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.
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