~ Auto Buzz ~: Hemmings Find of the Day – 1975 Chrysler Valiant Utility

Car-based pickups, called Utilities or “Utes” in Australia, were more popular in the Land Down Under than in the United States. Chrysler never built a Valiant Ute for the U.S. market, but in Australia the model debuted as the Valiant Wayfarer Utility in 1965 and soldiered on through the Valiant CL series, which ended production in 1978.

This 1975 Chrysler Valiant Ute, for sale on Hemmings.com, sports a 265-cu.in., 203-horsepower inline-six, mated to a three-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission. Underneath, it uses a torsion bar front suspension and a leaf-spring rear, benefiting from front disc brakes to ensure fade-free stops. It appears to be rust-free, too, the benefit of spending its formative years in a dry climate. This much is certain: You’re not likely to mistake this for anything else in a parking lot. From the seller’s description:

After many years of local assembly of Chrysler cars, trucks and commercial vehicles, Chrysler Australia started producing the compact Valiant in 1962 to compete against the Ford Falcon and Holden lineup. Initially, the cars were nearly identical to their North American siblings but by 1971, Australian Valiants were built from larger platforms and innovative powertrains totally unique to Australia.

This particular example is a 1975 Valiant Utility of the VJ generation. This rare Utility, or “ute” as they are referred to, is one of 14,865 produced over three years and was originally sold in rural Victoria, later making its way to Tasmania where it was used for light work and traveling to town. After being discovered on a ranch two hours from Hobart, it was shipped to the U.S., received a clean South Carolina title, and has been lovingly driven over 4,000 miles since arrival, bringing total distance traveled to 135,000 km or 83,000 miles.

Power comes from a 203 hp 265 cubic inch OHV straight-6 referred to as the “HEMI 265” due to its hemispherical combustion chambers and canted valves. These motors were based on an abandoned US-Dodge truck motor project developed for high power output and low weight. The 265 runs very strong and can more than keep up with modern traffic.

Optioned with a three-speed A904 TorqueFlite automatic transmission, shifts are quick and smooth. Long outback runs were possible with an oversize 20 gallon fuel tank, 2.73:1 gears, and smooth riding torsion bar front suspension. Stops are arrow straight and low effort with the recently reconditioned vacuum power assisted front disk brakes.

In keeping with its dry, rural Victorian origins, this ute is shockingly clean underneath and has no known rust. Some touch-ups have been done but much of the original paint remains. Overall paint quality is very good with a few minor blemishes from normal use on the ranch. The interior is nearly perfect with no cracks or tears in the seats, dash or fabrics. The ute rides on brand new BFG Comp T/A tires and retains its full size hitch and towing package.

Prior to shipment to the U.S. 10 months ago, the Valiant received a large amount of mechanical work, including a front suspension rebuild and a brake system refresh.