Plymouth launched the Valiant in 1960 to battle against the growing number of imported small cars taking the US by storm. The majority of Valiants sold were four-door sedans - opens in new window or tab.. A two-door coupe - opens in new window or tab., like the Valiant recently sold on eBay, was added to the lineup in 1961.
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Immediate Success
The Plymouth Valiant was among the first of several compact domestic models to arrive in the early 1960s. They served as a counterpoint to Detroit’s long-standing belief in longer, lower, and wider vehicles. The Valiant was an immediate success, and production continued through 1976.
The Valiant was sold in several countries and earned a reputation for bulletproof reliability and inexpensive operation. Many Valiants provided hundreds of thousands of miles of dependable transportation. Those same qualities make the Valiant a good choice for collectors today.
The Valiant’s handling adds to its appeal. Its torsion bar front suspension with unequal length control arms gives it better road manners than many of its contemporaries. Its unibody construction provides a stiffer body structure than the body-on-frame layout common at the time.
Few Remain
The Valiant’s reputation for reliability helped drive sales. But it also means relatively few first-generation models remain. Most were driven into the ground long ago by satisfied owners. This one was truly an exceptional find. It had just 65,000 miles and was being sold by only its second owner after 60-plus years.
This time-capsule Valiant is finished in what is believed to be mostly original black paint. It is powered by the legendary 225-cubic-inch slant six, an engine known for reliability. The seller drove the Valiant three to four times a week. Recent maintenance included:
- New radial tires and 14-inch wheels
- New air conditioning
- New rugs, insulation, and seat covers
Period Style
Red pinstripes and immaculate chrome bumpers - opens in new window or tab. and trim complement the Valiant’s shiny black finish. Distinctive period styling highlights include mini fins in back and a faux Continental spare tire cover on the trunk lid.
The interior was redone with red cloth upholstery and new matching carpets. The steering wheel has a red cover and a Brodie knob - opens in new window or tab. for another period touch. The headliner is free of rips or damage.
The engine-turned dash features a large round speedometer directly in front of the driver. A matching round pod to the right houses additional instrumentation. Both are flanked by rows of buttons for the automatic transmission and heater/defroster controls. Everything was said to work as designed, including the original push-button AM radio.
With a Buy-It-Now price of just $13,500, this was truly an affordable yet practical classic that could be driven every day. Unlike some of the more exotic alternatives, this Valiant may just be on the road for another six decades.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.