Random # 329: VG Valiant Pacer Hardtop

This immaculate circa 1970 Valiant Pacer is so stunning that it speaks for itself! It really, really is perfect, with amazing duco, super-straight panels, glittering chrome and a spotless all original interior. As best as I can tell, the only non-factory items are its Aunger Hustler wheels and they're bang-on for period, anyway.

Unfortunately, I can't tell you anything else about the car that you can't see for yourself. The Wikipedia page for the Pacer is confusing, stating in one breath that there were "three different versions of the new 245 Hemi-6 engine," before seeming to list four: a standard donk rated at 185 BHP, the 195 BHP Option 31, Option 34 with 235 BHP and Option 35, for which no output is stated. It might be that the engine fitted to the Option 34 and Option 35 were the same but this isn't clear; the way the entry's written describes some of the go-faster mods listed differently. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysler_Valiant).

Here’s a link to another immaculate Pacer: https://uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com/2019/08/classics-by-beach-sunday-4th-of-august.html. In this case, it’s a four door and is also well worth a look.

U M P H

(uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com.au.)

iPhone images

Comments

EJ or EH Holden? (Up-dated December, 2022)

EJ or the later EH? Several years ago, I posed the question: Can somebody please explain the difference between an EJ and an EH Holden ute or van? The response at the time wasn't overwhelming, so I did a bit of Googling and ferreting through my photos and came up with my own rough guide to EJ and EH identification. Sedans and wagons are easy to tell apart ; the EH's vertical rectangular tail lights are a dead give-away. However, the workhorse versions of both models share the rear-end treatment of the earlier EJ, making it harder to identify one from the other. No super obvious hints here. Or here ... . It turns out that the main clues are in the placement of the front H O L D E N lettering and GMH lion emblems, the style of the radiator grille and the width of the vents in front of the windscreen, with all EJs - sedans, wagons, utes and vans - having one combination and the EH line-up having their own . So what exactly are those diffe

Vick Auto Prima Fiat X1/9 Brakes: An Owner’s Assessment

At the end of 2022, I fitted a set of Vick Autosport Prima front brakes to my mildly worked 1.5 litre Series 1 Fiat X1/9 . I was fortunate, having picked them up at a very, very reasonable price, brand new but surplus to the needs of a fellow X1/9 Australia member who had imported them from the US. The kit included: New single pot callipers , new vented rotors (standard X1/9 front rotors are smaller, non-vented items), DOT approved stainless steel brake hoses, and all the necessary mounting hardware. They are a value proposition, being particularly well priced compared to other manufacturers’ packages - even at RRP - with everyone I’ve spoken to saying they’re made to a high standard, too. Here's a link to a piece that I wrote about them at that time, including some costings: https://uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com/2022/11/the-x19-gets-prima-brake-upgrade.html . Initial Assessment: I was a little underwhelmed by the brakes' performance, finding that although they had a tiny

Random # 301: Nanna-Spec KE36 Corolla

Once upon a time - six or seven years ago, actually - there was a lovely pale yellow GC Galant station wagon getting around Hobart. It was totally nanna-spec; its paint was umarked, the chrome work and hubcaps were immaculate, and its very original interior was pristine. Then someone stuck feathers in its dashboard. Next, the windows were adorned with Tibetan prayer flags. And a hubcap went missing. And the the rear bumper was pushed in, mangling the bodywork behind it. And a mudguard got dented. And rust set in. I fear for this sweet, innocent KE36 Corolla. Somebody please save it before it's too late. Nanna needs you to do it. U M P H (uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com.au.) Photos by GlamRock.

Upper Middle Petrol Head:

Search This Blog