FEATURES

- Genuine 'double-barrel' R/T
- Frame-off restoration
- Every nut and bolt replaced
- New factory spec interior
- Restored to factory specs
- Mopar 'Hot Mustard' paint
- Rebuilt and upgraded engine
- New exhaust system
- Restored by Ol' School Garage

DESCRIPTION

The Valiant Charger was introduced by Chrysler Australia in 1971. It was a short wheelbase two-door coupe based on the current Valiant VH sedan in production at the time of the Charger's release. The Charger was extraordinarily popular in Australia during the VH series and achieved critical acclaim, winning the 1971 Australian Wheels Car of the Year Award. The high performance variant of the Charger adopted the R/T name as used by Chrysler in the US. The R/T Charger was powered by a 265 ci variant of the Chrysler Hemi-6 engine. Competing in a muscle car market dominated by V8 powered cars, the R/T Charger was competitive on both the road and race track.

This car is a base model variant known as the 'double-barrel' after its carburettor configuration. It has a floor mounted 3-speed manual gearbox. The car will be returned to factory specification including the iconic 70's Hot Mustard paint. However, we have taken the liberty of replacing the original acrylic paint with a 2-pac paint to avoid the need to regularly cut and buff the car. This car was delivered with exterior and interior dress-up package options which will make for a very tough looking Aussie muscle.

This particular car was pulled out of a shed in country NSW. Having been raced at some stage during its life it was pretty beat up when we got it. Lots of panel work was required and the right chassis rail needed to be replaced due to a substantial shunt at some time and some shoddy repairs. But surprisingly there was little rust and a new driver's floor pan and a patch in the bottom of each rear quarter solved the problem. 

Mark's own Charger was used to help aid the stripe placement on our car. It was a case of measure twice and apply once. The decals were scanned digitally and reversed so the stripes could be painted and cleared over.

Jamie the painter had taken his time to apply the decals and it paid of big time - just like it rolled off the showroom floor yesterday. It's incredibly shiny and straight. 

Meanwhile, our resident engine guru Craig 'Jackie' Johnston has rebuilt the Hemi 265. The motor was treated to a mild cam, and the head was 'massaged' to help breath better. To top it off, the motor was blue-printed and run-in to specification. The attention to detail really makes the motor stand out in the engine bay.

Craig took the time to carefully fabricate the exhaust system. It features mandrel bends throughout and features tig-welds. It has been made with quality in mind. It lets out a throaty note without being obnoxious.

After the rust repairs and body work has been completed, the Charger had been assembled during the mock-up phase. This allows us to double and tipple check everything before paint and final assembly to avoid surprises.

An incredible amount of time and effort has gone into this restoration project. It's an work of art and we are very pleased with the result.