Some enthusiasts crave the challenge of a project build, but are unable to tackle a full-blown restoration. If you fall into that category, this 1965 Plymouth Valiant V200 could be the classic of your dreams. The seller has invested a considerable amount of money into this Valiant during the past five years, leaving someone to add the finishing touches. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Lothar… of the Hill People for spotting this promising project listed here on Facebook Marketplace in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. The seller set their price at $9,500 for a car that the new owner can enjoy immediately while completing the build at their leisure.
The release of the Second Generation Valiant range for the 1963 model year marked a radical change in direction for Plymouth. The last vestiges of Virgil Exner’s “forward look” design philosophy had been eliminated, with Elwood Engel’s pen producing cleaner and more conservative lines. This 1965 example is a V200 four-door sedan that has received plenty of TLC. The seller treated it to a repaint around five years ago, and it still presents nicely. I don’t believe that it wears its original paint shade, because there is evidence of Green Metallic in the trunk. However, that doesn’t detract from how tidy and clean this classic is. There are no obvious cosmetic shortcomings, and no signs of rust. The trim and glass are in good condition, and the wider steel wheels with their dogdish hubcaps add a slightly aggressive look to a car that makes a positive first impression.
Chrysler has produced some fantastic motors throughout its history, with many people believing that its Hemi V8 range rates amongst the greatest in automotive history. The company was always willing to push the boundaries, an approach perfectly demonstrated by the 225ci slant-six that we find under the hood of this Valiant. By canting what could have been a conventional six at thirty degrees, it not only reduced the engine’s center of gravity, but also allowed the company to produce cars with a lower hood for improved aerodynamic efficiency. The slant-six was also a performance star, and a comparison with a 1965 Ford Falcon Futura tells the story quite graphically. Ordering a Futura with a six under the hood placed 120hp and 190 ft/lbs of torque at the driver’s disposal. The 225 in this Valiant delivered 145hp and 215 ft/lbs, ex-factory. However, this classic may be able to improve on those numbers. It inhales through an Offenhauser intake and a four-barrel Carter carburetor, with the spent gases exiting via a custom-bent 2¼” exhaust. Shifting duties fall to a three-speed automatic transmission, while the brakes have been renewed from end-to-end, featuring front discs and a dual-circuit master cylinder. The seller states that they have invested a considerable sum of money into this classic, and it appears that the results justify the expense. They describe the car as fun to drive, meaning that it is ready to hit the road with a new owner behind the wheel.
The interior is where this Valiant project ground to a halt, although it is serviceable in its current form. The seller replaced the carpet at around the same time that they performed a repaint, installing Dynamat to reduce noise levels. They admit that it needs work because the seatcovers exhibit wear, and the front door trims have been cut to install speakers for an aftermarket stereo that is no longer present. Other additions include a B&M shifter, underdash gauges, and a sports wheel. With new seatcovers and door trims, this interior would look as nice as the exterior.
This 1965 Plymouth Valiant V200 ticks many of the boxes that enthusiasts seek when searching for a classic to park in their garage. Its presentation is extremely tidy, it appears to be rust-free, and the work required to lift its appearance to a higher level seems straightforward. There are few tasks more rewarding in a project build than to step back and admire a pristine interior that you have been able to restore with your own bare hands. That is the opportunity that this Valiant offers, and the cherry on top could be the fact that the seller’s price is quite affordable. Are those thoughts enough to tempt you?
Oddly enough I really like it, color and all. My 2nd car was a 1964 Valiant 4 door. Yet it’s not nostalgia that drives my desire as much as how simply cool it is.
Jack, I agree. I’m not a 4 door fan or a 6 cylinder fan but there is something about this little Valiant that makes you think it’s clean and cool. Maybe it’s how it sets and the dog dish hub caps.
I’m not entirely sure I’d do anything but drive it.
I agree with Jack its fine the way it is .
I don’t believe the color was changed on this one; look at the firewall and the rest of the engine bay. The trunk is probably (IMO) showing some miscolored primer.
I don’t believe the color was changed on this one; look at the firewall and the rest of the engine bay. The trunk is probably (IMO) showing some spots of faded/miscolored primer. :-)
It was one heck of a bread-and-butter everyman’s car back in ’65, but now it has no sex appeal at all.
Having had 3 Baracudas (1 ’64 and 2’65s) Im very partial to this body style. Not really a fan of the 4 door. But this car represents well with its upgraded wheels and tires. I like the color also.
Nice car.
I absolutely HATE FOUR DOORS. I have been president of the four door haters club for several year’s now. But I have had some mopars of this era with the slant six. The understated look of this car and the drive train could almost make me forget my insensitive opinions.
Shame on you Joe!!!
Cool car! The seller did a fantastic job keeping the stock 60’s look! His choice of steering wheel and floor shifter however, in my opinion that no one asked for, are unfortunate.
My first car was a slant-six ’74 Valiant, so I do have a soft spot for them. This looks like it would be a fun cruiser. If I was in the market for something like this, I think I’d have to make a move.
Very nice, I’d buy this without hesitation, a four door car was part of the car world for a long time but some people act like they didn’t exist, easy in easy out over a two door. I’d love to take this to car shows with friends or family, this car I wouldn’t have to worry about parking it anywhere, just enjoy it 👍
4 barrel carb on a inline 6 cyl. That’s a new one on me still I bet with that and the header plus exhaust it sounds better than those bumble bee import in the Hondas and Subaru’s running around. Otherwise someone dumped a lot of money into a 4 door that also leaves me scratching my head. I’m obviously not a buyer but I would like to hear it run.
That engine combination was available from the factory back in the “early” ’60s. “The good old days!
My Dad sold Plymouths in 65 and drove one of these home most of the time. Cheap to buy, cheap to own, and a bullet proof engine that got good mileage. He sold a bunch of them.
Unless my MoPar knowledge has failed me. I believe what we see here under the bonnet is Chrysler’s “Hyper Pak”. It was their over-the-counter, high performance package for their slant 6, comprised of a special intake manifold with a long-runner design, a high-lift camshaft, heavy-duty valve springs, a free-flowing exhaust manifold, & a large four barrel carburetor.
With the first look I went straight to ‘needs a v-8 under the hood’. But no, a look under the hood and it is just find the way it is. Seller did a great job with a 225 slant 6, though that shifter has got to go. The only improvement I can think of would be a 4 spd behind that motor.
Interior is an easy fix as you drive it.
The ONE seller “set THEIR price”? Or the ONE seller “set HIS price”?
Good catch Laurence…THE price is too much!
“Their” may be used if unsure instead of “his” or “her”.
Nice one and most likely worth the money if your in the market. Our family owned a 1964 – 66 and finally a 1968…..kinda why I have the same too.
Saw a convertible version yesterday.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cijQWrjftfk