This is my 1962
model "S" Series Valiant. I got it 1986, when I was
still at Fairvale High School. It belonged to William
John Franklin Cook, my Grandfather. When he passed away,
no-one else in the family had the time or money to fix it up,
so I was allowed to have it. It was Alpine White then,
and I had a great time driving around in a cool looking
"60's" car. After driving it daily I finally decided that it was about time I fixed the car up the way I had always envisaged.
The first thing to be done was the
engine. The original 225 Slant Six was fully
reconditioned, as it couldn't run on 5 cylinders forever
. Around that time I also gave the car a disc brake
conversion from a 1970 model VG Valiant. As time passed
I had the car repainted. It changed to Electric Blue
Metallic which, more than 10 years on, still looks great. I always
knew not only what colour I wanted the car, but what
wheels had to go on it.....5 spoke Dragways. The
interior is original and was retrimmed over the years as
I came across other original material from various car
seats.
The engine saw a set
of extractors and lots of chrome with braided hoses.
Most of the external trim has been either repaired or
replaced, then re-anodised. A Jaguar fuel cap was
fitted to the rear fin, as fuel would pour out whilst
going round corners. Recently I installed a pushbutton auto Torqueflite transmission in the car, and find that it drives like a new machine. After 11 years of the old 3 on the tree, no syncro on first, manual gearbox, I decided I'd had enough. I never realised how good the Torqueflites were until I put one in. I love this car, and will never
get rid of it. I hope my Grandfather would like it,
although he said he wanted to repaint it white, if
only he could see what the blue looks like....I think
he'd change his mind. The car is now on Club Rego with
the R&S Series
Valiant Car Club of N.S.W Inc. I can be contacted at peter.morthen@optusnet.com.au.
