The Chrysler Drifter is an automobile which was produced by Chrysler Australia from 1977 to 1978. It was offered in panel van and coupé utility body styles.
| Chrysler Drifter | |
|---|---|
 Chrysler CL Drifter Van | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Chrysler Australia |
| Production | 1977–1978 |
| Assembly | Australia |
| Designer | Dennis Nicolle |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 2-door panel van 2-door coupé utility |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Related | Chrysler Valiant |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 265 cu in (4.3 L) 6-cyl 318 cu in (5.2 L) V8[1] |
| Transmission | four speed manual |
Chrysler Australia added a panel van to their Chrysler CL Valiant range in April 1977,[2] and a few weeks later they introduced the "Drifter Pack" as an option on that body style.[3] The Drifter Pack included a Chrysler Charger grille, quartz halogen high beam headlights, a sports steering wheel, radial ply tyres, styled wheels and special exterior paint and decal treatment with colour-coded bumpers.[3] The 4.3 litre Hemi 265 engine and a four speed floor shift manual transmission were standard on the Drifter.[4] In spite of its option pack status, Chrysler marketed the model as the Chrysler Drifter without using the name "Valiant".[5][6] The Drifter pack was also available on the Chrysler Valiant Utility, which was also marketed as the "Chrysler Drifter".[7]
The Drifter styles of the panel van and utility body ended when Chrysler Australia discontinued the CL series. The 1978 CM Valiant range did not include these styles.[8] The brief life of the Drifter was marked by low sales as competition from comparable offerings from Ford and Holden was stiff.
Chrysler Australia also used the Drifter name on a special edition Charger Drifter, released in 1978.[7]
-
Chrysler CL Drifter Van -
Chrysler CL Drifter Ute
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Elisabeth Tuckey and Ewan Kennedy, Chrysler Valiant, 1996, page 155
- ^ Elisabeth Tuckey and Ewan Kennedy, Chrysler Valiant, 1996, page 152
- ^ a b Chrysler Valiant CL Panel Van, Drifter and LeBaron at www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au Retrieved on 14 May 2011
- ^ Elisabeth Tuckey and Ewan Kennedy, Chrysler Valiant, 1996, page 164
- ^ Valiant Van, Valiant Sports Van and Drifter Van brochure Retrieved on 14 May 2011
- ^ Chrysler Drifter sales brochure cover Retrieved on 14 May 2011
- ^ a b Elisabeth Tuckey and Ewan Kennedy, Chrysler Valiant, 1996, page 163
- ^ Elisabeth Tuckey and Ewan Kennedy, Chrysler Valiant, 1996, page 172
External links
edit | This article about a modern automobile produced after 1975 is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |