Valiant VH Pacer

I have owned a variety of VH Valiants but never the Pacer. Chrysler Australia produced the VH Valiant with a huge range of models and options from 1971 to 1973. Of course we all know how popular the Charger became but the VH Pacer sedan is for many of us more desirable. And I have owned a VH Charger and VH sedans so I have some reason to comment.

The VH Pacer was in its day the fastest mass produced six cylinder sedan made in Australia. A record it held for more than 15 years. It was powered by a high powered hemi 265 Cubic inch (4.3 litre) straight six. It could propel this beast from Zero to 60MPH (100 KM/H) in around 7.5 seconds and the 1/4 mile in under 16 seconds. Not bad for a large sedan powered by a six cylinder.

Sadly, and perhaps due to the success of the VH Charger, only some 1600 VH Pacers were produced. Most with a three speed manual box. Some with a 4 speed. And a few with an automatic transmission.

Enjoy the photos and remember to leave a comment.

VH Valiant Pacer

Aussie Panel Van: Ford Falcon Sundowner

It could be argued that by 1979 the Panel Van craze, as far as new car sales, was on the wane by 1979. Holden had clearly won the race with their Sandman models, and, Chrysler was very late to the party with their Drifter. Then there was Ford, who had released their Sundowner Van in the XC range for the weekend sun and surf set. This 1/43 scale model by Trax is the 1979 Ford Sundowner van. More than likely it was fitted with a 4.1 litre (250CI) engine with a manual transmission, with other options available.

My 67 VE Valiant Safari Wagon

Well its been some time since I have posted an article. I would consider doing more if there were more interaction in the comments section so if you want to see more articles, be sure to comment and share this blog. There is a dearth of Aussie model car blogs on the web so lets keep the dream alive!

If you have read my previous posts you will know I have owned my share of Aussie made Valiants. So here is another post about another car from my 1:1 real life. This model is the 1/43 scale model of the VE Valiant Wagon by Trax. The VE Valiant was Car of the Year in 1968 and its easy to see why. The Valiants had it all over their competition, especially in the power department. The model shown here is the 160HP Six cylinder version of the slant 225 engine.

I bought my VE off an old bloke in his 80s. He was the second owner, having bought the car when it was just 2 months old. His main use for the old Val was as a tow vehicle, which it was ideal for, since it had the 273 V8 engine instead of the 225 six. It did not set the world on fire but it did make for a great tow vehicle. Mine was exactly the same as this model apart from the engine size and the colour. This model is accurate, right down to the chrome dust deflectors on either side of the rear window. the Safari and 160HP badging. Well done Trax!

Holden 1981 WB Statesman Caprice

The ultimate (arguably) in Australian made luxury in 1981 was the Statesman Caprice. Big, powerful and luxurious. It had it all. It also had one other aspect that I liked. It looked good. Now this wont be every Aussies favourite ‘Stato’. I can see how many would argue the 70’s versions looked better. But this one was the one I always wanted.

The model we are looking at here is the Trax Select Series WB Statesman. I believe less than 800 were produced and made to order only so theyre pretty much a limited issue model. They decided to present it in Nutmeg Metallic. I would have preferred a white one. I seem to remember there being more white ones around than any other colour. Maybe thats because they might have been used as Com-Cars. Commonwealth Govt. Politician’s rides. I dont know about that so dont quote me. They may have used Ford Fairlanes or LTDs. Again, I speculate.

 

All of the WB Caprices were fitted with Holden’s 5 litre V8 and automatic transmission. They had enough torque to shunt the big Stato around. They were made to compete with the Euro luxury cars, and were priced accordingly. They were around 20 grand when released, a fair bit of coin back in the day. This car was about cruising in style, not about screaming down the 1/4 mile. Would I have one now? Would I what!

 

 

 

Aussie Panel Van: Chrysler Denim Machine Panel Van

Chrysler Denim Machine Van

 

Well I’m back. Not that I have been away, I just haven’t posted anything in a while. I see there is still some interest in my little blog so here is something new for you.

 

The Chrysler (Australia) CL Panel Van was the only van Chrysler Valiant Australia made. There were very few of them. As far as I am aware, the Denim Machine was a promotional vehicle which they made some half dozen of to promote the forthcoming van. They were given away as prizes via radio station promotions. At the time (1977-8), each of the vans were valued at $11,000. I wonder what one would cost Today?

 

Chrysler Denim Machine Van

This is a resin 1/43 scale model by Armco. I believe there were some 200 of these models produced. I like Armco models. There seems to be a good deal of attention made to the detail of their models and as an aside, their packaging always seems to be better than some others. I mean you get a decent box and to a collector, small (not really small) things like this are appreciated.

Stitching Detail

This is one super detailed model. I appreciate the stitching detail here. Remember, it is The Denim Machine. Nicely done!

Flames and Side Pipe

More detail here. The flames, you cant miss them, the side pipe here, the window. This has got it all. What a dream machine.

Denimachine

Denim Machine Front Flames

Denim Machine Front Flames

Chrysler Denim Machine Panel Van

 

I hope you enjoy this one. Please leave a comment and sign up to follow this blog and keep up with future posts.