THE OBJECTIVES OF OUR CLUB ARE TO:

• cultivate and promote an interest in R and S Series Chrysler Valiant Cars

• encourage family and social participation in all club activities

• assist and encourage members in the maintenance and restoration of their cars

• promote our club and liaise with other classic car clubs who have similar aims and interests, and

• issue our club newsletter 'R & S Torque' to all members following each monthly general meeting.

CLUB MEETINGSMeetings are held on the last Tuesday of the month, excepting December, at Eley Park Community Centre, Eley Road, Blackburn South. ( See (Melway 61 G5 ). Meetings commence at 8pm and finish at 9.30pm. Visitors and guests are most welcome.

'R' & 'S' SERIES CHRYSLER VALIANT HISTORY.

The 'R' & 'S' Series history began around the turn of the century with Maxwell Cars in 1904. In 1923, the Chrysler Corporation bought out Maxwell and there begun the history of Plymouth, Dodge and De Soto cars that were subsidiary companies of Chrysler.

In 1959/60 the first of the uniquely shaped Plymouth and Dodge cars were built in America and Canada. Chrysler was already marketing the (Pinin Farina Bodied) Royals in 6 and 8 cylinder cars in Australia. Chrysler's decision to enter the mass produced car market in Australia was the 'R' Series Valiant. The Chrysler plant in Tonsley Park, SA, assembled 1008 of which 332 were Torqueflite automatics and 672 were 3 speed manual vehicles. These cars took only 2 months to sell, although very plain in colours and simple interiors were provided, the 140 HP, 225 ci. Slant 6 motors were approximately 33% larger in capacity and more economical to run than their oppositions. (Ford introduced their Falcon, and Holden the FB model)

Chrysler hurriedly introduced the 'S' Series Valiant in March/April 1962 to replace the 'R' Series. Both of these models were built from ?Fully knocked down? kit form, from crates shipped from Canada for the right hand drive versions. The 'S' Series, although with the same mechanical specifications, it had a plainer body and because of the earlier success, 10,009 were built, of which 5469 were Torqueflite auto's and 4513 were manual models.

Both the 'R' and 'S' Series had very few options offered in Australia, push-button automatic, push-button heater, push-button radio, and a small under dash parcel shelf were the only items available. The only factory paint colours to choose from were, Gambia blue, white, black, sage and leaf green, Camelot grey and new beige. Some dealers offered some extras to highlight the car, but because of it's stying power, internal space and easy driving capability, the vehicle sold itself, which began a very successful start for Chrysler Corporation in Australia. The radical body shape of the 'R' and 'S' Series Valiant was copied many years later by Ford and Holden in their 60's and 70's mass produced models but they could never successfully capture the unique charisma of the first Valiant's introduced into Australia.
ABOUT OUR CLUB

The 'R' and 'S' Chrysler Valiant Car Club was formed in 1982 to cater exclusively for 'R' and 'S' Series Valiant's built in Australia from 1961 until 1963. We have approximately 130 members who share the common interests of owning, maintaining, or restoring an 'R' or 'S' Series. Our family oriented club meets 11 times a year on the last Tuesday of the month except December, and conduct regular outings throughout the year. We also attend events organised in conjunction with other car clubs. We strive to enlighten and inform members with technical information, workshop's and physical assistance when and if required. We are affiliated with our sister clubs in NSW, QLD, SA, WA and the AOMC (Association of Motoring Clubs). Enquiries about the club can be made to either:-
Greg Eade (Club President) on 03 9359 4402 or Geoff Sarkies (Secretary) on 03 9563 1773.