Chryslers on the Murray, 2019 Show (Australia)

[Rwc]

Great thread with an awesome mix of cars. Thank you

 

[live4theking]

Nice, thanks for the pictures.

 

[BLUPORT]

Hose

 

[Ross Wooldridge]

Thanks for the great pictures!

Did you happen to meet Australia's biggest car nut and fan Fletch (Mark Fletcher)? He does an online and TV show called Classic Restos, and goes all over the world, mostly USA. He's a huge C body Chrysler fan, owns a 1967 New Yorker survivor and just recently purchased a 74(?) Monaco. He's shipped them both to Australia and was driving the New Yorker to be at Chryslers on the Murray.

He's a really neat guy - he did a Classic Restos segment on my 66 T&C when it featured was in the big display at Building T a few years ago.

 

[fc7_plumcrazy]

thanks for sharing.
If I ever make it down to NZ/AUstralia I would want to cover a Mopar Show

Carsten

 

[69monaco]

Nice...how big are these …...like a duster or more like a 71 satellite ?

 

[Aidan1976]

Hi, With regards to the AMC's, were they produced with right hand steering or did they require modification to meet some regulations?

With these, I am not sure if they were produced in RHD at the factory in US or Canada prior to shipping (as for instance, the fuselage Plodges were, their originating factory being that in Canada), or converted here. Apologies, I didn't look close enough or ask the owners. But I do know, as with the full size Mopar stuff sent here, the cars were shipped in CKD (Completely Knocked Down) kit status. Have a gander at the information placards that were sitting in the engine bay of that silver Javelin:

 

[Aidan1976]

Thanks for the pics. I'd love to see Australia and would schedule my trip to catch this show.

Certainly ironic that what was promoted as a safety feature in the US becomes an "unsafety" feature in Australia. By this, I am referring to the right-mounted trunk lock.


I would love to own one of these.. Is there one left on the continent that hasn't been turned into a mag-wheeled-bright-paint hot rod?

There were quite a number of the Chrysler Valiant Hardtop (VH and VJ Series) and The Chrysler by Chrysler Hardtop (produced under the CH and CJ Series) models at the show, quite a surprising number actually based on how few were built, and how Valiants have been viewed here in the past (especially in the 1980s. Were called Blue Collar Limos and Wog Chariots for example). They are very very rare. The local Charger model ensured it's doom (developed locally away from the eyes of management in Detroit. Read into it, it's quite an interesting story).

I did see a mag feature here on a silver The Chrysler by Chrysler Hardtop (easily distinguishable from the rear due to its small rear window, a plug like the Challenger SE for example), it was restored to original showroom status. Note that the nose styling was inspired by the 1971 Dodge Coronet. I did look at one myself a few years ago locally, a lady was selling her father's Chrysler collection, but it was missing a bit too much of the model specific trim (it has unique trim that runs along the top of the guards/fenders & doors, together with a curved section under the rear quarter window), specific rear seat and interior quarter panels, & specific halo vinyl roof trim. It was a nice blue colour however, had the 360 engine in a very original engine bay. An AC car too, very rare here in those days, but then again this car was aimed at the affluent buyer.

Some photos:

 

[Aidan1976]

As I have stated prior, the most famous celluloid version of it being a heavily customised model in the film 'Mad Max II: The Road Warrior":

 

[Aidan1976]

Thanks for the great pictures!

Did you happen to meet Australia's biggest car nut and fan Fletch (Mark Fletcher)? He does an online and TV show called Classic Restos, and goes all over the world, mostly USA. He's a huge C body Chrysler fan, owns a 1967 New Yorker survivor and just recently purchased a 74(?) Monaco. He's shipped them both to Australia and was driving the New Yorker to be at Chryslers on the Murray.

He's a really neat guy - he did a Classic Restos segment on my 66 T&C when it featured was in the big display at Building T a few years ago.

Yes mate, I did actually! I walked past him as he was setting up his camera and tripod to film a barn find Valiant Pacer. I recognised him from his coverage of the 2017 show:



I will look up that Classic Restos feature, has it been posted on YouTube?

 

[Aidan1976]

thanks for sharing.
If I ever make it down to NZ/AUstralia I would want to cover a Mopar Show

Carsten

Can't get bigger than this one mate, its the biggest. Held over 3 days. Bring that sunscreen, the sun there is INTENSE.

Another good show is Mopar Sunday, held at Willowbank Raceway outside Ipswich in Queensland:

 

[Ross Wooldridge]

Yes mate, I did actually! I walked past him as he was setting up his camera and tripod to film a barn find Valiant Pacer. I recognised him from his coverage of the 2017 show:



I will look up that Classic Restos feature, has it been posted on YouTube?

It was - you can try the Shannon's website too. It will be from 2016 or early 2017 coverage of Chryslers at Carlisle.

 

[LeBaron1973]

Hi, With regards to the AMC's, were they produced with right hand steering or did they require modification to meet some regulations?

All of the AMC vehicles were RHD boxed ex Kenosha WI. Due to our high import tariffs back then AMI (Australian Motor Industries, later Toyota Australia) advised AMC what to leave out of the boxes as that would be locally made in Australia. Examples would be seats, lights, carpets and heaters.

See Australian Motor Industries - Wikipedia

 

[crv]

There were quite a number of the Chrysler Valiant Hardtop (VH and VJ Series) and The Chrysler by Chrysler Hardtop (produced under the CH and CJ Series) models at the show, quite a surprising number actually based on how few were built, and how Valiants have been viewed here in the past (especially in the 1980s. Were called Blue Collar Limos and Wog Chariots for example). They are very very rare. The local Charger model ensured it's doom (developed locally away from the eyes of management in Detroit. Read into it, it's quite an interesting story).

I did see a mag feature here on a silver The Chrysler by Chrysler Hardtop (easily distinguishable from the rear due to its small rear window, a plug like the Challenger SE for example), it was restored to original showroom status. Note that the nose styling was inspired by the 1971 Dodge Coronet. I did look at one myself a few years ago locally, a lady was selling her father's Chrysler collection, but it was missing a bit too much of the model specific trim (it has unique trim that runs along the top of the guards/fenders & doors, together with a curved section under the rear quarter window), specific rear seat and interior quarter panels, & specific halo vinyl roof trim. It was a nice blue colour however, had the 360 engine in a very original engine bay. An AC car too, very rare here in those days, but then again this car was aimed at the affluent buyer.

Some photos:

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View attachment 270827

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View attachment 270830

The 'Chrysler by Chrysler' name is for the sedans only, the hardtop is simply Chrysler CH Hardtop. If you remove the vinyl roof on either the C X C or Hardtop, there's no 'plug', as, for example, found on the '69-'73 Imperial LeBarons, some C X C (sedans) were ordered without the vinyl top, these have slightly different chrome trim (the corner trim piece) on the edge of the C-Pillar to those found on vinyl top cars.
Lastly, the Chrysler Hardtop was only available on the CH model, the regular Valiant Hardtop was available in the VH series (Regal and the extremely rare Ranger) and VJ (Regal only).
What was that lady wanting for the CH Hardtop then?

 

[LeBaron1973]

A good website for further information on Chrysler Oz is:
Https://www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au/history_chrysler

 

[Aidan1976]

The 'Chrysler by Chrysler' name is for the sedans only, the hardtop is simply Chrysler CH Hardtop. If you remove the vinyl roof on either the C X C or Hardtop, there's no 'plug', as, for example, found on the '69-'73 Imperial LeBarons, some C X C (sedans) were ordered without the vinyl top, these have slightly different chrome trim (the corner trim piece) on the edge of the C-Pillar to those found on vinyl top cars.
Lastly, the Chrysler Hardtop was only available on the CH model, the regular Valiant Hardtop was available in the VH series (Regal and the extremely rare Ranger) and VJ (Regal only).
What was that lady wanting for the CH Hardtop then?

Sigh. That's local abbreviation/slang coming into play over time mate. Lets square this away right now by looking at Chrysler Australia's own advertising material. The model is 'The Chrysler', regardless of whether it was a 4-door Sedan or 2-door Hardtop:

The Hardtop version does indeed have a metal plug, welded into the window opening of the regular Hardtop body. Saw it with my own eyes when I inspected the blue car. The unique small rear glass was sitting on the roof.

Chrysler Valiant Hardtop (VH series), view of rear window:

The Chrysler by Chrysler Hardtop (CH series), view of rear window:

Shot of the rear window of the blue car, metal plug still in place (welded in):

I owned a VH Regal with 318/Auto combo in the past (painted like the General Lee, a project car, was stolen whilst in storage outside Brisbane), plus a parts car VJ Regal - Hemi 6 with 3-speed column manual. The latter car even retained its rear screen, a rare piece nowadays. As for the CJ Series Hardtop, going by what I was told by a mate whom I would consider quite knowledgeable on Chrysler Australia products (he himself owned several of these CxC cars), who informed me that a very small number of CJ series Hardtop models were indeed built. Either way, won't lose sleep over it.

Asking price? Too much. Here's a 'Mick' subsequently looking for crazy money for it:

valiant chrysler by chrysler CH Coupe

 

[LeBaron1973]

12k is probably ok for a fully sorted one, but not for this one yet. I wish the seller well as they'll be hanging onto it for a long time at this price.

 

[crv]

Sigh. That's local abbreviation/slang coming into play over time mate. Lets square this away right now by looking at Chrysler Australia's own advertising material. The model is 'The Chrysler', regardless of whether it was a 4-door Sedan or 2-door Hardtop:

View attachment 270990
View attachment 270976


View attachment 270975


The Hardtop version does indeed have a metal plug, welded into the window opening of the regular Hardtop body. Saw it with my own eyes when I inspected the blue car. The unique small rear glass was sitting on the roof.

Chrysler Valiant Hardtop (VH series), view of rear window:

View attachment 270978

The Chrysler by Chrysler Hardtop (CH series), view of rear window:

View attachment 270981

Shot of the rear window of the blue car, metal plug still in place (welded in):

View attachment 270992

I owned a VH Regal with 318/Auto combo in the past (painted like the General Lee, a project car, was stolen whilst in storage outside Brisbane), plus a parts car VJ Regal - Hemi 6 with 3-speed column manual. The latter car even retained its rear screen, a rare piece nowadays. As for the CJ Series Hardtop, going by what I was told by a mate whom I would consider quite knowledgeable on Chrysler Australia products (he himself owned several of these CxC cars), who informed me that a very small number of CJ series Hardtop models were indeed built. Either way, won't lose sleep over it.

Asking price? Too much. Here's a 'Mick' subsequently looking for crazy money for it:

valiant chrysler by chrysler CH Coupe

The point is, nobody refers to the hardtop as the Chrysler by Chrysler Hardtop, nobody I've come across anyway, whereas they do when it comes to the 4-door. Obviously, the model is simply Chrysler, hence the 'by Chrysler' reference. Both models have Chrysler CH Sedan or Chrysler CH Hardtop on the compliance plate.
Incidentally, the VJ Regal had the small 'by Chrysler' badge on the boot, some of the older model Valiants also used 'by Chrysler' badges, so it's not unique to the Chrysler.
People stateside are familiar with the removable rear window plug, on the Australian car, the vinyl roof can be removed and the roof 'plug' painted without any modifications, the distinction needs to be made for those unfamiliar with these cars.

 

[Aidan1976]

Regarding 'The Chrysler' 2-Door Hardtop, it does vary a lot what people call it, here are a few instances of models for sale where it is described as a 'Chrysler by Chrysler' Hardtop:

Australian Muscle Car Sales

Chrysler BY Chrysler CH Coupe

The 'by Chrysler' bit in fairness could be stated relating to many models, such as 'Charger by Chrysler' (per advert posted above), but of course that term never caught on/went into use by the public and car enthusiasts.

Lets just define it by what the makers Chrysler Australia designated it as, which is 'The Chrysler'. By all accounts the name caused confusion then, and look, here we are in 2019 and it's still causing dramas lol (add to this the fact that the 2nd add that I posted yesterday is missing 'The' from the models description. Perhaps the advert copywriter got his arse kicked for that). Why they didn't call it a distinctive name, such as Imperial say, is beyond me.

"Hey mate, I heard that you got a new car?"
"Yeah, it's a 'The Chrysler' "
Doesn't really roll off the tongue well. No wonder it's exact name got altered over time. Pink Floyd were initially known as 'The Pink Floyd', so go figure...

Another advert:

The showroom catalogue for posterity, culled from the great website 'The Old Car Manual Project' (Classic car brochures and owners manuals - The Old Car Manual Project):

 

[Aidan1976]

The point is, nobody refers to the hardtop as the Chrysler by Chrysler Hardtop, nobody I've come across anyway, whereas they do when it comes to the 4-door. Obviously, the model is simply Chrysler, hence the 'by Chrysler' reference. Both models have Chrysler CH Sedan or Chrysler CH Hardtop on the compliance plate.
Incidentally, the VJ Regal had the small 'by Chrysler' badge on the boot, some of the older model Valiants also used 'by Chrysler' badges, so it's not unique to the Chrysler.
People stateside are familiar with the removable rear window plug, on the Australian car, the vinyl roof can be removed and the roof 'plug' painted without any modifications, the distinction needs to be made for those unfamiliar with these cars.

I only used the ’70 Challenger SE as an example. Whether it’s called a ‘plug’, ‘insert’, whatever, it's obvious what is being referred to here – a piece not pressed as part of the body itself. And initially I was not going into the specifics of what type of ‘plug’ was used in the Aussie ‘The Chrysler’ model, i.e. the fibreglass/plastic, secured-by-screws type, or the metal welded-in type.

The Mopar enthusiasts on this forum will be more than familiar with both types. North American examples as follows:

Fibreglass/plastic, secured-by-screws type: 1970 Challenger SE

Metal welded-in type: Dodge Charger 500 and Daytona

Charger 500 / Daytona Rear Window Plug Removal - Any Experience?

Metal welded-in type: Plymouth Superbird

“Ever wondered why a Superbird had that vinyl roof? Well, in bare steel, you can see the quick-patch of sheet metal that Plymouth engineers created to basically “plug” the concave rear windshield area for a more aerodynamic fastback-ish profile”.

Have You Ever Seen a Winged Warrior in Bare Steel? Try ICON’s 1970 Plymouth Superbird

The Dodge Charger 500 and Daytona’s plug was finished flush at the joint, which enabled a roof painted body colour (installed by Creative Industries when they did the conversion for Chrysler), whilst the Superbird featured a vinyl roof to cover the plug joint. The story is that the joint was finished rough, thus required a vinyl top. No ‘Birds sold to the public had a body-coloured roof.