Chrysler by Chrysler
Encyclopedia
The Chrysler by Chrysler is a luxury automobile
which was produced by Chrysler Australia
from 1971 to 1976.
as Chrysler’s competitor to the Ford Fairlane
and the Statesman
in the Australian prestige car market. It was offered in four door Chrysler Sedan and two door Chrysler Hardtop models. The Chrysler was based on the VH series Chrysler Valiant, utilizing the floorpan of the two door Hardtop version. The 115 in (2,921 mm) wheelbase of the Chrysler was identical to that of the Valiant Hardtop and 4 in (101.6 mm) longer than that used on the Valiant Sedan. The Chrysler also differed significantly from the Valiant in external appearance, featuring a four headlight grille encircled by a chrome surround and a unique wrap-around horizontal tail-light assembly. The frontal styling was highly reminiscent of the 1971 US Dodge Coronet
. A long list of standard luxury equipment items set the Chrysler further apart from the Valiant and included front disc brakes, power assisted steering, a push button radio with power antenna, a carpeted boot, tinted power operated windows and courtesy lighting which included adjustable reading lights for rear passengers. Considerable attention had also been taken to reduce NVH
with the application of additional soundproofing material.
A 265 cu in (4.3 l) Hemi six cylinder engine was fitted as standard equipment, with an American designed, Australian built 360 cu in (5.9 l) V8 available as an option. An imported “TorqueFlite
” three speed automatic transmission was used in all variants.
The CK Chrysler was discontinued in October 1976 with the introduction of the CL Series of Valiant and Regal models. This range included a luxury Chrysler Regal SE Sedan which effectively replaced the Chrysler, although it did not feature the longer wheelbase or the unique styling features of the outgoing model.
as the Dodge SE from 1972 to 1975. For compliance with South African local-content laws, it was powered by the 225 Slant-6 rather than the Australian Hemi-6.
Automobile
An automobile, autocar, motor car or car is a wheeled motor vehicle used for transporting passengers, which also carries its own engine or motor...
which was produced by Chrysler Australia
Chrysler Australia
Chrysler Australia is the importer of Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles for sale in the Australian marketplace. However, there had previously been a "Chrysler Australia Ltd" which had operated as a vehicle manufacturer in Australia from 1951 until 1980....
from 1971 to 1976.
CH Series
The original CH Series Chrysler by Chrysler was introduced in November 1971 replacing the Chrysler VIPChrysler VIP
The Chrysler VIP is an automobile which was produced by Chrysler Australia from 1969 to 1971. It is an extended wheelbase, luxury variant of the Australian developed Chrysler Valiant.-Chrysler VE Valiant V.I.P.:...
as Chrysler’s competitor to the Ford Fairlane
Ford Fairlane (Australia)
The Ford Fairlane and LTD are full-size luxury vehicles that were produced in a series of models by Ford Australia between 1959 and 2007....
and the Statesman
Statesman (automobile)
Statesman was an automotive marque created in 1971 by General Motors Holden , the Australian subsidiary of General Motors. Statesman vehicles were sold through Holden dealerships, and were initially based on the mainstream Holden HQ station wagon platform, thereby providing more interior room and...
in the Australian prestige car market. It was offered in four door Chrysler Sedan and two door Chrysler Hardtop models. The Chrysler was based on the VH series Chrysler Valiant, utilizing the floorpan of the two door Hardtop version. The 115 in (2,921 mm) wheelbase of the Chrysler was identical to that of the Valiant Hardtop and 4 in (101.6 mm) longer than that used on the Valiant Sedan. The Chrysler also differed significantly from the Valiant in external appearance, featuring a four headlight grille encircled by a chrome surround and a unique wrap-around horizontal tail-light assembly. The frontal styling was highly reminiscent of the 1971 US Dodge Coronet
Dodge Coronet
The Coronet was a full-size car from Dodge in the 1950s, initially the division's highest trim line but, starting in 1955, the lowest trim line. In the 1960s, the name was transferred to Dodge's mid-size entry.-1949:...
. A long list of standard luxury equipment items set the Chrysler further apart from the Valiant and included front disc brakes, power assisted steering, a push button radio with power antenna, a carpeted boot, tinted power operated windows and courtesy lighting which included adjustable reading lights for rear passengers. Considerable attention had also been taken to reduce NVH
NVH
NVH is a three-letter abbreviation with multiple meanings, including:*National R.V. Holdings*Noise, vibration, and harshness*Norwegian School of Veterinary Science...
with the application of additional soundproofing material.
A 265 cu in (4.3 l) Hemi six cylinder engine was fitted as standard equipment, with an American designed, Australian built 360 cu in (5.9 l) V8 available as an option. An imported “TorqueFlite
TorqueFlite
TorqueFlite is the trademarked name of Chrysler Corporation's automatic transmissions, starting with the three-speed unit introduced late in the 1956 model year as a successor to Chrysler's two-speed PowerFlite...
” three speed automatic transmission was used in all variants.
CJ Series
An updated CJ Series version of the Chrysler was released in May 1973, one month after the VJ Series update of the Valiant. Styling changes to the Chrysler were minor. The four door Sedan was now the only model offered with the two door Hardtop body-style not being carried over from the CH series.CK Series
An updated CK Series Chrysler was released in October 1975, coinciding with the release of the VK Valiant range. Changes were again minor. The 360 cu in (5.9 l) V8 engine was modified to improve both economy and performance . however new emission regulations saw this unit replaced by a 318 cu in (5.2 l) V8 from 1 July 1976.The CK Chrysler was discontinued in October 1976 with the introduction of the CL Series of Valiant and Regal models. This range included a luxury Chrysler Regal SE Sedan which effectively replaced the Chrysler, although it did not feature the longer wheelbase or the unique styling features of the outgoing model.
Dodge SE - South Africa
The Chrysler by Chrysler was marketed in South AfricaSouth Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
as the Dodge SE from 1972 to 1975. For compliance with South African local-content laws, it was powered by the 225 Slant-6 rather than the Australian Hemi-6.