fzmax
Well-Known Member
For at least the past 15 years I've been looking for a 63 to 65 Valiant. I would have taken a Barracuda, but I wanted a Valiant because they are lighter. Years ago I read somewhere that the 63s were a real oddball in that they had an inch less wheelbase than the 60 to 62s or the 64 and up models. This would make them the lightest of all A-bodies, but Ive never seen one when I had a tape measure to verify.
Because of their rarity and combined with the fact that every Valiant I found was either out of my price range, across the country or was more damaged and rotted then I wanted to deal with I never considered Id find a 63.
A few weeks ago one popped up on eBay. This was a 63 two-door with only 12K miles with a buy it now for $10K. I didnt consider this one as Ive never spent near that much on a ride without financing it and $10,000 dollars is a ton of cake for a toy. Despite this, my wife encouraged me to pursue it. I contacted the owner and we agreed on a price. Unless something terrible happens it will be in my garage on Sunday.
All along I wanted a Valiant to build a mini Max-Wedge. Something like Chrysler might have turned out using an A-body and a small block. Kind of like the D-Dart or Formula S, but with more emphasis on ET than being drivable. But I'm a little torn.
This car is a true survivor. It's got 12K documented miles and spent most of it's like indoors. It's got a 170 slamming six, three on the tree, bench seat, radio delete, no rust, no dents, original 47-year-old Grandpa-Green paint (that still shines) and I forgot to ask the owner, but I didnt even see any window cranks in the back in any of the pictures. The owner even has trophies from local shows.
On some level I feel like a fell into a piece of history. But this isnt the history of George Washington, more like his housekeepers younger sister. I mean, who really cares about a stripper Valiant? If we lived in 1963 or even 1983 I'd be tearing right into it. If the car turns out to be legit and not a restored ride with 112K should I not build it because it's almost 50 years old?
I'm probably going to build it the way I want, if not I might as well not buy it. But I'd like to hear what others think, is there anything to having a completely stock ride? That would be something new to me for sure.
Because of their rarity and combined with the fact that every Valiant I found was either out of my price range, across the country or was more damaged and rotted then I wanted to deal with I never considered Id find a 63.
A few weeks ago one popped up on eBay. This was a 63 two-door with only 12K miles with a buy it now for $10K. I didnt consider this one as Ive never spent near that much on a ride without financing it and $10,000 dollars is a ton of cake for a toy. Despite this, my wife encouraged me to pursue it. I contacted the owner and we agreed on a price. Unless something terrible happens it will be in my garage on Sunday.
All along I wanted a Valiant to build a mini Max-Wedge. Something like Chrysler might have turned out using an A-body and a small block. Kind of like the D-Dart or Formula S, but with more emphasis on ET than being drivable. But I'm a little torn.
This car is a true survivor. It's got 12K documented miles and spent most of it's like indoors. It's got a 170 slamming six, three on the tree, bench seat, radio delete, no rust, no dents, original 47-year-old Grandpa-Green paint (that still shines) and I forgot to ask the owner, but I didnt even see any window cranks in the back in any of the pictures. The owner even has trophies from local shows.
On some level I feel like a fell into a piece of history. But this isnt the history of George Washington, more like his housekeepers younger sister. I mean, who really cares about a stripper Valiant? If we lived in 1963 or even 1983 I'd be tearing right into it. If the car turns out to be legit and not a restored ride with 112K should I not build it because it's almost 50 years old?
I'm probably going to build it the way I want, if not I might as well not buy it. But I'd like to hear what others think, is there anything to having a completely stock ride? That would be something new to me for sure.
if you have any kinda emissions i would pass then as it is and get collector plates so you wont have to worry about that l8r then build what you want and as it sounds you want it to be a clean vintage correct car. kinda what ma mopar should of done back in 63. so it will still be a vintage really cool car. if it is in your name you do what you want. i would cut up a original 1 of 1 car if i thought it could be better. cars were ment to be driven and made better lol. just my opinion. i still really like original cars even slow cars they are just not for me. i would feel bad cutting that car tho lol but i would do it lol
