Chrysler of Argentina
by Javier Denardo
Before the 1940s, Argentina imported all of its vehicles. Any model or make could be purchased, and many Dodge, Plymouth, Desoto. Fargo and Chrysler products were imported directly from the U.S. (many still survive today over there).
(Fernando de Arostequi wrote in the Plymouth Bulletin Argentina was (and is) a rich country, so there were buyers for every product American makers sold - Cadillacs, Duesenbergs, LaSalles, and others, including 16-cylinder models, were imported. 1935 Dodges were used as taxis for many years, all black, with jump seats and an Imperial division between passenger and driver; they were all right-hand drive (Argentina switched to left hand drive in 1945, but taxis were allowed to run with right hand drive for many years afterwards).
Chrysler brands had a major foothold due to the huge autodrome built by the Resta Brothers, which included not only showrooms but a major rooftop test track, on which customers could drive the cars they intended to buy; and an integrated production facility to make Chrysler, Plymouth, DeSoto, Dodge, and Imperial cars from American-made kits.
After World War II, because car building stopped in the U.S. from 1942 to 1946, Argentina shifted towards European cars (e.g. Fiat, Renault) and then stopped importing altogether (except for diplomats and special situations). Car building was stressed after 1955 and by 1962 it is said that 22 automakers set up shop there through local investors or through direct involvement (Ford and Kaiser). Chrysler was associated with Fevre & Basset, and by 1962 was building the Valiant I (the 1960 version of the U.S. Plymouth Valiant.) Only the 4 door version was produced.
Later, the Valiant II came out, followed by the Valiant III in 1965; it resembled the 1963 Dodge Dart. In 1967 the Valiant IV came out and looked very much like the U.S. 1966 Plymouth Valiant.
Dave Desmond commented: "The wheelbase was 111 inches (2820mm). Amazing that Chrysler tooled up unique sheet metal for the circa-1975 Argentinean GTX /Coronado/Polara and the Spanish 3700 models: such a tiny market in both countries! Does anyone know Chrysler's rationale?"
Production ceased for the Valiants in 1968 or 1969, when they were replaced by the Coronado and Polaras, also known as the 3700 GT in Europe. (One of these cars is seen in the first Batman movie directed by Tim Burton, as it was filmed in the UK but they obtained American cars for this film. The 3700 GT was never sold in the U.S. so it's a pseudo-American car). The Polara R/T was a coupe with a slant 6 (not sure if the 170 or 225 cu. in) but the GTX was available with a 273 or 318 cubic inch V8 engine - a rarity in Argentina, as most cars were four or six cylinders. There were some limited edition GTXs with 6 cylinders as well.
by Javier Denardo
Before the 1940s, Argentina imported all of its vehicles. Any model or make could be purchased, and many Dodge, Plymouth, Desoto. Fargo and Chrysler products were imported directly from the U.S. (many still survive today over there).
(Fernando de Arostequi wrote in the Plymouth Bulletin Argentina was (and is) a rich country, so there were buyers for every product American makers sold - Cadillacs, Duesenbergs, LaSalles, and others, including 16-cylinder models, were imported. 1935 Dodges were used as taxis for many years, all black, with jump seats and an Imperial division between passenger and driver; they were all right-hand drive (Argentina switched to left hand drive in 1945, but taxis were allowed to run with right hand drive for many years afterwards).
Chrysler brands had a major foothold due to the huge autodrome built by the Resta Brothers, which included not only showrooms but a major rooftop test track, on which customers could drive the cars they intended to buy; and an integrated production facility to make Chrysler, Plymouth, DeSoto, Dodge, and Imperial cars from American-made kits.
After World War II, because car building stopped in the U.S. from 1942 to 1946, Argentina shifted towards European cars (e.g. Fiat, Renault) and then stopped importing altogether (except for diplomats and special situations). Car building was stressed after 1955 and by 1962 it is said that 22 automakers set up shop there through local investors or through direct involvement (Ford and Kaiser). Chrysler was associated with Fevre & Basset, and by 1962 was building the Valiant I (the 1960 version of the U.S. Plymouth Valiant.) Only the 4 door version was produced.
Later, the Valiant II came out, followed by the Valiant III in 1965; it resembled the 1963 Dodge Dart. In 1967 the Valiant IV came out and looked very much like the U.S. 1966 Plymouth Valiant.
Dave Desmond commented: "The wheelbase was 111 inches (2820mm). Amazing that Chrysler tooled up unique sheet metal for the circa-1975 Argentinean GTX /Coronado/Polara and the Spanish 3700 models: such a tiny market in both countries! Does anyone know Chrysler's rationale?"
Production ceased for the Valiants in 1968 or 1969, when they were replaced by the Coronado and Polaras, also known as the 3700 GT in Europe. (One of these cars is seen in the first Batman movie directed by Tim Burton, as it was filmed in the UK but they obtained American cars for this film. The 3700 GT was never sold in the U.S. so it's a pseudo-American car). The Polara R/T was a coupe with a slant 6 (not sure if the 170 or 225 cu. in) but the GTX was available with a 273 or 318 cubic inch V8 engine - a rarity in Argentina, as most cars were four or six cylinders. There were some limited edition GTXs with 6 cylinders as well.
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Andres Pinho's GTX. |