This Chrysler VH Valiant Charger R/T E49 is a particularly rare and highly sought-after classic Australian muscle car, offered for sale by its reported third owner from new. Under the bonnet sits a naturally aspirated 265-cubic inch (4.3-litre) ‘E49’ inline-six, fed by triple side-draft Weber carburettors, delivering around 225kW to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. First registered sometime after June 1972, this example has been with the seller and third owner for an impressive 46 years. This VH Valiant Charger R/T is understood to be one of only 149 examples specified with the E49 engine. The odometer indicates 19,814 miles, though this is not warranted. Build year: 1972 The Chrysler Valiant Charger was introduced in 1971 with the VH series, which quickly became hugely popular, winning the 1971 Australian Car of the Year award. The highly desirable VH series Charger R/T (Road/Track) continued Chrysler's performance legacy from the VG series Valiant Pacer, and went on to become the base for the marque’s participation in Australian production car racing. This example is finished in the attention-grabbing shade of Hemi Orange with contrasting black decals, and ‘Hemi Six Pack’ decals on the rear quarters, over a black vinyl-trimmed interior, featuring a grey lower dashboard and chrome trim highlights. It rides on a set of 14-inch slot mag alloy wheels fitted with Bridgestone RD-207 Steel tyres. Equipment includes a wrap-around rear spoiler, the Track Pack minus 35-gallon tank (A87), the interior dress-up package (A95), a 3.50 to 1 ratio ‘Sure Grip’ rear axle (D56), heater and ventilation controls, and push-out front quarter light windows. This example was specified with the sought-after ‘E49’ Competition engine. The vehicle comes with two ignition/door keys, two boot keys, a wheel locknut key, and a selection of invoices from the seller and prior owner. The car also comes with a pair of original ‘Charger R/T’ decals, a pair of ‘Hemi Six Pack’ decals, a ‘Hemi 265’ decal, and specification data and warning label stickers. Please refer to the photo gallery to assess the exterior and interior condition. Specific notes from the seller include: the paintwork is believed to be largely original, with prior repair and respray work carried out on the left-hand front wing. The boot floor has been repainted following fuel tank removal and cleaning. The body shows age-related blemishes and stone chips, there is some minor rust visible in the right-hand rear panel below the bumper, and the underside of the car shows some areas of peeling paint, though the floor is reportedly solid. The interior is reported to be original, with cracking in the driver’s seat trim and a hole in the original carpet. The seller notes that the windscreen wipers do not return to the correct parked position, and the car requires new tyres and a wheel alignment. The most recent service was in 2022 at around an indicated 19,800 miles by MDL Automotive, which consisted of a general service. The engine was reassembled and reinstalled in 2022, with oils, filters, brake fluid, and coolant replaced. The new camshaft was also run in as required. Prior maintenance included an engine recondition with genuine parts (pistons, rings, bearings, camshaft, hydraulic lifters), and the replacement of the timing gears and chain, water pump and seals using quality aftermarket components. Other mechanical work included renewed front suspension bushes and ball joints, reconditioned brake master cylinder and front callipers, replacement rear wheel cylinders and brake hoses, and a new exhaust system from extractors back. During earlier use, the car was serviced approximately every 3,000 miles or six months by the seller, who is a qualified mechanic. The prior owner reportedly had the vehicle maintained by Doug Chivas, a noted Chrysler race car driver. This Chrysler VH Valiant Charger R/T E49 is a very rare and highly desirable classic Australian muscle car, renowned for its formidable six-cylinder engine and lightweight chassis. Understood to be one of only 149 examples specified with the E49 Competition engine, benefiting from long-term enthusiast ownership and a known history since 1973, this example is reported to remain largely original, with significant mechanical work already carried out. Said to have been last registered in 1987 and stored since then, it presents a compelling opportunity for collectors or restorers seeking an iconic and increasingly sought-after piece of Australian motoring history. The description of this consignment is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller and performs a level of due diligence. However, potential buyers must independently satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description. Potential buyers should view or arrange inspections as well as conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to bid or buy. Please note that it is not uncommon for classic or collectible vehicles to have received cosmetic repairs in the past, either to rectify damage or refresh appearance, and this work may be undetectable even upon visual inspection. Unless there is an explicit statement by the seller to the contrary, please assume that any vehicle could have had bodywork or paintwork during its life. Furthermore, photographs may not reflect the true colour or full condition of the vehicle. 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