Chrysler Australia Valiant VH Charger R/T 265 Hemi
The Chrysler Valiant Charger, while sharing its name with the American Dodge Charger, was an entirely Australian creation. Designed and engineered at Chrysler Australia's facility in Tonsley Park, Adelaide, the Charger was a two-door fastback coupe that entered the Australian muscle car arena alongside the Holden Monaro GTS and Ford Falcon GT. The VH Charger R/T 265, produced from 1971, was the high-performance variant that could genuinely compete with both rivals.
What made the Charger R/T 265 special was its engine — a 265 cubic inch (4,340 cc) inline-six with a hemispherical combustion chamber design unique to Chrysler Australia. This Hemi Six, as it became known, was not related to the American Chrysler Hemi V8. Instead, it was an entirely Australian design that used the hemispherical head to achieve exceptional breathing efficiency. Topped with triple Weber carburetors, the engine produced 230 horsepower (SAE gross) — remarkable output for a six-cylinder engine of that era.
The Charger's body was its most distinctive feature. The swooping fastback roofline, with its concave rear window and ducktail spoiler, was unlike anything else on Australian roads. The design was bold and modern, with clean lines that have aged remarkably well. At just 1,270 kg, the Charger was significantly lighter than both the Monaro and the Falcon, giving it a nimbleness that compensated for its lower total power output.
The R/T (Road and Track) designation marked the performance variant, with firmer suspension, thicker anti-roll bars, front disc brakes, and the triple-Weber carbureted engine. The 4-speed manual gearbox was mandatory, and a limited-slip differential was included. Rally-style instrumentation and bucket seats completed the sporting intent.
The Charger competed at Bathurst with moderate success, though it never achieved the outright victories of the Falcon GT-HO or Torana. Its greatest racing achievement came in the 1971 Bathurst 500, where a Charger R/T finished third outright, leading to a strong following among Australian motorsport enthusiasts.
The VH Charger was succeeded by the VJ in 1973 and VK in 1975, with the final Charger rolling off the line in 1978 when Chrysler Australia was absorbed by Mitsubishi Motors. The Charger remains one of Australia's most distinctive and collectible muscle cars, with the R/T 265 Hemi variants commanding the highest prices.
Verify the R/T specification carefully — many base Chargers have been upgraded. The triple Weber carburetors are difficult to tune and genuine Weber 40/45 DCOE units are expensive to replace. Check for rust in the floor pans, lower quarters, and rear hatch area. The Hemi Six engine is unique to Chrysler Australia — parts sourcing can be challenging. Verify engine and body numbers match. Torsion bar front suspension can sag with age. The fastback rear window seal is prone to leaking.
Designed and engineered entirely in Australia at Chrysler Australia's Tonsley Park facility in Adelaide. The Hemi Six engine was a unique Australian design unrelated to the American Chrysler Hemi V8. The VH Charger was available in various specifications from basic six to the range-topping R/T E49 (already in DB). Production continued through VJ (1973) and VK (1975) series. Chrysler Australia was sold to Mitsubishi Motors Australia in 1980.