[Bill Watson 2]

Mechanically, the Canadian-built Valiant is similar to US version with two areas to watch out for -
Ring gear - The 1962-1966 Canadian Valiant with a manual transmission used the ring gear from 1961. This was due to Chrysler of Canada using the direct drive Prestolite started instead of the Chrysler-built reduction gear starter.

And the same holds for the torque converter and ring gear for the same period. A friend had a 1964 Valiant that needed a tranny rebuilt. Found out the TC used in the Canadian 1964 Valiant was the same as used in 1961.

The Canadian Valiant was a Dart with a Valiant front clip and instrument panel in 1963-64. 1965 there were two Valiants - the Plymouth Valiant sold as the 100 and Custom 100 with the Dart instrument panel. The Canadian Valiant 200, Custom 200 and Signet was a Dodge Dart with different names and emblems. The Barracuda was sold as the Valiant Barracuda in 1964-65 and in 1965 used the Dart instrument panel.

For 1966 the Canadian Valiant was a Dodge Dart with different nameplates and emblems (200, Custom 200, Signet). The Barracuda was imported from the US with no name on the hood or trunk lid. Also, Chrysler Canada built 56,271 Dart models for the US market. No A body wagons built in Canada for 1966, and although Chrysler Canada built Valiant convertibles for Canada, they built no convertibles for the US market.

 

[Bill Watson 2]

L4E5912778 :

You're missing a digit on the VIN. Chrysler Canada used an 11 digit VIN only for 1965. 1964 was a ten digit number, same as in the U.S., while 1966 went to the new 13 digit VIN.

L - Car Line - Valiant 200 (Dart body - 111" wheelbase)
4 - Series / Engine - Premium / Six : Signet Six (same as Dart GT)
E - Body Style : 2 door Convertible
5 - Model Year : 1965
9 - Assembly Plant - Windsor, ON
12778? - Production number - Should be six digits. Sequence starts at 100001.

The model line up in Canada for the Custom 200 (270) did not include the 2 door sedan or the wagon. Do not know how many Signets were built in Canada, but the total would have been over three digits.

The statement "... one of five convertibles built like it in Canada" could include exterior colour, interior colour, convertible top colour, engine, transmission, etc., etc. Just saying it is one of five does not mean much on its own.

There should be a metal tag attached to the firewall with the following :
MODEL No. - ALP1 - 27 Convertible
BODY No.
PAINT CODE
TRIM CODE

The "A" in the Model Number is the Engineering Dept code for the model year - 1965.

The Body Number is for nth ALP1-27 convertible built in Canada. So, if the Body No. is 111, your car was the 111th 1965 Valiant Signet six cylinder 2dr Convertible built in Canada.

The Canadian body tag was used from 1935 through 1965. The US style of body tag was not used before 1966.

Hope this helps.