1960 Plymouth Valiant V-200 (4dr Sedan)
So Ugly its So Cool!
You would think that one would have to have really bad taste in style to love this little 1960 Valiant but you would be wrong! While you do need to acquire a taste for such a car, so many have. When this car first came out in 1960, it was said that it is so ugly, that Plymouth didnt want to put the Plymouth name on it.... In 1960, Plymouth, the maker of these first year little orphans, never put the name "Plymouth" on the car anywhere. The name "Plymouth" did not appear on the Valiant until 1961. While this story may just be a rumor, these facts remain true.
Nearly 200,000 Valiants were produced in 1960 yet these very inexpensive classics are barely seen today in any condition. Most that are still around, have been drastically changed or customized in some form or another. A limited few remain as they left the factory, Like This One.
In 1960, these cars could be bought for between $2000-$2400 and were considered throw away cars which is what people did with them. The truth is, you cant kill these cars. The 170ci 6cylinder engine will literally run forever without much attention to it. The transmissions were bulletproof and the car itself did not rust away unless abused. Today, there are Valiant Clubs and enthusiasts all over the world looking for them. We consider ourselves lucky to find this one.
This Valiant shows in its original color of Oyster White with Blue Plaid interior. Starting with the body, it is straight and rust free. We can find no evidence of it ever being damaged. Paint is strong with no dents or dings. No bubbling either. Bumpers and chrome are shiny and dent free but not perfect (no pitting). They are original. The car still has its original Mylar molding around the front windshield and rear window. This car also has the famed "Toilet Seat" trunk lid. Take a look to see why they called it that!
The interior seating appears as if it has been redone at some point in its original NOS material. Today, it looks like new. The dash, doors and all interior trim looks fantastic and are all original. Everything works as it should including the AM radio. Back in the day, these radios still had tubes, not transistors, so give it 20 seconds to warm up and shes perfect. Its amazing that its survived so long. This Valiant has Air Conditioning and the old Chrysler label right where Chrysler would have put it. Im not sure if a Valiant could have came with AC in 1960 but this one has it. We believe this AC was Dealer installed but we just dont know. The good thing is; it has it now... and its cold!
The original engine starts right up, runs great, drives straight and stops perfectly... Just as it did in 1960. The engine needs nothing. It is 59 years old and all original. The push button transmission shifts beautifully. This car came with an alternator, not a generator. A big plus and not common on cars in this class in 1960. Brakes have been upgraded to a dual master cylinder for safety. Seat belts have also been added for safety. Tires have plenty of skin left and there is a full spare in the trunk under the trunk mat. The undercarriage is clean and 100% rust free and is original. There is minor surface rust in the trunk as shown but no rust through anywhere.
This is truly a very special car with a very special history that will not break the bank for sure. Like Mikey says, "Try it,...Youll like it" !
