Chrysler Charger 770 1971-1978 - Buyer's Guide

By: Cliff Chambers

Date: 23.01.2023

Of the big three car makers in Australia, nobody expected Chrysler to produce this stunner

During its first decade in Australia’s ‘family car’ market, Chrysler did little that ranked as especially memorable. Then in 1971, with a chunky two-door design and ‘Hey Charger’ catch cry, the brand became an overnight sensation.

The cars that grabbed the headlines had engine bays brimming with Weber carburettors, but the racy ‘Six-Pack’ Chargers were too specialised to sell in any quantity. Base-model Chargers with the smallest `Hemi’ six engine and three-on-the-tree gearshift didn’t sell in big numbers either, so Chrysler relied for volume on XL versions and the almost luxurious 770.

At launch in 1971, the VH Charger 770 was available with a 5.2-litre ‘Fireball’ V8 or two versions of the Hemi ‘six’. Automatic transmission was standard, with four-speed manual available but rarely chosen.

Standard 770 equipment included carpet, improved seats, an alloy-spoked steering wheel, clock, pressed steel sports wheels and vinyl body accents. Radial-ply tyres cost extra on six-cylinder cars but disc front brakes were mandatory.

‘Wheels’ magazine, in presenting its 1971 ‘Car of the Year’ award to the Charger, offered the following summation.

"Tastefully padded door trim, good quality carpeting and a generally solid feel about the interior make this a pleasant car to be in as well as drive."

‘Wheels’ further discovered that the 770 with its standard anti-roll bar delivered ride quality that was "almost in the European class" but the brakes weren’t up to their task.

Cars with the 170kW V8 and automatic transmission took a leisurely 9.6 seconds to reach 60mph (96km/h). The V8 weighed 1430kg against a six-cylinder XL’s 1330kg and consumed fuel at an average of 18.5L/100kms.

VJ and later versions of the Valiant brought minimal change to the 770. As a sign of changing times, VJs came with electronic ignition while the later VK was equipped with a ‘Fuel Pacer’ – a blinking red light mounted on the driver’s side front mudguard that wagged an electronic finger at those who trod too heavily on the throttle.

From 1976 when the CL range was launched, the only Charger version to survive was the 770. Like other CLs it featured a new grille with centre divider and four headlamps. but additional brightwork and improved seats were the final Charger’s only noticeable differences and not enough to save it from oblivion.

Revised suspension geometry introduced to the Valiant range in April 1978 wasn’t fitted to the Charger either and production ended with the arrival in November of the CM Valiant range.

Shorter drivers may feel a little claustrophobic due to the Charger’s low seating position and limited rear vision. A left-hand door mirror is essential for safe lane changing. The cloth-covered seats fitted to CL-series 770s are more comfortable than the basic buckets supplied with preceding models but still suffer structural problems.

770 versions of the Charger have over the past decade gained popularity and continue to grow in value. Authenticity is key to ongoing value so look for cars that have retained their original colour paint, engine and interior trim. Even in a tightening market these can make close to $100,000.

Value Range: Charger (CL770)

Fair: $30,00
Good: $65,000
Excellent: $95,000
((Note: exceptional cars will demand more)

BUYER'S CHECKLIST

Body & chassis

Poor-quality accident repairs, rust and neglect all create problems for Charger buyers. Leaky windscreen seals are common, so lift the carpets to check for damp or rusty floors. Replacement floor pans are available, as are boot floors. Rust lurks as well in the sills, sub-frame mounting points, firewall, door bottoms, window surrounds and turret. Inspect the front chassis rails for cracks – especially around the steering box mounting points. The heavy doors can droop due to worn hinges but reconditioned hinges are available. Reproduction glass, body rubbers and lenses are being made, however, replacement panels and mouldings will need to be sourced second-hand and can be expensive.

Engine & transmission

The engines (six-cylinder or V8) fitted to these Chargers are among the world’s most durable power units. Distances 300,000 kms and more are possible before major repairs are needed. Oil leaks and timing chain noise are annoyances and usually don’t require immediate attention. Be wary of cars with after-market triple-carburettor conversions as tuning is a chore and the linkages complex. Sticking with a reproduction two-barrel (six-cylinder) carb will cost less than $500. The Borg-Warner automatic transmissions fitted to most 770s are even more bombproof than the engines and when one does fail, reconditioned exchange transmissions cost around $2500 plus installation.

Suspension & brakes

All Chargers and especially those with V8 engines, suffer front-end ‘droop.’ The tyres disappear into wheel arches, due to a combination of worn suspension bushes and torsion bars that are sagging due to age. Heavy-duty replacement bars are available at around $1000 per pair, with new stub axles adding $1500. A full kit of new joints and bushings to suit power steer cars is only $525. If the car has been lowered, ensure the tyres don’t foul the mudguards or subframe. Chargers are chronic lockers of wheels under heavy braking but more modern components and a replacement booster (around $500 reconditioned) may help. New rotors and other parts are available and repairs are straightforward.

Interior & electrics

Seat frames crack and must be re-welded to be safe. Check that the seats lock into position after being tilted and aren’t twisted. Window winders are often sticky but can be brought back to life with time and some silicone lubricant. If the ignition key is difficult to turn, the barrel may be due for replacement. New parts aren’t available and reconditioned barrels cost $300. Replacement seat trim and door cards are being remade by local suppliers and we saw a pair of decent original door trims being sold online at $300.

1971 - 1978 Chrysler Charger 770 specs

PRODUCTION: 31,857 – all VH-CL Chargers
BODY: All steel integrated body/chassis, two-door coupe
ENGINE: 4014cc, 4342cc in-line six-cylinder, 5211cc V8 with OHV downdraft carburettor
POWER & TORQUE: 173kW @ 4800rpm, 459Nm @ 2400rpm (VH 5.2-litre V8)
PERFORMANCE: 0-100km/h 10.2 sec, 0-400 metres 16.8 sec, (VH 5.2 V8)
TRANSMISSION: Three-speed auto or four-speed manual
SUSPENSION: Independent with torsion bars, shock absorbers and anti-roll bar (f) live axle with semi-elliptic springs & shock absorbers (r)
BRAKES: Disc (f) drum (r) power assisted
TYRES: 205HR-14 radial

From Unique Cars #473, Dec 2022/Jan 2023

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