Plymouth Valiant History
Plymouth's enduring compact (1960–1976) — launched as its own marque, famed for the bulletproof Slant-Six, and the basis for the Barracuda and Duster.
Photo: “1964 Plymouth Valiant 200 Convertible (35516101526).jpg” by Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 2.0
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The Valiant launched for 1960 as its own standalone marque, then was reclassified as a Plymouth model for 1961. It debuted Chrysler's all-new Slant-Six — a robust inline-six canted 30 degrees to allow a lower hood — which earned a legendary reputation for durability and powered the Valiant for its entire life.
A compact built for 'attractive styling, durability, and economy,' the Valiant was a sales mainstay across four generations (1960–1976). It also served as the platform for two famous spin-offs: the Barracuda (1964) and the Duster coupe (1970). Its long, reliable run made it one of Plymouth's most important volume cars.
Generations
First generation · A-body
Launched as the standalone 'Valiant' for 1960, becoming a Plymouth model for 1961; introduced the Slant-Six.
1961 Photo: “1961 Plymouth Valiant (27827773545).jpg” by Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 2.0
1962 Photo: “1962 Plymouth Valiant (28249854153).jpg” by Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 2.0
Second generation · A-body restyle
Photo: “1964 Plymouth Valiant 200 Convertible (35516101526).jpg” by Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 2.0
Cleaner restyle; spawned the original Barracuda fastback in 1964 off this platform.
1964 Photo: “1964 Plymouth Valiant 200 Convertible (35516101526).jpg” by Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 2.0
1965 Photo: “1965 Plymouth Valiant V100 Sedan (21548294495).jpg” by Sicnag / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 2.0
1966 Photo: “1966 Plymouth Valiant 200 (28862409833).jpg” by Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 2.0
Third generation · A-body
The long-running redesign that underpinned the 1970 Duster coupe and the popular Valiant Scamp hardtop.
1968 Photo: “1968 Plymouth Valiant (27494042985).jpg” by Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 2.0
1971 Photo: “1971 Plymouth Valiant Sedan (45902406881).jpg” by Sicnag / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 2.0
1973 Photo: “1973 Plymouth Valiant Scamp (27422095531).jpg” by Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 2.0
Fourth generation · A-body (final)
The final US Valiants before the nameplate was retired and replaced by the Volaré for 1976.
1975 Photo: “1975 Plymouth Valiant Brougham (28733860292).jpg” by Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 2.0
1976 Photo: “Playmouth Valiant Custom 1976 in Antons Kulturhistoriske Senter.jpg” by Marius Vassnes / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
Body styles
- Sedan
- Hardtop
- Coupe
- Wagon
- Convertible
Related models
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