Production | 1974–1976 |
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Assembly | Belvidere, Illinois, United States Detroit, Michigan, United States Hamtramck, Michigan, United States Newark, Delaware, United States St. Louis, Missouri, United States Windsor, Ontario, Canada |
Body style | 2-door hardtop 4-door sedan |
Engine | 198 cu in (3.2 L) RG Slant-6 I6 225 cu in (3.7 L) RG Slant-6 I6 318 cu in (5.2 L) LA V8 340 cu in (5.6 L) LA V8 360 cu in (5.9 L) LA V8 |
Wheelbase | 2,819 mm (111.0 in) |
Related | Dodge Dart Plymouth Duster Chrysler Valiant Chrysler Valiant Charger |
In 1974, the 108 in (2,700 mm) wheelbase variant of the A-body sedan was dropped, and the Valiant sedan became a rebadged Dart. The larger size resulted in thicker C-pillars and new rear fender contours. Thenceforth, the only differences between the Valiant and Dart were minor cosmetics. The 1973 Valiant grille and front sheetmetal were retained for 1974, but the front bumper's rubber guards were chromed. The U.S. Federal 5 mph (8.0 km/h) bumper standards were applied to rear bumpers for the 1974 models, adding even more weight to the Valiant.
1974 introduced the Valiant Brougham and its twin, the Dodge Dart Special Edition. Available in two- or four-door models, they were a compact luxury car meant as an attractive alternative to larger luxury cars following the 1973 oil crisis. The Brougham had generous chrome trim, a vinyl top, deep cut-pile carpeting, velour cloth upholstery, interior door padding, color-keyed or simulated wire wheel covers, and a special selection of paint and trim combinations. Much of the optional equipment on a regular Valiant became standard equipment on Brougham models such as power steering, power disc brakes, air conditioning, cruise control, electric rear window defroster and an AM/FM radio.
With a slightly restyled grille, 1975 models were essentially carry-overs from 1974 except that California and certain high-altitude models received catalytic converters and required unleaded gasoline. The 1975 Valiants had several new items available to buyers with increasing interest in fuel economy. These included radial tires and a "Fuel Pacer" system that lit a warning light to tell the driver he was driving uneconomically, as well as Chrysler's A833OD 4-speed manual transmission, the first 4-speed Chrysler had offered with a 6-cylinder engine in the North American market since 1965. There were new 50,000 mi (80,000 km) spark plugs and batteries and a 'Clincher' warranty that covered everything on the car except trim for 12 months with no milage restrictions.
1976 models were virtually identical to 1975s; amber rather than clear front park/turn signal lights were used and the parking brake pull-handle was changed to a foot pedal.
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