1973 Chrysler Valiant VH Charger XL – Today’s Tempter

By: Alex Affat, Unique Cars magazine

Date: 22.01.2019

Rust and damage free, with retrofitted 265 Hemi and four-speed manual

1973 Chrysler Valiant VH Charger XL – Today’s Tempter

While race-homologated E38 and E49 Chargers grab the headlines, there’s still value to be found in the pioneering range of Chryslers that proved you didn’t have a V8 to compete with the local touring cars.

From 1971, Chrysler’s Valiant Charger was a godsend for the brand; bringing swathes of people through the otherwise underwhelming showroom at the time.

Within just the first VJ series, over 17,000 were sold – a staggering feat for the comparatively tiny Australian market.

Chrysler, for some reason, dialled back development with the succeeding VH range; axing the R/T race and sports car program and cutting back on development dollars.

This 1973 Chrysler VH Charger XL was delivered originally as an Olive Green Metallic car with a 245ci Hemi six and three-speed manual.

20 Years ago it gained a retrofitted 1978 265ci Hemi, a four-speed manual, 3.23 diff and; somewhere along the way, was repainted Lime Green.

It still bears all original upholstery which looks to be in good condition; with owner’s log book tracing back to original NSW ownership, place of purchase and original number plates.

The current owner of 15 years reportedly keeps the Charger garaged and regularly maintained.

The car shows 54,000 miles on the odometer, and the two-barrel 265 is reportedly in very good order. A new clutch was fitted 500 miles ago, and gearbox bearings have also recently been replaced. Brakes have also been overhauled with new pads, linings, wheel cylinders and booster.

Overall, it looks like a good rust-free car that – if not original – is a very useable weekend project and cruiser.

The paint is beginning to show its age, according to the ad, but is still very much presentable. The car comes with some spares and a receipt file.

The car is based in Queensland, and is listed for $41,000.

Check out the full listing here!

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