Chrysler (Australia) - AllCarIndex

Chrysler Australia Ltd was established in 1951 in Keswick, South Australia, initially operating from the former T.J. Richards' bodybuilding firm. The company began its production by manufacturing vehicles based on the Plymouth brand, as well as clones of De Soto and Dodge models. The Chrysler Royal, which featured a full-width grille and tail fins, was introduced in 1957, marking a significant revision in the company's offerings.

In 1959, Chrysler Australia added a 505 cubic inch V8 engine to its lineup, which remained in production until 1964. During this period, the Plymouth Valiant was introduced in 1962, becoming a key model for the Australian market. The Valiant's acceptance led to the construction of a new factory, allowing for the gradual divergence of local models from their American counterparts. By 1970, the completion of a foundry complex at Lonsdale enabled the production of the Australian 6-cylinder "hemi" engine.

In 1971, Chrysler Australia introduced a new body shell that eliminated any remaining similarities with overseas models, effectively establishing the Valiant as a distinct make. The Chrysler name was then reserved for more prestigious versions of the vehicles. The French-designed Chrysler 180 model was launched in 1975, featuring a longer nose to accommodate the optional local 6-cylinder engine, and was marketed as the Centura. In line with the broader Chrysler-Mitsubishi arrangements, the Sigma model, equipped with a balance-shaft engine, was also produced in Australia.

The energy crisis of the late 1970s shifted consumer preferences towards smaller vehicles, favoring the Sigma over larger models. This change in market dynamics ultimately led to Chrysler Australia's takeover by Mitsubishi in 1980, marking the end of Chrysler's independent operations in the country.