Plymouth joined the compact car market in 1960 with the Valiant. It was an awkward-looking car during its first generation (1960-62), but it became more mainstream in 1963 (resulting in higher sales). The seller has a 1965 Valiant convertible, one of just 2,759 built that year. It looks solid with a rebuilt Slant-Six engine. Located in Golden, Colorado, this Mopar ragtop is available here on craigslist for $12,000 OBO, and is another tip brought our way by Mike F.
At the heart of the seller’s little drop-top is Chrysler’s venerable 225 cubic inch “Slant-Six”. While the car itself has 95,000 miles, the motor has just over 3,000, thanks to a rebuild. It’s paired with a TorqueFlite automatic transmission with a column shifter instead of the push buttons used by Chrysler through 1964. There is no mention of rust, and we suspect the red paint is a redo since we see some overspray under the hood.
The seller refers to this little car as a “solid running machine” and a daily driver. So, it’s far from a showpiece that you have to fret over every possible nick or ding. Recent repairs include new brakes and an upgrade to the master cylinder. The convertible top is not power-assisted, so you’ll have to put it up yourself.
Inside the passenger compartment, everything is from 1965, and there are a couple of patches on the front bench seat that are certainly passable. An aftermarket stereo has been installed to make the cruising even more enjoyable. If you show up with cash, the seller will even throw in a car cover (the budget kind).
….my first car in 65 was a ’63 one of these.. slant, pushbutton… These are very pleasant cars… friendly, easy to fix… perfect for low intensity car shows, or as an ”island” car…
The 170/6 remained standard through `69, with the 225/6 becoming optional mid-year `61.
The 170/6 was replaced by the 198/6 in `70.
The 273 V8 became optional mid-year `64.
The 318 V8 became optional in `68, and was included in the Scamp Package by `74.
Scamp had started in `71 with the 198/6.
`72 was Valiant’s best year with 330,373 built.
In `76 it’s final year, a 360 V8 was optional with the Police Package.
What a great looking car. Relatively low miles and maybe just me, a bit high on price but for the right person to go back in time, worth it. A nice cruiser, and with the ‘leaning tower of power’, a sweet ride.
The “risk off” price is about $3000, if you find someone who wants it.
Not sure what a “risk off” price is, but unless it refers to pointing a pistol at the seller during negotiations, you’re way low…
My Sis bought a ‘64 Valiant convertible about 1967. Same color and running gear. Bucket seats with an upholstery color that, in my opinion, matched better than this car, and it had a power top. Push button shift was in it’s last year in ‘64. It had its foibles, but overall, it was a fun, dependable little car.