Plymouth entered the newly popular compact car market in 1960 with the Valiant. It would carry the torch for that Mopar brand through 1976. Rather strange in appearance initially, the Valiant would look more like a small full-size car with its rework in 1963. This wagon is from that model year and looks in great shape with a rebuilt drivetrain. We’re told that only some interior touches and maybe paint are needed. Located along the ocean in Cambria, California, this nifty wagon is available here on craigslist for $12,500. Another cool tip by way of Barn Finder Tony Primo!
The Plymouth division of Chrysler was struggling in the early 1960s due to some awkward styling and an ill-fated downsizing of the big Plymouths in 1962. To illustrate how bad things had gotten, the new Valiant was 46% of division sales in 1963. Of the 225,000 Valiants produced that year, 23,000 were station wagons, split evenly between the base model and the V-200. We’re not sure which the seller’s compact is, but we’d lean toward the higher trim level given the optional roof rack (great for hauling surfboards!).
We’re told that the seller is just the second owner of this nice machine, having purchased it about two years ago. The mileage is at least 106,000 as we’re advised the odometer has rolled over. That would explain why the 225 cubic inch “Slant-Six” and automatic transmission were rebuilt about 8,000 miles back. The suspension and brakes have about two years on them, as well, and the radiator and electronic ignition are newer, too.
The seller limits the photos to glamour shots, so nothing of the interior or engine compartment. We’re told it needs paint and a headliner, though the former looks okay and there is no reported rust except for the surface variety. The Cragar wheels were a nice addition and fit with the 1960s era. All-in-all, this is said to be a nice daily driver only looking for its third home. Might yours be it?
The roof rack looks like an aftermarket add on and doesn’t help out in the looks dept. IMHO .If the seller really wants to get that kind of money , he should have a lot more pics including under hood, interior and undercarriage – and they better be in mint shape ! .
Exactly 💯 right. Hard to believe that they want to sell when they hide the facts…
It is indeed a V-200 based on the belt line side trim that the V-100 did not have. The roof luggage rack was optional.
11,147 V-200 wagons, 11,864 V-100 wagons.
All were 6 passenger, as the 9 passenger was dropped after `61.
Although `60 & `61 maintained separate production numbers for 6 and 9 passenger wagons, `60 were factory installed while `61s were installed at the dealers. But the wagons were factory prepped for the 3rd seat.
What a cool find, although I think those Cragars look out of place on a Slant-6 car! Not much needs to be done here in terms of restoration but I would enjoy it as is, even with the Cragars…lol
Nice wagon. Slant 6 is more than fine, though better if backed by a 4spd.
Just get rid of the surf board.
Im allowing the board. Classic glassed fin noserider that looks like it may actually be surfed. Far different than the wagons in Iowa with a completely unrideable pop out permanently mounted to the roof.
Guy in my neighborhood has a vw bug with a roof rack. He’s got like a 5’2” pointy nosed board mounted up there that would only be rideable if you were a 90 lb grom. Plus the last thing you do is leave a board in the sun.
I’ve spent a lot of time and effort restoring some classic 60s east coast longboards. Surfboards at car shows are my trigger. May as well have a creepy kid doll.
In the early 90s in Cocoa Beach it was still common to see ratty classic surf buggies like this running around. A high school kid I surfed with had 63 Chevy 4 door with a six cylinder and cragars. I drove a 72 Blazer with a boat canvas for a roof at the time. I think the rust won. Hardly ever see any classic iron around. Wrong coast, but I would consider this if the price were a bit lower.
I would have been over the moon riding that long board. The old ones I learned on were Redwood before fiberglass and small became trendy.
Nice wagon too. GLWS. 😊
I lived in Cocoa Bch had multiple ratty surf and windsurf rigs. Miss the Cocoa beach of 80s surfing then hit the beach shack to catch the Groove Monsters. Or go to Jonathons for a sandwich!
The wagons were used to haul surfboards, that’s why they have been popular for a long time on both coasts..
Ditch the stick!
They didn’t have the lock on ugly… My first car was a ’63 Belvedere 4 door. ‘Nuff said. No interior pictures sucks. I was looking forward to trip down memory lane for the pushbutton automatic with the lever for park, and the red interior and oval steering wheel.😆 It’s going to be hard getting interest at that price without interior and undercarriage pics.
We had a ’65 Valiant wagon. The only difference was the tail lights. It was my mom’s favorite car up to that time.
And a few more things……
Recall ads Valiant gives you value with a capital V. IMO best of early 60s compacts. Later 65? Valiant Brougham was often referred to (with good reason) as a baby Imperial. Eventually evolved into 80s RWD Fifth Avenues. IMO one of the best revisions ever made for an existing platform. Had 83 and 85 Fifth Avenues, which easily held their own with other upscale vehicles I have owned!
Just like gassers with modern speed equipment and decals/stickers or jacket up 4×4’s whose off-roading consists of driving over a curb a surfboard on an older wagon comes across as contrived by someone trying too hard, it only needs a few travel decals on the rear quarter windows to complete the look. Better to chart your own path than play follow the leader, wagons are a blank canvas that respond well to a smart thought out plan.
Steve R
locals call me ‘wagonman’ & this is 2 of the reasons ( ’64 & 6 Darts, both w/the 170) 40 yrs ownership of waggys (wolwo, subie, 6 or 8 in all).
Funny how the name was applied to a car that may have shrunk and swelled to all 3 sizes just in the 60s decade alone (compact, mid sz, large). Mine were the 3rd gen, 111inch WB.
I used to think the 60’s Valiant was too odd when they first hit the road. And now,…. well I actually would like to own a two door or a wagon. This wagon looks good although the cravats are the right vintage they don’t quite do it for my liking. Overall a nice ride.
Sweet…should bring the money in sunny California !
Let’s go surfin’ now, everybody’s learning how, come on a safari with me. My daughter and SIL live in L.A., and decided to “try” surfing with visions of catching the “big one”, like on Kaluahara Beach, however, found it highly over rated and kind of boring.
Were they posing or surfing? If you aren’t doing it every chance you can steal you might be posing.
No Zen enlightenment here, it’s where the cool girls were.
That’s because they gave up! You don’t just paddle out, catch the wave, stand up (probably not), board comes up and smacks then smashes them in the face (yep)! Probably shouldn’t be out there anyway, slow driver in the fast lane!
I like it a lot! Priced too high, but still might sell at that price. DON’T DAMAGE THE S/S CRAGARS! It will be impossible to find a replacement with that 5 on 4″ bolt pattern. AND REMEMBER, the lug nuts on the left side are left hand thread! If it were mine, I would update it with disc brakes, dual master brake cylinder, sway bars (front and rear) and good shocks. And drive the wheels off of it.
Wonder if it could make it back to Chicago? LMAO.
Why were all Valiants so ugly, in fact they had a monopoly on ugly.
IMO , These Valiants were not real beauties, BUT so much better looking than anything built today…. Crossovers, SUVS, and melted jelly beans!🤮
They didn’t have the lock on ugly… My first car was a ’63 Belvedere 4 door. ‘Nuff said. No interior pictures sucks. I was looking forward to trip down memory lane for the pushbutton automatic with the lever for park, and the red interior and oval steering wheel.😆 It’s going to be hard getting interest at that price without interior and undercarriage pics.
I guess the seller’s intention is for someone to come and have a look since 5 exterior shots won’t cut it.
It is a C.L. ad, after all.
If I lived on the beach and if I were a surfer, I’d be all over this car. But, since I don’t and I’m not…. don’t want to be a poser..
Just took delivery of the wagon. Documentation from day one, fresh driveline & suspension. I hate the word, but “patina” is a perfect description of this one. It runs, steers & stops like a champ. Only Mopar in my sea of blue ovals, but I’m betting everyone gets along 😉