The Valiant was Plymouth’s entry into the compact car world in 1960. But its branding as a Plymouth was hit or miss (one year it would have Plymouth badging and another year it wouldn’t). And the styling was – shall we say – unorthodox, as was typical of the early 1960s Chrysler products (remember the “Plucked Chickens”?). The car was redesigned in 1963 and became more like what Ford and Chevrolet were selling. This 1964 Valiant 2-door sedan looks like a Grandma car but has a 360 cubic inch V8 under the hood. Located in a storage unit in Spokane Valley, Washington, this potential “sleeper” is being sold out of an estate here on craigslist for $7,500.
For 1964, the Valiant was little changed after its major rework the year before. Most of these earlier 1960s Valiants had a Slant-Six engine (either 170 or 225 cubic inches), as the car’s first V8 didn’t arrive until mid-1964. It’s highly likely that the seller’s little sedan had the innovative six-banger, which got jettisoned at some point for a 360 V8 out of a 1971 Chrysler product. The car belonged to the seller’s uncle, who has passed on, so little of its history may be known.
We don’t know if the seller’s car runs, which would be an important point to share. Since all of the photos are taken inside rather than having the car pulled out into the open, we’re guessing not. But we wouldn’t rule it out as a driver, and the seller just didn’t make the effort. The push buttons on the dash for the automatic transmission are still there for when Plymouth did automatics that way (1964 was the last year). The linkage is hooked up to a 727 TorqueFlite, te but we don’t know if that’s the transmission that came with the car or the one paired with the 360.
The interior looks quite good, and the only telltale sign about what’s under the hood may be the add-on gauge under the dash. There is no indication of rust, but the blue paint is faded and perfect for a sleeper like this with “poverty” hubcaps. If this car runs and drives and doesn’t need much more than a new home, the seller’s asking price could be attractive to a Mopar fan. Another fine tip brought our way by “Curvette”.
When I was very little in the early 1970s, the lady next door had one of these, I think a ’63, in the same faded blue, and a 4-door. I remember riding in it, and asking her where the stick (shifter) was. She showed me the buttons, I’d never seen that before.
That was still in the era of pushbuttons- for just about everything. So much so that ‘don’t push my buttons’ became part of popular lexicon.
And gone gone gone………
The price might be pretty reasonable, it’s hard to tell where it’s parked. Serious potential buyers within driving distance will take the time to see it in person. It’s hard to say if it’s “quick” as it sits, it may need suspension work and rear rnf upgrades. But if the body is straight and rust isn’t an issue it could make for a great, economical project.
Steve R
Well, let’s take a look see at the ol’ BFs creepometer, it’s pegged! This, folks, was my 3rd car. Okay, not this particular car, but a more reasonable copy I never thought I’d see again. After HS( ’72) I had a ’63, like this, 170/6, 3 speed column, that I ratted out, kind of, spent every dime I made at the Target gas station( $1.77/hr.) on gee-gaws, then found a ’64 just like this, only 273/3 speed column shift. Both cars, like this, were no option cars, except the V8. I put a 4 barrel on, floor shift, had a lot of fun with that car. And lo and behold,,,here’s another one. Not sure many get that same feeling here, but this one sure brings back memories,,,that was 50+ years ago. What a long, strange trip it’s been. Thanks, man.
And it is out of here,,,deleted, emotion notwithstanding, it sure was an exceptional find.
My second. I have owned a 63 Signet no options except radio and heater, three speed on the column for years. It gets the same treatment. Currently addition an aftermarket fuel gauge [tired of the Post-Notes] and getting a new float in the tank.
Owned 45 years, and yes still having fun.
My first car, at 16 years old, was a 1964 Plymouth Valiant. It was a red body convertible with a white top.
I believe it was a 273 V8 and push buttons for drive and reverse.
Man, what a summer I had with that car. The Police made me junk it because I was caught driving with only my beginners license and no insurance. Things were different back in the early 79’s.
What a flashback! In my childhood when I open the garage door as a child that first photo is exactly what I saw. Same color same car. It was a terrific car. Amazing fuel economy, quiet, comfortable, and really went easily down the highway. Ours was a 225 and was plenty powerful and relaible. These aren’t easy to find clean like this. Sure it needs paint, but the rest looks very nice. I would think you would need a lot of suspension/drivetrain mods to get this to last, but it is truly a sleeper as it sits.
Posting is deleted, hopefully it sold.
I had 2 (’65 & 66). Signet 100’w/ Fire breathing 225 /6’s . Ran till they wouldn’t. Great cars and memories.
Had a 65 Valiant like this ..slant 6, holiday turquoise blue colour…great car.
even with the lane pics it must have sold as the listing is gone.
Well, it’s gone so musta been legit.
I have a 64 valiant with a 318 under the hood and it is a fun car. I would love to have seen what manifolds this had in it. I need to swap mine but I can’t find any that fit that driver side.
Lovely looking car. I’ve always loved pre 1973 Plymouth Valiants. I particularly like those with the slant six engine. I hope this car goes to a good owner, one who will truly appreciate it and take care of it.
I hit Craigslist looking for more pictures and it says the add was removed. Did they sell it or is it still available??? Please let me know.
Looks like the ” deal ” of the week gets sold before I get to comment on it………..oh well.
My first car was a ’63 Belvedere from a non-driving widow on my paper route for $25 with 32k miles. Slant six, push-button automatic. Exact same dash, except mine had a funky oval steering wheel.
For what it’s worth the listing has been deleted by the owner. Looks like a fun project though.