CAR CULTURE
The Valiant & Dodge Utility and Panel Van Archive (1966–1978)
From the legendary "Wayfarer" to the counter-culture cool of the "Drifter," Chrysler Australia’s commercial range always strived to be genuine dual purpose vehicls - as much about personality as payload and ruggedness. This archive tracks the evolution of the Valiant and Dodge-badged utes and panel vans that provided some much needed style to utilitarian transport.
From Workhorse to Lifestyle Icon
Explore high-resolution original advertisements and brochures covering over a decade of Australian commercial innovation:
The Dodge Connection: Documentation of the heavy-duty Dodge 106 and Dodge utes (AP6 through VG), the rugged alternatives that offered Chrysler's "tough-as-nails" reputation to farmers and tradesmen alike.
The Valiant Utility: Tracing the lineage from the sleek AP6 Wayfarer and VC utes through to the powerhouse 318 V8-equipped VH-CM models.
The Panel Van Revolution: A deep dive into the 1970s "shaggin' wagon" craze, featuring the CL Drifter and the high-impact Sports 58 packs—complete with the wild graphics and bold colors of the era.
Engineering for the Land: Revisit the ads that touted the bulletproof Slant Six, the heavy-duty torsion bar suspension, and the cavernous load spaces that made these vehicles the kings of the worksite and the beach.
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