Chrysler Australia Valiant Pacer 245 Hemi
The Chrysler Valiant Pacer was the performance variant of Chrysler Australia's Valiant sedan, produced during the VF and VG series from 1969 to 1971. While the Charger two-door coupe often steals the spotlight in Australian muscle car history, the Pacer four-door sedan played an equally important role in establishing Chrysler Australia's performance credentials.
The Pacer was named to evoke speed and competition, drawing on the Indianapolis pace car tradition. The 245 Hemi variant was powered by Chrysler Australia's unique hemispherical combustion chamber inline-six engine, displacing 4,013 cc (245 cubic inches). This engine, designed entirely in Australia and unrelated to the famous American Chrysler Hemi V8, used hemispherical heads to achieve excellent volumetric efficiency. With a 2-barrel Carter carburetor, the 245 Hemi produced 195 horsepower (SAE gross) — impressive output for a six-cylinder engine in 1969.
The Pacer package included firmer suspension with stiffer springs and shock absorbers, a front anti-roll bar, front disc brakes, and a limited-slip differential. The 4-speed manual gearbox was standard equipment, and the close-ratio gear set provided enthusiastic acceleration. Externally, the Pacer was distinguished by unique stripes, Pacer badges, wider wheels, and blackout trim details.
The Pacer's racing pedigree was established in Australian touring car competition, where the Hemi Six-powered Valiants proved competitive against both Holden's V8 Monaros and Ford's Falcon GTs. The engine's excellent torque delivery and the car's relatively light weight (compared to its V8 rivals) made it a giant-killer on twisting circuits.
Chrysler Australia's decision to develop a unique hemispherical head inline-six rather than simply importing American V8 engines demonstrated remarkable engineering ambition. The Hemi Six family would power Australian Chryslers through the 1970s, with increasingly powerful versions culminating in the legendary E49 Charger specification.
The Valiant Pacer was succeeded by the VH Charger R/T in 1971, but the four-door sedan remained available with Hemi Six power throughout the 1970s. Today, the Pacer is valued by Australian collectors as a more practical alternative to the two-door Charger, with the four-door body offering genuine family usability alongside its performance character.
Verify Pacer specification via compliance plate and option codes — conversions from standard Valiants are common. Check for rust in the floor pans, lower sills, and boot area. The Hemi Six engine is robust but unique to Chrysler Australia — parts require specialist suppliers. Torsion bar front suspension can sag with age and may need adjustment or replacement. The limited-slip differential should be checked for wear. Manual gearbox cars are significantly more collectible than automatics.
Built at Chrysler Australia's Tonsley Park factory in Adelaide, South Australia. The Hemi Six engine was designed and manufactured entirely in Australia. Available in VF (1969-1970) and VG (1970-1971) series. The Pacer name was used for the performance sedan variant, while the Charger was the two-door coupe. The 245ci Hemi Six was the performance engine choice before the larger 265ci arrived.