Neither Holden nor Ford can lay claim to introducing the first locally built V8 onto the market, instead Chrysler did so in 1965.
The marketplace during the 1960s was continuing to evolve and introduce new features were being introduced by the big three constantly. Plus, the main event at Bathurst was yet to require manufacturers to build special versions of the usual family offerings.
Chrysler’s AP6 was launched in August 1965 to a quiet launch despite it being the first locally assembled compact V8 family model offered in showrooms around Australia.
Powering the AP6 was a 4.5-litre V8 developing 134kW and was light to ensure the Valiant was surprisingly agile, with the powerplant weighing just 22kg more than its V6 relative.
Due to the V8’s shorter length, full advantage was taken by moving the unit towards the rear of the engine bay to further aid its handling capabilities.
Offered in wagon and sedan bodies, the AP6 proved one of the last models to be heavily influenced by its American parent company, with more local ideas beginning to shape in the succeeding variants.
Although the AP6 was locally assembled, the V8 engines fitted were imported from the US featuring all the development achieved since its launch in 1964, while an A904 Torqueflite automatic gearbox was fitted.
The Chrysler V8s came under the LA banner, which came with two-barrel Carter carburettor, thin wall castings, wedge-head combustion chambers and valve inclination, with an upgrade later during its life expanded the displacement.
Incomparable against anything in the Australian marketplace at the time, it was expensive at $3600 when it was launched and was soon usurped by Ford’s XR Falcon in terms of sales.
Although the Ford had shortcomings, the Valiant’s vague steering was highlighted when its cause was revealed to be a RHD conversion shortcut due to the steering box being installed on the body.
Desirable now, the AP6 was the first local V8 to be introduced, but was unable to remain on top when the XR Falcon came onto the market two years after the Valiant’s release.