Story
1971 Chrysler Valiant Charger
Chrysler Australia's 1971 VH Charger put a locally designed five-seat fastback body on a 105-inch wheelbase. Base, XL, 770, and R/T models shared that body while engines, transmissions, axles, brakes, suspension, paint, graphics, wheels, glass, and cabins created distinct configurations. They belong together here so the differences are easy to compare without turning each option package into a duplicate model page.
Four models at launch
The base Charger began with the 215 Hemi Six, while XL moved to the 245 and could take the regular 265. The 770 combined luxury equipment with the high-performance 265 and could be ordered with the 318 V8 or E37 Six Pack. R/T used the high-performance 265 as its starting point and added sports instruments, driving lamps, graphics, wider wheels, and a front anti-roll bar.
E37 and E38 Six Pack
Six Pack meant three Weber 45 DCOE carburetors feeding a 265 Hemi Six. E37 was the 248-hp street tune available in 770 and R/T applications. E38 was the 280-hp competition-oriented R/T path. Both used a close-ratio three-speed manual and twin-plate clutch in the reviewed launch literature. The four-speed E48 and E49 arrived later in 1972 and are not 1971 production configurations.
Manual, automatic, and rear axle
Regular cars used three-speed manuals or TorqueFlite automatics according to engine and model. Shifter position varied: the base 215 manual used a column control, other manuals used floor shifts, and the 770 automatic used a console selector. Factory ratios were 2.92 or 3.23 according to engine, with 3.23 Sure-Grip optional on eligible R/T and 770 six-cylinder cars.
Brakes and suspension
The 215 began with drum brakes and could receive front discs. Other reviewed configurations used ventilated front discs with rear drums, while power assistance was standard on 770 and optional elsewhere. Track Pack equipment added heavy-duty brakes, quicker steering, and related chassis hardware, with the long-range-tank version intended for endurance use. All Chargers used torsion-bar independent front suspension and a leaf-spring live rear axle.
Paint, graphics, and cabin
Launch-era colors included Hot Mustard, Hemi Orange, Magenta, Mercury Silver, Vitamin C, Citron Gold, and quieter blue, green, white, and dark finishes. R/T graphics, black bonnet treatment, Six Pack markings, and alloy wheels were configuration-dependent and are easily reproduced. Inside, every Charger seated five; 770 and R/T added distinct instruments, steering wheels, carpeting, consoles, and trim packages.
Production and identification
Published references report 17,918 VH Chargers across July 1971 through March 1973 and 316 E38s, but neither figure is an audited calendar-1971 configuration ledger. Identify one car from its VH 29 body, compliance plate, chassis, title, and records, then match the engine-number grammar, induction, gearbox, axle, brakes, suspension, glass, paint, graphics, wheels, trim, dates, and protected original evidence.
Australian prices and sales
Period prices and modern sales are quoted in Australian dollars and vary sharply by configuration, originality, documentation, restoration, modifications, condition, and buyer-premium treatment. The linked source records preserve those native amounts; they should not be silently converted or treated as appraisals for another car.