How a radical engine design saved Chrysler from economic ruin

Design · Published 9 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: In the late 1950s, Chrysler faced a crisis: the compact car revolution. Their answer was the Valiant, a vehicle that combined daring 'Forward Look' styling with a revolutionary engine that would become a legend for its sheer durability and reliability.

The Valiant was born from a 1957 committee led by Chrysler president Lester Lum "Tex" Colbert to combat rising competition from the VW Beetle and American Motors' Rambler. Designed by Virgil Exner, the car utilized a radical 'Forward Look' aesthetic, featuring sleek, wedge-shaped lines and flush-sided construction inspired by Chrysler's Ghia-built concept cars. This design wasn't just about looks; the flush sides actually increased interior room.

At its heart was the revolutionary 'slant-six' engine. By canting the inline cylinders 30° to the right, engineers could achieve a lower hoodline. This engine was a masterclass in efficiency and durability, featuring a simplified mechanical valve train and a relocated water pump to shorten the engine's length. From late 1961 until early 1963, Chrysler manufactured upwards of 50,000 225 cu in engines featuring die-cast aluminum blocks, offered as a premium choice.

Beyond the engine, the Valiant pushed boundaries in weight reduction and structural integrity. It utilized 'unibody' construction—a departure from the standard body-on-frame method—resulting in a chassis that was 95% stiffer in torsion than the 1959 Plymouth. By using aluminum for parts like the alternator housing and intake manifolds, Chrysler saved approximately 102 lb, or about 4% of the car's total shipping weight. This combination of innovation and reliability made the Valiant a best-seller that helped keep Chrysler solvent during an economic downturn.

The car's performance also translated to the track. In 1960, a fleet of seven Hyper-Pak Valiants dominated NASCAR's compact car category at the Daytona International Speedway, sweeping the top seven positions in a race that proved the vehicle's competitive mettle.

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