Vehicle Description
1962 Plymouth Valiant V100 Signet 2 Door Hardtop
The first generation Valiants were introduced as compact cars and
for the early 60's. These were indeed small cars competing with the
American Motors Rambler, Ford Falcon, and Studebaker Lark. The
design was daring and unique and in just its second year of
production, the Signet sub-model was introduced and contains some
special features not seen on the standard Valiant and why it is
referred to as the "high-end version of the Valiant".
For consignment, that special version assigned to the 2-door
hardtop which has undergone a good bit of mechanical and cosmetic
restoration. With its unmistakable design and red and black color
palette, it presents very nicely with just 57,026 title verified
actual miles and represents the first year bucket seats were
introduced for the Valiant.
Exterior
The car is awash in glossy black paint with a contrasting
red-painted body side molding feature, (this was a $19.95 option in
1962!). The next thing you notice is the flowing body protrusions,
a design possibly inspired by a Ghia-bodied concept car, presenting
body lines that sweep forward and jut out in a dramatic fashion.
While mere mortal Valiants had a regular grille with no Plymouth
emblem, the Signet is immediately recognizable for its
black-painted grille and colorful emblem. The body lines create
eyebrows over the headlights and canted "cat-like" features over
the rear, round taillights. The profile of the car is unique as
well with narrow C-pillars, lots of glass, and a roofline that
grows broader as it extends rearward. The wrap-around rear glass
completes the greenhouse look and an open, airy appearance. The
13-inch steel wheels are painted red which surround the hubcaps,
all of which are ringed by white-lined tires. The chrome is in very
good condition and there were no major flaws in the paint. The
front and rear bumpers are new and any metal that showed rust was
replaced with new metal then sprayed with base coat and five coats
of clear.
Interior
New red vinyl upholstery covers the bucket seats and rear bench and
continues the color theme of the car as does the red armrest on
black door cards, all in excellent condition. A modest two-spoke
wheel with � horn ring creates a window to one of the more distinct
features of the Valiant, the asymmetrical dashboard. The
speedometer is to the left while three small gauges appear to the
right. White push-button controls flank the gauge cluster and
change the gears and fan speed, left and right respectively. Other
knobs are ivory white, pretty unusual for the time when most cars
had metal, chrome, or black buttons and knobs. The AM radio, (also
with ivory controls!), is enhanced by a Radio Shack Realistic
auxiliary FM unit mounted below the freshly painted dash. The low
pile black carpet, white, perforated headliner, and black rear
shelf are newer and in great shape.
Drivetrain
The famous "slant 6" debuts in the first gen Valiant and the
original engine is in place. There are too many qualities to the
225ci slant six to include here but makes for a fascinating read.
It produced a healthy 145 horsepower and is tied to a Torqueflite
3-speed automatic, also original to the car. Power travels to the
rear axle via a 7.25" rear and 3.55 gears. Power drum brakes bring
all those horses to a halt. Per the consignor, all of these things
are new mechanicals: power brake unit, water pump, alternator,
heater core and valve, motor mounts, radiator core. These things
have been rebuilt: power steering pump, carburetor, (1-barrel),
transmission.
Undercarriage
The consignor makes a note that rust and bonded areas of the bottom
edges of the body were removed. The underside was power washed and
painted with rust converter paint. As such, the underside is
uniformly black with a few areas of surface rust on the frame where
the paint missed. The single exhaust is in good shape and enters a
stock-style muffler. Torsion bars appear on the front independent
suspension while leaf springs can be found in the rear.
Drive-Ability
Who doesn't love a push button transmission? The simplicity is
astounding! We fired the leaning tower of power up and took a lap.
After driving other cars of the era, it does feel considerably
smaller, but the absolute greenhouse effect means you don't feel
cramped or confined in any way. Seats of this era lack the
"cradling" support of modern stuff, but these are soft and
comfortable nonetheless. Quite decent power from the Signet and a
smooth ride ensued. The power drums brought the car to a
stop...valiantly!
Tom McCahill tested the '62 Signet and wrote about it in Mechanix
Illustrated: "A two-door hardtop with beautiful bucket seats, lush
carpeting, and deluxe trim which makes it foreign-looking, it has a
built-in intrigue, looks-wise the Valiant is a bold stand against
planned bashfulness that is designed not to offend or excite
anyone.". Indeed, this is a special car that is show-worthy and
ready to take its throne as a garage queen.
1426186695
1-Plymouth 6 Cylinder
4-Valiant Signet
2-1962
6-Newark, DE Assy Plant
186695-Sequential Unit Number
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