| Chrysler VE Valiant | |
| Manufacturer: | Chrysler Australia |
| Aka: | Dodge utility[1] |
| Production: | October 1967 – February 1969 |
| Assembly: | Tonsley Park, Australia |
| Predecessor: | Chrysler VC Valiant |
| Successor: | Chrysler VF Valiant |
| Body Style: | 4-door sedan 5-door station wagon 2-door coupe utility |
| Layout: | FR layout |
| Engine: | 2251NaN1 I6 2731NaN1 V8 |
| Transmission: | 3spd manual 3spd automatic |
| Wheelbase: | 108.0 inches (2743 mm) (sedan) |
| Length: | 193.7 inches (4920 mm) (sedan) |
| Width: | 69.7 inches (1770 mm) (sedan) |
| Height: | 55.0 inches (1397 mm) (sedan) |
| Weight: | 2950 lb (1338 kg) (sedan) |
The Chrysler VE Valiant is an automobile that was produced in Australia by Chrysler Australia from 1967 to 1969.[1] It was released in October 1967, replacing the Chrysler VC Valiant.[1] The premium model in the range was renamed Valiant VIP due to the V8 engine becoming an option across the entire range.
The VE series Valiant was offered in 4-door sedan, 5-door station wagon and 2-door coupe utility models.[1]
VE series Valiant and Valiant Wayfarer utility models were introduced in May 1968.[4]
A variant of the Valiant utility was marketed as the Dodge utility.[5] (VE-E20) The Dodge was equipped with painted grille and bumpers[5] unlike the chromed examples fitted to VE Valiants.
The VE Valiant was larger than any previous Valiant model.[1] Styling was based on that of the US Dodge Dart and Plymouth Valiant models with no body panels carried over from the VC Valiant. While the styling from the A-pillar back was Australian-influenced, sheeting forward of the A-pillar and bonnet was that of the U.S. Dart/Valiant models with the exception of the grille which was convex on the Australian models as opposed to concave on the U.S. models.[6] Also new in the VE range were dual-line brakes, double-sided safety wheel rims, front safety belts and power-assisted front disc brakes on V8 models.[1] The Valiant VIP (four-door performance model) was offered for the first time,[1] the new model featuring the V8 engine, automatic transmission, power steering, front disc brakes and reclining front seats.[6]
A 145 bhp 2251NaN1 Straight-six, a 160 bhp 2251NaN1 "High Performance" Straight-six and a 195 bhp 2731NaN1 V8 engine were available, the VE being the first series to be offered with a choice of three engines.[1] Three speed manual and three-speed "Torque-Flite" automatic transmissions were offered.[1] The V8 engine and automatic transmission were standard on the VIP.[3]
The VE Valiant was announced as the winner of the Wheels magazine Car of the Year award in January 1968.[7]
A total of 68,688 VE Valiants were built prior to its replacement by the VF Valiant range in March 1969.[1]