| Chrysler Drifter | |
| Manufacturer: | Chrysler Australia |
| Production: | 1977–1978 |
| Assembly: | Australia |
| Body Style: | 2-door panel van 2-door coupé utility |
| Layout: | FR layout |
| Engine: | 2651NaN1 6-cyl 3181NaN1 V8[1] |
| Transmission: | four speed manual |
| Related: | Chrysler Valiant |
| Designer: | Dennis Nicolle |
The Chrysler Drifter is an automobile which was produced by Chrysler Australia from 1977 to 1978. It was offered in panel van and coupé utility body styles.
Chrysler Australia added a panel van to their Chrysler CL Valiant range in April 1977,[2] and a few weeks later they introduced the "Drifter Pack" as an option on that body style.[3] The Drifter Pack included a Chrysler Charger grille, quartz halogen high beam headlights, a sports steering wheel, radial ply tyres, styled wheels and special exterior paint and decal treatment with colour-coded bumpers.[3] The 4.3 litre Hemi 265 engine and a four speed floor shift manual transmission were standard on the Drifter.[4] In spite of its option pack status, Chrysler marketed the model as the Chrysler Drifter without using the name "Valiant".[5] [6] The Drifter pack was also available on the Chrysler Valiant Utility, which was also marketed as the "Chrysler Drifter".[7]
The Drifter styles of the panel van and utility body ended when Chrysler Australia discontinued the CL series. The 1978 CM Valiant range did not include these styles.[8] The brief life of the Drifter was marked by low sales as competition from comparable offerings from Ford and Holden was stiff.
Chrysler Australia also used the Drifter name on a special edition Charger Drifter, released in 1978.[7]
