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300 SRT Pacer: Chrysler Valiant tribute special revealed

The Pacer is only a tribute for now, but a production version is in the works for Australia.


Chrysler has cranked up the nostalgia on its 300 SRT Core, revealing a Pacer tribute paying homage to to the 1969 Chrysler Valiant Pacer.

At the moment it's only a tribute, but Chrysler will actually put a version of the Pacer into production for Australia – it'll be a "limited edition" and "released soon", but no further details have been revealed.

The original Chrysler Valiant Pacer was built in Adelaide, aimed at muscle car fans who wanted to go fast – well, fast by 1969 standards – on a budget. Power came from a 'slant six' engine making 130kW, mated with a three-speed manual transmission.

The modern equivalent is far more powerful. There's a HEMI V8 engine under the bonnet, pumping out 350kW and 637Nm, hooked up to an eight-speed automatic transmission. That's more than double the power, and almost triple the gears.

Linking the two is the Wild Yellow body colour, black side stripes, silver mirror caps, and red highlights. There's a healthy smattering of Pacer 392 badges, too.

"We’re excited to bring to life a modern interpretation of an Australian classic, the Chrysler 300 SRT Pacer tribute car," said Guillaume Drelon, director of product for Chrysler Australia.

"Highlighting the signature details of the original, the Pacer tribute takes inspiration from the iconic design cues of the celebrated 1969 Valiant Pacer."

Given it's based on the 300 SRT Core, it appears likely the production Pacer will miss out on niceties like adaptive damping, leather seats, and the full suite of Fiat Chrysler's semi-autonomous safety systems.

Chrysler proudly trumpets the fact the Core is "the last affordable V8 powered rear wheel drive sedan still available in Australia", given the death of local manufacturing.

Chrysler Valiant operated between 1962 and 1981 in Australia, manufacturing cars for the local market – although they were also exported to New Zealand, South Africa, and some south-east Asian countries.

Chrysler was considered part of a 'big three' alongside Ford and Holden at one point, before it ended production in 1981, handing over its manufacturing operation to Mitsubishi.

Part of its old engine plant in Tonsley Park is now a South Australian Government hub for autonomous vehicle development.

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