. S. Dart.
Virtual equivalent to U. S. Dart GT with hood emblem, grille, trunk lid and interior changes as described under Valiant 200 heading. "Valiant Signet" emblem as used on '65 U. S. Signet located on front fender in about the same position as on Valiant fender on U. S. Signet. "GT" emblem on hardtop B-pillar replaced by Valiant crest. Convertible did not have Valiant crest relocated to rear quarter panel as was done with "GT" emblem on U. S. Dart convertibles. Of course, "DART" block letters on back fenders were deleted. Valiant hubcaps used including fake mag hubcaps, which were not available on U. S. Dart.
Same as '64 except for use of '65 Dart instrument cluster (and of course no TorqueFlite pushbuttons).
All sedan observations seem to apply here as well. Tail sections match whatever front clip is applied.
1966 was the last year for the distinctive Dart-based Canadian Valiant. The U.S.-Canada Auto Pact made it possible for manufacturers to ship from one side of the border to the other without the prohibitive import duties which had been levied previously. While Ford and GM (particularly Pontiac) continued marketing unique cars for the Canadian market, as far as I know Chrysler's unique Canadian efforts from 1967 to the middle 1970s were limited to the Fargo truck line and the occasional Canada-only model such as the Dodge Monaco convertible. I will cover this in greater detail in the epilogue.
It is my understanding that the low-end models based on the U. S. Valiant were dropped in '66, leaving only the Dart-based cars and the Barracuda, which was built in Detroit this year and onwards. As always, any comments or corrections are most welcome.
Bill Watson wrote:
Canadian Valiant wheel covers were like the American Plymouth Valiant, only with the Valiant emblem and not the Plymouth on the centre hub. The reverse this year was true for the "Valiant Signet" fender plates - ads showed them ahead of the wheel opening in the fender depressions, but production models had them between the opening and the front door. The Dart GT in 1966 had little air splits on the front fender tips with "GT" etched into them. The Canadian Signet had the windsplits, but less the "GT" etching.
The Barracuda had the Barracuda emblem on the steering wheel, rear window trim and front grille. Apparently early models had "Valiant" on the trunk, but I have only seen "Barracuda" nameplates on the trunk. The name "Plymouth", naturally, was nowhere to be seen.
"Valiant" block letters replace "Dodge" block letters on hood. "Dart" block letters on front fenders near door leading edge missing and not replaced.
Model designation on C-pillar. '66 Dart dash and interior with
exception of Valiant crest horn button as seen on '62-'65 Valiants.
Hubcaps and wheel covers same as '66 Valiant, including full wheel
cover as seen on U. S. model with Plymouth emblem in middle. No "Dodge"
script in right hand corner of trunk. "Valiant" block letters between
taillights as seen on '65 Dart-based Canadian Valiants.
Believed to continue under "Valiant 200" name although one source shows this as "Custom 200". All Canadian updates to basic Dart equivalent apply here with the following differences: (1) "Dart 270" nomenclature at back of lengthwise stainless moulding believed replaced by plain piece matching rest of moulding; (2) Pictures I have show model designation on B/C pillar; and (3) "Valiant" block letters located above moulding between taillights as seen on '65 Canadian Signet.
The Dart GT equivalent definitely continued under this name. All Canadian updates to basic and 270 equivalents apply here with the following additional differences: (1) "Valiant Signet" emblem applied to front fender in about the same location as '65 model; (2) Valiant crest in circle as seen on '65 U. S. Valiant and '65 Canadian "Custom 100" trunk lid replaced "GT" emblem on hardtop B-pillar; "Dart" block letters on rear quarter panel near taillight deleted; and (4) Fascia between taillights same as Dart except says "Valiant" instead of "Dodge".
Believed identical to U. S. Barracuda with exception of "Valiant" nameplates replacing "Plymouth" nameplates. May also have continued with Valiant crest on horn button or sport steering wheel centerpiece, while U. S. Barracudas had Plymouth emblem in this position (but not on the rear window).
Incidentally, Canada was apparently a source for right-hand drive export Valiants. In 1982, I was on the island of St. Kitts in the British West Indies, where I saw a right-hand drive '66 Canadian Valiant 4-door sedan parked next to an Australian Valiant VC 4-door sedan. I recognized the VC as Australian, but not knowing the Australian Valiant history very well at that time I thought from the steering wheel location the '66 was Australian as well. It wasn't until many years later that I learned that the Australians never used a RHD version of the '66 Dart dash, nor did they use a Dart body shell until later.
By 1967, Chrysler Canada had rationalized its model and marketing situation to the point where there was almost no difference between U. S. and Canadian offerings, exceptions being the aforementioned Monaco/Monaco 500 convertible and the Fargo line of cloned Dodge trucks. This included the belated introduction of the A-body Dodge Dart and the inclusion of the Valiant into the Plymouth line.
In fact, 1967 was the ONLY year since at least the end of World War II that ALL Canadian Dodges had different instrumentation from their Plymouth counterparts. The '68 B-bodies on both sides of the border (other than Charger and Super Bee) all shaared the same gauges, with the Charger gauge cluster appearing on the GTX and Road Runner in '70. By 1972 one could only tell a Dodge from a Plymouth from the inside by a few small emblems... ...and that was assuming your car was fitted with the correct emblems, which wasn't always the case in that era...
Chrysler Australia, possibly inspired by Canada's embrace of the Dart-based "Valiant", introduced the VE Valiant series in 1967. The VE was clearly strongly influenced by the '67 Dart. The later Australian Valiant Hardtop was essentially a '69 Dart with right hand drive and front sheetmetal somewhat reminiscient of (not identical to) a '70 Dart. And the Pacer Hardtop would have been familiar to American Swinger 340 fans, at least until the bonnet was opened...
The first Dodge Demon was actually a 1970 Canadian show car, featuring a Dart front clip on a lightly modified Duster body and done for a fraction of the cost of a typical show car. Chrysler Canada's history of "mix & match" showed the parent company the way not only on the Demon but on the Plymouth Scamp as well. (I remember seeing my first '71 Scamp from the back, thinking for SURE it was for the Canadian market only...) There may also have been a 1970 Valiant two-door hardtop without the Scamp name (essentially a Dart Swinger with a Valiant front clip).
In 1974, when Chrysler had quit importing the Hillman Avenger-based Plymouth Cricket from the UK [it was not brought in after 1972 but some were sold as 1973 models], Canadian Plymouth dealers got a badge-engineered Dodge Colt which was marketed under the Cricket name. Canadian Dodge dealers in turn got a "Dodge Arrow".
The first non-Japanese MoPar line made exclusively for the Canadian market was the '78 Plymouth Caravelle (actually first made in mid-1977), which was initially a Dodge Diplomat clone with modified grille and taillights; it lasted until its American counterpart died in 1989.
When the E-body (extended K-platform) Caravelle, based on the Dodge 400/600, was brought into Canada, the M-body version was called the Caravelle Salon...but the word "Salon" only actually appeared on the car when it was ordered with the Salon package. Stu McAllister wrote: “This always causes lots of fun at the auto parts counter, since we had two completely different cars with the same nameplate from 1982-89. Interesting marketing approach.”
There was a two-door front wheel drive Caravelle through 1986 which never appeared in the US.
With the introduction of the G-body sports model in '84, Chrysler Canada started on a different path. The Dodge Daytona was marketed in Canada as a Chrysler Daytona, and sold by Dodge-Chrylser and Plymouth-Chrysler dealers alike in Canada. This was later followed by the Chrysler Dynasty and Chrysler Intrepid. It appears that Chrysler Canada found this easier than creating Plymouth clones of Dodges, or for that matter than selling Dodge cars. The phasing out of Dodge cars was reversed in 2004 when the Dodge SX 2.0 was brought out to complement the Chrysler Neon.
Also visit the Dodge Dart site, which has its own Canadian section!
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