The Valiant was born in 1960 as Chrysler’s entry into the compact car field. It was sold through Plymouth dealers, though it wasn’t branded as such, at first. The styling was rather quirky, so the car’s sales potential wasn’t fully realized until the 1963-66 run, when the automobiles received less distinctive bodywork. We’re unsure whether the seller’s car is a V200 or Signet, the only two Valiant models offered as a convertible in 1964. It appears to have been restored and may make for a fine summer ride. Located in Richmond, British Columbia, this little open-air Mopar is available here on craigslist for $16,800 (CDN or USD?).
Standard power in 1964 was the 170 cubic inch Slant-Six, but the 225 was optional, and that’s the engine in the seller’s car (no pics, though). Convertibles weren’t scarce, but they also weren’t a large percentage of Valiant production. V200 drop-tops would number 5,856 units while the glitzier Signet came in at 7,636 copies. The seller doesn’t mention which model applies here. Something is funny in that the front clip of the car looks like a Valiant, but the taillights are from a Dodge Dart. Why would that be?
We don’t know the history of this little Mopar, but the seller says, “too much work done to list.” That’s not the best way to sell a car, as buyers will want to know exactly what was completed so they can determine if anything is left to be addressed. It has an automatic transmission, which would be of the push-button variety, as Chrysler didn’t revert to steering column stalks until 1965. The two-tone interior appears to be brand-new and is quite attractive, but the addition of headrests in the front bench seat could suggest a later seat has been used.
The paint and bright work on this rare Plymouth look mighty nice and were probably redone as part of that list that’s too long to elaborate on. We’re told the canvas top is in great shape, but the photos only show it in the down position, so we really can’t tell. The machine has collector license plates, but will they matter if the car moves out of the country as a result of the sale?
Valiant/Dodge may be Canadian. Remember the Plymouth/Dodge?
These “just Valiants” are Canadian, with the US Plymouth Valiant front and US Dodge Dart rear. Maybe it’s a Valiart, not a Plodge as it wasn’t called a Plymouth.
You are correct, sir. In Canada, “Valiant” remained a separate make through the 1966 model year. They were sold through Plymouth and Dodge dealers there.
Yes it was built in Canada. Has a Valiant front VIP but the cowl back was a Dodge Dart. We had one with a four speed hurst on the floor from the factory.
You know what impresses me more than the writers, is the “peanut gallery” the site attracts. OpaJim is correct, it IS a Canadian Valiant. Good show. ol’ chap. I never knew such a car existed, like I say, every once in a great while, a Canadian car would drift south to Milwaukee, usually a Pontiac, and we’d gaze upon it like it was a UFO. Our young minds being corrupted by “My Favorite Martian’, only imagined what the driver must have looked like. You sure would be an attraction at any gathering in the US, some may not believe it, having had a ’64 Valiant, I knew something was off.
It’s a Plodge. Funny how Chrysler made so many cars by mix-and-match front end to different bodies. They also used Dodge front ends on Plymouth bodies for Canadian Regents and Viscounts. And we even got one of our own with the ’62 Dodge 880. A ’62 Chrysler body with a ’61 Dodge front end and dashboard. They also did it with later model compacts. Dodge Darts became Plymouth Scamps with a Valiant front end, and Plymouth Dusters were Dodge Demons with a Dart front end.
There was a Canadian market ‘64 / ‘65 Barracuda, too, but it differed only in badging, not sheet metal. I saw one at the Syracuse Nationals a couple years ago – on the rear deck lid the block letters read “Valiant” instead of “Barracuda”.
I think I like the expression Valiart better than Plodge. The combination styling works for me. Being a convertible and a 225 slanty is attractive too. BC is a bit of a trek from the Mid Atlantic so out of the question for me. Someone will be quite happy with this. GLWTS.
I had a 65 this same color combination with a V-8, I loved that car. But as usual my attention span is short and I couldn’t turn down a profit that would finance my next affair. I have really made some stupid decisions. Thank God it was cars and not women! I would really be broke if it were women.
When I first saw this, I said no, thats a Dart with a Valiant nose. But after reading, I learned something.
And some of the Mexican Mustangs had Capri rear bodies.
And front clips. I’ve seen one too, down in South Padre Island back in the mid-80’s.
As for the Valiant, I think it needs wide blue stripes on the hood and deck to match the seats. That would be a head-turner for sure!
Yes, definitely Canadian!! Plymouth Valiant in the front and Dodge Dart in the rear!! My grandparents had a ’64 Dodge Dart. They wanted to gift it to me in ’73 but my Dad said no. Bought a new ’73 Mercury Capri instead!!
Canadian built full size Mopars back in the days previous to this one also had the different noses & rear body treatments .
Yes some cool things happened back then. Canada also had 340 Dart Swingers in ‘71 and ‘72 alongside the Demon. In the US the 340 was gone from the Dart after 1970 as they didn’t want to pirate sales away from the Demon 340.
First thing I noticed was the Dart Tail lights…I like the Valiant front/Dart rear treatment. Looks nice.
I agree, it looks better this way than on a Dart! I have never seen one like this, what a find. A really nice looking car, great condition. Valiant lovers will come out of the woodwork to talk at a show.
I like these. Saw this one a few months ago in a town garage. It must be an actual Plymouth,not a Dodge/Plymouth combo.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cijQWrjftfk
I combined a Valiant and a Mercury Comet. I called it a Vomet.
Comet, it makes you vomit, so get some comet and vomit today
The new Vomet, bucket seats, a throw up hood and a horn that goes blugh!