CAR CULTURE
Plymouth Valiant: 1960–1976 | The Compact that Conquered the World
Launched as Chrysler’s bold response to the late-50s recession and the influx of European imports, the Valiant redefined the American compact. While its size was "compact" by U.S. standards, its impact was massive. Boasting a daring Virgil Exner design, the Valiant offered a stylish, torsion-bar-sprung alternative to the Chevy Corvair and Ford Falcon.
Under the hood, the legendary Slant-6—available in 170 and 225 cubic-inch variants—gave the Valiant a distinct performance edge over its rivals for years. This versatile platform was the birthplace of the fastback Barracuda in 1964 and remained a sales powerhouse through the 1960s. The Valiant found a second wind in the early 1970s, as the 1973 oil embargo sent American drivers scrambling for the fuel-efficient, bulletproof reliability that the Valiant had mastered decades prior.
The Valiant’s legacy wasn't just American; it became a global icon, most notably in Australia, where Chrysler produced famed right-hand-drive versions. (You can explore our Australian Valiant gallery for the full story from Down Under).
Tunnel Ram has curated this gallery of original, vintage print advertisements covering the Valiant’s entire run from 1960 to 1976. Revisit the "cheap and cheerful" compact that became one of the most durable and common sights on the road. »»
