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1965 Plymouth Valiant

The '65 Valiant: a cool, compact car! Affordable and reliable, it was a popular choice, reflecting the era's focus on practicality. Its clean lines and somewhat understated styling made it a common sight, solidifying its place in 60s Americana. A true workhorse with a friendly face.

The Valiant's Historical Landscape

Introduction of the Valiant

Originally launched in 1960, the Plymouth Valiant was crafted to stand out in Chrysler's lineup. It was marketed with the spunky tagline, "Nobody's kid brother, this one stands on its own," emphasizing its ambition to carve out a unique niche in the crowded automotive scene.

Design Evolution

The Valiant's design was a complete shift from the old "Forward Look" days. Thanks to designer Virgil Exner, it adopted a long-hood and short-deck profile—think of it like wearing a tailored suit. The decklid with its "toilet seat" spare tire gave it a quirky yet endearing look.

Performance and Popularity

While it wasn't necessarily the fastest horse in the race, the Valiant's versatility made it beloved. It was perfect for daily commutes or even showing off at local car meets. Its straightforward maintenance meant you didn't have to be a gearhead to love it.

Photo of a 1965 Plymouth Valiant

1965 Plymouth Valiant Models:

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

How Much is Plymouth Valiant Worth?

Original MSRP :$2,568.00

Outstanding

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$39,600

Clean

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$26,800

Average

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$17,500*

Rough

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$7,100

1965 Plymouth Valiant Specs

Body Maker: Plymouth
No. Of Doors: 2
Model Number: AV2-H-27
Length: 188.2 inches
Width: 70.1 inches
Height: 53.7 inches
Wheelbase: 106 inches
Type: Own, V8, OHV, Dual downdraft, Synchronous in 2nd & 3rd
Displacement: 273 cu. in.
Cylinders: 8
Bore And Stroke: 3 5/8 & 3 5/16 inches
Compression Ratio Standard: 8.8 to 1
Horsepower Brake: 180@4200
Horsepower Rated: 27.7
Torque: 260@1600
Main Bearings: 5
Valve Lifters: Mechanical
Block Material: Cast Iron
Engine Number Location: On left front face of block.
Lubrication: Pressure to all bearings excluding wrist pin
Carburetor Make: Ball and Ball or Stromberg
Type:
6 Pints
Drive:
Rear wheel drive
Clutch Type:
Single plate dry disc
Clutch Size:
9.5 inches
Gear Ratios:
3
Gear Ratios First:
3.02 to 1
Gear Ratios Second:
1.76
Gear Ratios Third:
1 to 1
Gear Ratios Fourth:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Fifth:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Reverse:
3.95
Type: Semifloating
Differential Type: Hypoid
Differential Ratio: 2.93 to 1
Front: Independent torsion bar
Rear: Longitudinal leaf spring
Service Type: Duo-servo, self-adjusting on 4 wheels
Service Front Size: 10 inches
Service Rear Size: 10 inches
Emergency Type: Rear service brakes
Emergency Size: 10 inches
Tire Size: 7.00 x 13
Spare Location: Trunk
Fuel: 18 Gallons
Oil: 4 Quarts
Rear Differential: 2 Pints
Front Differential: Not applicable
Transfer Case: Not applicable
Serial Number:Starting V35a100001
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., Gold, Black, Light Blue, Medium Blue, Dark Blue, Copper, Light Turquoise, Medium Turquoise, Dark Turquoise, Barracuda Silver, Ruby, Ivory, Medium Red, White, Light Tan, Medium Tam
Convertible: Opt
Torque Flite Eight Automatic Transmission: Opt
Air Conditioning: Opt
Power Brakes: Opt
Power Steering: Opt
Pushbutton Radio: Opt

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Pop Culture and The Valiant

The 1965 Plymouth Valiant sauntered its way off the factory floor and right into the spotlight of American pop culture, including beloved TV shows like Leave It to Beaver. Its appearances in such iconic episodes helped cement its place in automotive lore.

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Famous Owners

Bob Dylan

Speaking of iconic, how about Bob Dylan owning a Valiant? That's right, the music legend himself had a 1965 Valiant, adding to the tapestry of rock and roll history. Imagine cruising down the highway in the same car as Dylan—talk about riding in style!

Valiant's Timeless Appeal

Collectibility and Legacy

Given its historical charm and legacy, the Valiant remains a jewel among collectors. As vintage car interest peaks, these cars hold their value and often appreciate over time. It's not just a car; it's a piece of history that stirs nostalgia and admiration from car lovers worldwide.

Price Records

The market for these beauties ranges widely, with pristine models fetching upwards of $33,000. That's a pretty penny for what was once a reliable ride for the everyday American.

Performance and Racing Pedigree

The Valiant wasn't just for show. It boasted impressive capabilities, even pushing past 100 mph with the right engine. With its V8, it could hit 60 mph in under ten seconds. Not too shabby for its time.

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Explore Plymouth Valiant from Other Years

Frequently Asked Questions

Well, let's see... The 1965 Valiant, now that's a classic! You'd mostly find it with the trusty Slant-Six engine; it was their workhorse, you know? Think of it like the dependable family sedan of engines – reliable and pretty common. But, hey, some spunkier models came with a V8 option, though those are a bit rarer; finding one of those beauties is like finding a needle in a haystack. It all boils down to what you're looking for – a solid, reliable daily driver or a bit more oomph under the hood. The Slant-Six was the bread and butter, though. So, you know, it's really a matter of preference; just what you're after in a classic Valiant.

Compared to other cars from '65, the Valiant held its own. It wasn't exactly a speed demon; it wasn't built for drag racing, you see. But it was a surprisingly peppy compact car for its day – it wasn't going to win any races but certainly could get you where you needed to go. Think of it as a good, solid performer; nothing fancy, but it got the job done. Reliability was its strong suit; if you're looking for something that'll keep on trucking, this one's a good bet.

Like any classic car, the Valiant has its quirks. You'll want to keep an eye on things like the electrical system – sometimes those old wires get a bit temperamental. Plus, rust is always a concern, especially in areas known for snow. Also, check the brakes – making sure they are in tip-top shape is paramount, safety first, always! It's kind of like owning any older car – regular maintenance is your best friend; keep on top of things, and she'll treat you right. Oh, and don't forget about the carburetor; those can be a bit finicky sometimes.

Ah, the million-dollar question! The price really depends on the car's condition. A beautifully restored show-stopper? That's going to cost you. A fixer-upper? Well, that's going to be more affordable, obviously. It's all over the map, honestly. Think of it like buying a house; location, location, location. And condition, condition, condition! You'll want to do your research, look at recent sales, and factor in the work needed, if any. It's a wild ride, but a fun one!

Finding parts for a '65 Valiant can be a fun challenge, a real treasure hunt if you will. You can definitely try online classic car parts suppliers – plenty of those exist. Plus, you might luck out at swap meets or car shows – those are always fun. Don't forget about local auto parts stores; you might be surprised at what they have. It's a bit of a detective game, but it's part of the fun! A little digging goes a long way. Persistence pays off in this hobby.