In the 1960s, compact models appeared in the production range of many manufacturers. The company Plymouth, part of the concern Chrysler, released a car called Valiant, which became one of its most successful creations. In general, Valiant was represented by a separate brand as part of Chrysler, but appeared on the American market in the Plymouth lineup in 1961.
The original design belongs to Virgil Exner. Valiant became the first car with a synchronous generator instead of the standard electric one. This successful solution was later used on other models. The body was bearing without a separate frame. Front suspension on longitudinal torsion beams. Wheelbase - 2.7 m. The engine capacity of 2.8 liters developed 100 hp and was known for its reliability and endurance. There was no standard V8 on the car yet, but an accelerated version of the six of 3687 cm3 was offered as a dealer tuning.
This version was called Hyper-Pack. The first cars produced had problems with getting oil into the cylinders due to weak oil wiper rings, but after the release of the first lots this defect was corrected. The transmission in the standard was a mechanical, three-stage, with a lever on the steering column and synchronizers in the second and third gears, as an option was offered a two-speed automatic transmission. Since 1961, air conditioning has become available as optional equipment. The car was a success both in the domestic market and in the export market.
In Canada, Valiant was sold with additional options for a cold climate (preheating unit, carburetor with anti-icer, heater, etc.). Despite the popularity of the Valiant model, in the early 60s, Plymouth ranked only fourth in terms of sales. The first generation did not last long on the assembly line from 1960 to 1962. The second generation was produced from 1963 to 1967. The following body types were offered: two-door and four-door sedan, hardtop, сonvertible and station wagon. The design, developed by Elwood Angel (Elwood Engle), was more traditional in comparison with the first generation. But in technical terms, the second generation practically did not differ from the previous one.
Since 1964, the optional 4.3-liter V8 engine was offered. This power unit in the version with a two-chamber carburetor developed 180 hp, and in the forced version with a four-chamber carburetor and a high compression ratio - 235 hp. Particular success came in the third generation of the Valiant model, which was produced from 1967 to 1976. It was somewhat larger than its predecessors. This family owes its popularity to a variety of versions: from family sedans and station wagons with a conservative design and an economical 6-cylinder engine to a sporty Valiant Duster with a 5.6-liter V8 engine. A more expensive version with improved interior and exterior design was called Valiant Signet.
Cars of this generation were famous for their vitality and unpretentiousness. By the beginning of the seventies, 40% of the sales of the entire American compact market were accounted for by Valiant. Not bad car was sold for export. Subsequently, due to poor demand, a versatile and concurtible were excluded from the production range. In 1973, the car was updated, received a new grille and a disproportionately massive bumper that meets the new federal safety standards and withstood a collision at speeds up to 5 miles per hour.
In 1974, a luxury version of Valiant Brougham appeared with a vinyl roof covering, wheel caps imitating a wheel arch, an improved interior and a luxury grille. For an additional fee, the car was equipped with air conditioning, cruise control, Hur, vacuum brake booster, power windows, rear window defroster, etc. There were two engines to choose from: 3.7 liters and 5.2 liters. The power units were paired with a three-stage automatic transmission Torque-Flite.
