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1960 Plymouth Valiant

The '60 Valiant? A compact car that surprised everyone! Affordable, reliable, and surprisingly roomy, it became a huge hit, showing smaller could be great. Its simple, clean lines—a bit boxy, but charming—were its signature. A true American icon of the early 60s.

Discover the 1960 Plymouth Valiant

The 1960 Plymouth Valiant stands as a testament to innovative design and engineering prowess, highlighted by its unique "fuselage" aesthetic—thank you, Virgil Exner! This car wasn't just another blip on the automotive radar. Nope, it forged a path, highlighted by its controversial looks—some folks lovingly called it "frog-like." Isn't that a term of endearment? Beneath that daring exterior, it was a reliable machine, earning quite the fanbase. Valiant devotees valued the spacious interior and the car's out-of-this-world affordability, proving that you didn't need deep pockets to dive into the world of compact cars.

Photo of a 1960 Plymouth Valiant

1960 Plymouth Valiant Models:

Select the vehicle's model to see the correct data for it.

How Much is Plymouth Valiant Worth?

Original MSRP :$2,164.00

Outstanding

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$26,700

Clean

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$18,400

Average

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$12,200*

Rough

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$6,600

1960 Plymouth Valiant Specs

Body Maker: Plymouth
No. Of Doors: 4
Length: 183.7 inches
Width: 70.4 inches
Height: 55.6 inches
Wheelbase: 106.5 inches
Weight: 2,815lbs
Type: Inline, overhead valve, Single downdraft, Unknown at time of publication
Displacement: 170.86 cu. in.
Cylinders: 6
Bore And Stroke: 3 13/32 & 3 1/8 inches
Compression Ratio Standard: 8.5 to 1
Compression Ratio Optional: Not applicable
Horsepower Brake: 101@4400
Horsepower Rated: 27.85
Main Bearings: 4
Valve Lifters: Mechanical
Block Material: Cast Iron
Engine Number Location: On right side of block between number 2 & 3 cylinders.
Lubrication: Pressure to all bearings excluding wrist pin
Type:
5 Pints
Drive:
Rear wheel drive
Clutch Type:
Single plate dry disc
Clutch Size:
9.1 inches
Gear Ratios:
3
Gear Ratios First:
2.71
Gear Ratios Second:
1.83
Gear Ratios Third:
1 to 1
Gear Ratios Fourth:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Fifth:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Reverse:
3.49
Type: Semifloating
Differential Type: Hypoid
Differential Ratio: 3.55 to 1
Front: Independent torsion bar
Rear: Longitudinal leaf spring
Service Type: 4 wheel hydraulic drum
Service Front Size: 9 inches
Service Rear Size: 9 inches
Emergency Type: Rear service brakes
Emergency Size: 9 inches
Tire Size: 6.5 x 13
Spare Location: Trunk
Fuel: 13 Gallons
Oil: 4 Quarts
Rear Differential: 2 Pints
Front Differential: Not applicable
Transfer Case: Not applicable
Serial Number:Starting 150a100001
Total Digits:10
Digits 1:Make
Digits 2:Series & Body style
Digits 3:Model year
Digits 4:Assembly plant
Digits 5-10:Production number
All colors may not be available in all models., Valiant Red, Valiant Silver Metallic, Twilight Blue Metallic, Oyster White, Chrome Green Metallic
Station Wagon 2-seat: Opt
Power Steering: Opt

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A Snapshot in History

The 1960s were a turning point for American automobiles. Enter the Plymouth Valiant, a game-changer with a sleek, seamless design—a huge departure from the boxy cars of yesterday. This design trend wasn't just flashy; it was functional too. Integrated doors and windows? Genius, right? That's what set the Valiant apart, both then and now.

The design wasn't the only thing cutting-edge. The Valiant's performance, thanks to its Slant-6 engine, was nothing short of impressive. It clocked competitive speeds against the likes of the Chevrolet Corvair and Ford Falcon. And during the 1960 Daytona 500, it flexed those muscles, securing top spots in a special compact car race.

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In the Spotlight: Pop Culture and Advertising

Forgotten vehicle? Think again. The Plymouth Valiant made waves in both film and television, and the ads were nothing short of iconic—think jazzy tunes juxtaposed against shiny chrome. These commercials weren't just selling a car; they were selling a lifestyle.

Influential Figures Who Own a Piece of History

James Dean's Neighbor

While the Valiant's claim to celebrity fame might be understated, it's worth noting that it shares a space in history with iconic figures. Imagine this: a neighbor of James Dean owning a Valiant five years post the actor's untimely death. The classic car becomes a significant footnote in the Hollywood tale—connecting subtly but surely to that larger-than-life chapter.

Interested in Buying or Selling a Classic Car?

Thinking about diving into the world of classic cars with a Plymouth Valiant, or perhaps offloading one? Let me tell you, knowing your vehicle's history is pretty crucial—and we're not just talking about a quick Google search. Consider these:

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    Salvage Information and more.

For a comprehensive check, tools like can be incredibly valuable. You might also want to decode the finer details.

Pricing Trends and Market Realities

Curious what your Valiant might be worth today? Well, these models usually bag somewhere between $10,000 and $25,000 at auction. Some even higher if they've got a story to tell or rare features to flaunt.

Need to Check a VIN?

If you're keen to dig deeper into the history of a specific model—like checking out those cryptic early VIN numbers—there are tools for that. A or even a could unlock secrets you never knew your car had.

Exploring the Valiant's legacy means more than taking a spin around the block—it's about reviving an era where car design took risks, performance was paramount, and every owner, no matter how casual, became a part of its story.

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Explore Plymouth Valiant from Other Years

Frequently Asked Questions

Well, let's see... spotting a '60 Valiant isn't rocket science, but there are a few telltale signs. Think of it like this; its overall shape is pretty unique for its time – a sleek, compact design, you know? Look for the distinctive, somewhat understated, chrome grille; it's pretty easy to pick out. The tail lights are another key feature; they're kinda neat and a bit different from other cars of that era. And don't forget about the body style – they came in two-door sedans, four-door sedans, and station wagons. So, keep an eye out for those details! You'll get the hang of it.

The '60 Valiant wasn't exactly a horsepower monster, you know? But it had a couple of choices under the hood. Most commonly, you'd find the slant-six engine; it was pretty reliable, kinda like a workhorse. There was also a V8 option available, though it wasn't as popular. Think of it as the cherry on top, a bit more pep than the standard six. Either way, it's good to know that while it might not have been flashy, that engine was a solid choice for most folks back then.

Oh boy, that's a tough one! Value really depends on condition, options, and you know, the overall shape it's in. A pristine, fully restored Valiant? That could fetch a pretty penny! But a project car, needing lots of TLC? Well, that'll be considerably cheaper. Seriously, it's like comparing apples and oranges. Your best bet is to check out online classic car listings or talk to a specialist in older cars to get a good estimate. That's how you avoid any surprises.

These old girls, they've been around the block a few times, so expect some quirks. Rust is, unfortunately, a common problem, especially in areas that see a lot of snow. I've seen many a Valiant that was more rust than car! Plus, you've got the usual suspects: brake systems can be temperamental, electrical issues pop up sometimes; I mean, after all those years, it's bound to happen eventually. But hey, a little bit of mechanical knowledge goes a long way, right? Or, you can always find a good mechanic. No car is perfect.

Finding parts for a classic car can be a bit of an adventure, let me tell you. But don't you worry, there are many online retailers specializing in classic car parts. You can also check out local auto parts stores; they might surprise you. And hey, don't count out those classic car swap meets and forums either; you can always find some cool stuff, and make a few new friends along the way! It’s all about connecting with the community.

It's a cool, stylish car with a simple, reliable design. It’s also relatively affordable to get into the hobby compared to some other classic cars. Plus, there’s a pretty solid community of Valiant enthusiasts; they're always willing to lend a hand. It's a great car for someone who appreciates classic cars without breaking the bank and wants a bit of a project to tinker with. That’s what makes it special.