Chrysler Centura (1975-78) Production 19770 Registration Number JVC 263 N The Chrysler 180 was the base name for a series of large saloon cars produced by Chrysler Europe. resulting from a joint developement by Rootes (UK) and Simca (France) . In 1966, under the direction of Roy Axe, the Head of Design, Rootes Group team started working on what was internally named the “C Car” (in reference to the smaller “B car”, which became the Hillman Avenger), a new large car for Rootes to replace the Humber Hawk. The Rootes development programme also comprised the development of a brand-new V6 engine, with a 60° vee angle, with two versions of the displacements of 2.0 and 2.5 litres. At the same time, in France, Simca was working on Projet 929, which would be Simca’s first large car since the Vedette was cancelled in 1961, and also partially replace the Simca 1501 in its role of the range-topping Simca. With the UK joining the EU, and the scrapping of import tariffs Project management was moved to France and the result was the Chrysler 180 – later to become the Chrysler 2-litre. Introduced in 1970. In Australia (like elsewhere) the 1970’s oil crisis was badly affecting sales of the most popular and profitable full-size cars. Holden responded quickly with the Torana, Ford also shoehorned a six into the Mk III Cortina. But for Chrysler there was nothing between the 1.6 litre Gallent and the big Valiant. In 1972 a Chrysler 180 was brought over for evaluation and deemed unsuitable for local conditions, but a year later, in desperation, an engineering team went to France and set about converting the 180 to their needs. Engineers from Chrysler Australia and Simca considered modifying the body of a Chrysler 180 sedan and shortening the drive train so they could place the Australian 6-cylinder Hemi engines further back in the body but instead decided to lengthen the nose, as Chrysler Australia apparently felt this created a more aggressive and better-looking car. With a limited budget, the styling effort was restricted to the necessary nose and bonnet changes, round headlamps to comply with Australian requirements, and a revised rear panel with large tail lights (although to save cost and complication the inner sections mounted on the boot lid were non-functional). The rear body had to be beefed up with heavier panels to deal with flexing caused by the Hemi’s torque. One of the many engineers who worked on the design of the Chrysler 180, on which the Centura was based, was Tony Wheeler, who was later the founder of the Lonely Planet guides. The cars were assembled in Australia at Tonsley Park. Powered by a choice of engines including athe 2 litre Type 180 S4, and a 3.5 and 4 litre S6 Hemi Shot at The Coventry Transport Museum and Reserve Collection 18:05:2013 Ref: 91-319
