1979 Chrysler CM Valiant Regal – Today’s Tempter

By: Alex Affat, Unique Cars magazine

Date: 29.04.2020

“Totally original”, two-owner CM Valiant; low-Ks with lots spent on maintenance

The Chrysler CM Valiant was traditionally somewhat underrated against its peers; with many of the belief that it simply arrived five years too late whilst Chrysler diverted virtually all of its development funds into the ever-successful Sigma.

Visually, it was a minor facelift with a new grille and brightwork; but look a little closer and you might spot the four quartz-halogen headlamps and wider ‘sports’ wheels and wider radial tyres.

It may have been an ill-timed offering if you looked at the sales charts of the time, but it remains a great car.

The 265 Hemi-six  (4.3lt) was the best six on offer in the era, yielding impressive power and durability thanks to Chrysler’s ‘Electronic Lean Burn’ technology. Underneath, newly improved suspension - which debuted late in the CL Valiant’s lifecycle - was carried over to the new CM.

This 1979 CM Valiant Regal looks like a fantastic example of the breed; said to come from just two-owners, and with 63,252kms, from new.

It was delivered new to Corowa Motors near the Vic/NSW border, with the 265ci Six, and BorgWarner auto; and fully optioned with vinyl roof, velour trim, tinted windows, bucket seats, console auto, power steering and AirTemp air-conditioning.

The current owner has carried out a fair bit of maintenance including: reconditioning the carburettor and transmission, and installing a new starter motor, alternator, radiator, brake booster, distributor, 3" stainless steel exhaust, and extractors. Recent receipts reportedly total in excess of $10,000.

The car is said to be completely rust-free and sits on period Magnum wheels.

It looks incredibly well preserved, but is clearly unrestored with some slight paint chips and blemishes to be seen. But overall, it would certainly be worth a look for anyone after an original and surviving Aussie family cruiser.

The CM Valiant is currently based in Western Australia, and is listed for $25,000.

Check out the full listing here!

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