The 1960 Valiant marked the debut of Chrysler’s new compact car, introduced to compete with the Chevrolet Corvair, Ford Falcon, and Rambler American. Though it wasn’t branded as a Plymouth in its first year, the Valiant would go on to become one of Chrysler’s most successful compact models. Branded simply as Valiant in 1960–61, then as Plymouth Valiant from 1961 onward.
Designed by Virgil Exner, the Valiant featured: “Forward Look” lines with sculpted side panels, A kicked-up rear quarter panel and distinct grille, Finless, but bold and expressive, Full-width grille with floating horizontal bars, Short overhangs gave a nimble, European look, and Unibody construction (no separate frame)
1960 Valiant
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Year | 1960 (first year) |
| Brand | Valiant by Chrysler (not Plymouth yet) |
| Body Styles | 4-door sedan, 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase | 106.5 in (2,705 mm) |
| Overall Length | 183.7 in (4,667 mm) |
| Platform | Chrysler A-body |
| Production Start | October 1959 |
| Assembly | USA and Canada |
Powertrain
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | 170 cu in (2.8L) Slant-6 I6 |
| Horsepower | 101 hp @ 4,400 rpm |
| Torque | 155 lb-ft @ 2,400 rpm |
| Transmission | 3-speed manual (column shift) or optional 3-speed TorqueFlite automatic with push-button selector |
Trims & Variants
| Trim Level | Description |
|---|---|
| Valiant V100 | Base model with minimal trim and equipment |
| Valiant V200 | Upgraded trim, more chrome, better interior |
| Valiant Suburban | 4-door wagon version of both V100 and V200 |
1961 Plymouth Valiant
The 1961 Valiant was the second model year for Chrysler’s compact car, and the first year it was officially branded as the Plymouth Valiant (in the U.S.). It continued the Valiant’s mission of offering style, space, and durability in a small, affordable package—but with some refinements and visual updates from its debut year.
Updates for 1961 would include Bolder grille design with vertical “fish mouth” center section, Smoothed rear styling, less exaggerated than 1960, Trim and taillight revisions for a more mature, upscale look, and Continued use of unibody construction and torsion bar front suspension
1961 Plymouth Valiant
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Year | 1961 |
| Make | Plymouth (U.S.) / Valiant (Canada) |
| Body Styles | 2-door sedan, 4-door sedan, 4-door wagon |
| Platform | Chrysler A-body |
| Wheelbase | 106.5 in (2,705 mm) |
| Overall Length | 183.7 in (4,667 mm) |
Powertrain
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Standard Engine | 170 cu in (2.8L) Slant-6 |
| Optional Engine | 225 cu in (3.7L) Slant-6 |
| Horsepower | 101–145 hp depending on engine & carb setup |
| Transmission | 3-speed manual or TorqueFlite auto with dash-mounted push-buttons |
You must be logged in to post a comment.