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1973 Plymouth Valiant

The '73 Valiant: a dependable, budget-friendly compact car. It wasn't flashy, reflecting the era's gas crunch, but it was everywhere! Its boxy shape was a common sight, embodying 70s practicality. A solid, unassuming workhorse, its cultural impact lies in its sheer ubiquity. Think reliable transport, not a head-turner.

History of the 1973 Plymouth Valiant

The 1973 Plymouth Valiant emerged during a pivotal era of change in the American automobile industry. At a time when the oil crisis of the 1970s led to a market shift towards compact and fuel-efficient vehicles, the Valiant was a beacon of practicality and efficiency.

Fueled by the well-regarded Slant-6 engine, the Valiant boasted a reputation for durability and efficiency. Its launch saw it capture over 40% of Plymouth's total sales volume. Technologically, the Valiant was ahead of its time, featuring electronic ignition and safety enhancements.

Photo of a 1973 Plymouth Valiant

1973 Plymouth Valiant Models:

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

How Much is Plymouth Valiant Worth?

Original MSRP :$2,397.00

Outstanding

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$19,200

Clean

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$14,300

Average

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$9,400*

Rough

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$5,000

1973 Plymouth Valiant Specs

Body Maker: Plymouth
No. Of Doors: 4
Model Number: VL41
Length: 195.8 inches
Width: 71 inches
Height: 54.3 inches
Wheelbase: 108 inches
Type: Inline 6, overhead valve, Single downdraft, Synchro-mesh
Displacement: 198 cu. in.
Cylinders: 6
Bore And Stroke: 3.4 & 3.64 inches
Compression Ratio Standard: 8.4 to 1
Horsepower Brake: 95@4000
Horsepower Rated: 27.74
Torque: 150@1600
Valve Lifters: Hydraulic
Engine Number Location: Stamped on joint face at right corner, adjacent to number 1 cylinder bore.
Lubrication: Pressure to all bearings excluding wrist pin
Carburetor Make: Holley
Type:
6.5 Pints
Drive:
Rear wheel drive
Clutch Type:
Single plate dry disc
Clutch Size:
9.25 inches
Gear Ratios:
3
Gear Ratios First:
3.18
Gear Ratios Second:
1.83
Gear Ratios Third:
1 to 1
Gear Ratios Fourth:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Fifth:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Reverse:
3.97
Type: Semifloating
Differential Type: Hypoid
Differential Ratio: 3.23 to 1
Front: Independent torsion bar
Rear: Leaf springs
Service Type: Hydraulic, self-adjusting drums
Service Front Size: 9 inches
Service Rear Size: 9 inches
Emergency Type: Rear service brakes
Emergency Size: 9 inches
Type: Regular
Tire Size: 6.95 x 14
Spare Location: Trunk
Fuel: 18 Gallons
Oil: 4 Quarts
Rear Differential: 2.1 Pints
Front Differential: Not applicable
Transfer Case: Not applicable
Serial Number:Starting VL41B3a100001
Total Digits:13
Digits 1-2:Series
Digits 3-4:Body style
Digits 5:Engine
Digits 6:Model year
Digits 7:Assembly plant
Digits 8-13:Production number
All colors may not be available in all models., Silver Frost Metallic, Blue Sky, True Blue Metallic, Mist Green, Amber Sherwood Metallic, Forest Green Metallic, Sahara Beige, Coral Turquoise Metallic, Chestnut Metallic, Spinnaker White, Formal Black, Sun Fire Yellow, Honey Gold, Golden Haze Metallic, Tahitian Gold Metallic, Basin Street Blue, Rallye Red, Autumn Bronze Metallic, Tor-Red, Lemon Twist
Sedan: Opt
225 Cu. In. Inline 6 Engine: Opt
Air Conditioning: Opt
Power Brakes: Opt
Power Steering: Opt
Radio: Opt

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Famous Figures Who Own the 1973 Plymouth Valiant

Though specific celebrity owners aren't extensively documented, the Valiant's presence in media is unmatched. Frequently featured alongside other icons like the Dodge Challenger, it was the staple choice in numerous '70s TV shows. Think of it as that old friend who always sticks around, even when times change.

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The Cultural Significance

Collectors gravitate towards the Valiant not just for its classic design, but for its role in history. It often appears at classic car showcases, showcasing its enduring appeal among enthusiasts.

Fun Facts about the 1973 Plymouth Valiant

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    Speed Enthusiast Approved: Despite being a sedan, it held its own in terms of speed, highlighted by aftermarket modifications that made it a top competitor at races like NASCAR's Daytona.

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    Pop Culture Icon: Movies like Vanishing Point didn't just spotlight the Dodge Challenger but shared themes and lineage with the Valiant, fueling its cult status.

That era's TV crime shows like Mannix often chose the Valiant for its blend of rugged style and reliability. It was like seeing a trusted detective partner—always by the hero's side, you know?

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If you're thinking about diving into the world of classic cars—whether buying or selling—getting your hands on the right documents like a vehicle history report and build sheet is invaluable. Here's why:

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    Salvage Information and More: Ensure the vehicle is in good shape structurally.

Thinking about the logistics? Look into a for more details on previous ownership. Or, if you're dealing with those quirky pre-standard VINs, a or might just do the trick. And for the structure fanatics, there's always the to dive into all the specs.

So there you have it, a peek into the rich tapestry that is the 1973 Plymouth Valiant. Whether you're in it for the nostalgia, the engines, or the thrill of ownership, the Valiant certainly holds a special place in automotive history.

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Explore Plymouth Valiant from Other Years

Frequently Asked Questions

Well, the '73 Valiant? It's a pretty neat car, you know? Think of it as a smaller, more economical sibling to the bigger Plymouths of the era. It varied a bit depending on the trim level – you had the base Valiant, the Valiant Custom, and then the sporty Valiant Scamp. But generally, you're looking at a fairly compact car; length was somewhere around 17 feet, give or take an inch or two. Depending on the engine and options, the weight fluctuated; think between 2,500 and 3,000 pounds, give or take. Engine options were plentiful too; you had inline sixes, and smaller V8s were available if you were feeling a bit more adventurous. Oh, and you'll find the detailed specs in any good classic car reference book, like a real car encyclopedia – that's where you'll really dig into the details.

The 1973 Plymouth Valiant offered a range of engine choices, catering to different needs and preferences. The most common was the trusty slant-six engine; a workhorse, really. It wasn't flashy, but it was reliable – kind of like that old reliable friend who always gets the job done, haha! Then, you could opt for a small-block V8. It’s amazing how much power they squeezed out of those little V8s. This gave the Valiant more pep, you know, a bit more kick to its step. That's really up to the original buyer's preference. It depended on if the buyer wanted something economical or something with a bit more punch. You should be able to find this info in your owner's manual, should you have one. It’s like a treasure map to your Valiant's history!

The 1973 Plymouth Valiant was mainly offered in two body styles: the two-door coupe and the four-door sedan; a practical choice for families. These were straightforward, solid designs; not fancy, but they got the job done. There was also a station wagon variant, if I remember correctly; perfect for hauling stuff around, you know? Like trips to the hardware store or moving boxes – think of it as a car that could really handle anything you threw at it.

Ah, yes, the potential pitfalls. Like any classic car, a '73 Valiant has its quirks. Rust, unfortunately, is a common enemy of these cars, particularly in areas where there’s a lot of snow or heavy rain; it’s like a sneaky villain that just eats away at the metal. The electrical system can also be temperamental; sometimes it's like a fickle friend; it's reliable most of the time but can surprise you. So, check that out carefully. Also, the braking systems in these models tend to require more regular maintenance than others. It’s not always easy to diagnose such issues, unless you have experience with these models, which can be costly. So, a thorough inspection is very, very important before committing to any purchase. It’s like buying a house; you'd never buy a home without a good inspection, would you?

The value of a 1973 Plymouth Valiant varies wildly depending on condition, originality and any modifications. A rust-free, well-maintained example in excellent condition can command a pretty decent price; think of it as a fine wine; it only gets better with age (and careful storage!). A car needing some TLC, however, may be much more affordable, offering a good project for someone with mechanical skills. To give you a range is nearly impossible without more specific information on the car, it is like estimating the value of a house without seeing the house. Checking online classic car pricing guides or attending classic car auctions can be a good starting point. Those resources usually give a reasonable estimate. Ultimately, finding the exact value means careful research; you need to dive into the details.