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The 1971 Chrysler Valiant Charger R/T has cemented its place as one of the most memorable Australian home-grown sports cars of the 1970s. Developed on a modified version of the US Chrysler A-body platform, this iconic car quickly became a force to be reckoned with on the Australian performance car scene.

One of the Valiant Charger's standout features was its powerful engine. Unusually, the most potent engine option for this model was a straight-six, which surprisingly outperformed the larger V8 variant. With 302 bhp, the Charger R/T's straight-six became one of the most powerful production car six-cylinder engines of its time, providing excellent handling along with its lightweight design.

When introduced in 1971, the Valiant Charger faced tough competition from rivals such as the Ford XY Falcon GT and the Holden LC Torana GTR XU-1 in the Australian high-performance car market. Despite the stiff competition, the Charger managed to make a name for itself as a capable contender.

Chrysler Australia's engineering team left no stone unturned in the development of the Valiant Charger. Wider fenders and a wider rear axle were added to accommodate wider tires. The car also received a new body design, created locally by Bob Hubbach and Bryan Smyth, giving it a distinct and appealing look.

The Valiant Charger R/T found success on the race track as well. It made a strong debut by winning its first-ever race, the Toby Lee 100 at Oran Park in Sydney, with driver Doug Chivas behind the wheel. Although it could never quite surpass the Torana or the Falcon in terms of dominance, the Valiant Charger found great success in New Zealand, outperforming the Ford XY Falcon GTHO.

The Charger's popularity was further backed by winning the prestigious "Car of the Year" award from Wheels magazine in its regular production version. This accolade significantly boosted the model's sales across Australia. The Valiant Charger remained in production from 1971 until 1978, with four major generations - the VH, VJ, VK, and the CL.

Today, the Valiant Charger enjoys a significant following among automotive enthusiasts in Australia, with prices for the model steadily rising. Collectors are particularly interested in rare examples of the Charger R/T with the E37 option package, which featured a performance-tuned "Six Pack" engine equipped with triple side-draft Weber carburetors.

One such rare version is up for sale in Melbourne, Australia. This Valiant Charger R/T, fitted with the E37 package, boasts a 4.3-liter straight-six engine that has undergone a comprehensive restoration. Finished in a rare white color with black hood and side stripes, this Charger R/T represents the pinnacle of performance for this iconic model.

While this particular car is believed to have been re-bodied in the early 1990s, its correct engine matching the body tags adds to its allure. The Valiant Charger R/T stands as a testament to Australian motoring history and continues to captivate automotive enthusiasts who appreciate its unique blend of power, handling, and iconic design.