Chrysler Drifter

Chrysler Drifter
Chrysler CL Drifter Van
Overview
ManufacturerChrysler Australia
Production1977–1978
AssemblyAustralia
DesignerDennis Nicolle
Body and chassis
Body style2-door panel van
2-door coupé utility
LayoutFR layout
RelatedChrysler Valiant
Powertrain
Engine265 cu in (4.3 L) 6-cyl
318 cu in (5.2 L) V8[1]
Transmissionfour speed manual

The Chrysler Drifter is a panel van and coupé utility produced by Chrysler Australia from 1977 to 1978.

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

References

  1. ^ Elisabeth Tuckey and Ewan Kennedy, Chrysler Valiant, 1996, page 155
  2. ^ Elisabeth Tuckey and Ewan Kennedy, Chrysler Valiant, 1996, page 152
  3. ^ a b Chrysler Valiant CL Panel Van, Drifter and LeBaron at www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au Retrieved on 14 May 2011
  4. ^ Elisabeth Tuckey and Ewan Kennedy, Chrysler Valiant, 1996, page 164
  5. ^ Valiant Van, Valiant Sports Van and Drifter Van brochure Retrieved on 14 May 2011
  6. ^ Chrysler Drifter sales brochure cover Retrieved on 14 May 2011
  7. ^ a b Elisabeth Tuckey and Ewan Kennedy, Chrysler Valiant, 1996, page 163
  8. ^ Elisabeth Tuckey and Ewan Kennedy, Chrysler Valiant, 1996, page 172
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