Plymouth probably remembers the 1963-1966 Plymouth badge with a mixture of nostalgia and regret. Without the special appeal of the Cygnet, Plymouth’s survival in the early 1960s was less certain. The brand’s sales declined significantly in 1962. The standard Plymouth sedan is basically a scaled-down version of the Valiant sedan with no significant difference.
In the same year, Plymouth launched the Signet. This is a bucket seat hardtop coupe based on the Valiant platform. This fills a gap that the Chevrolet Corvair Monza or Ford Falcon can’t directly address. Sales were modest, about 25,600 units. Not showy. But it’s proof that people want sporty compact cars.
Design change and final touches to Exner
The year 1963 was an important turning point in design. While Ford and General Motors are redesigning their compact cars, Plymouth offers a whole new look. The result isn’t as unique as last year’s “advanced” design, but it’s cleaner.
Virgil Exner designed this iteration. Elwood Engel, who went on to define Chrysler’s late 60s aesthetic, still didn’t have his finger on the pulse. Exner’s approach is surprisingly traditional. Softens sharp contours and creates rounded lines. The proportions of the hood and trunk are now more balanced.
The overall length increased by 2 inches. The wheelbase remains unchanged. Still, the car looks visually smaller. The front has new dual headlights. It has a beautiful tail at the back, just a weak fin. Our goal is simplicity.
A combination of mechanical continuity and a new body design
The 1963 Valiant is fundamentally based on a proven design. Plymouth retained the torsion bar front suspension. This is the basis of Chrysler’s design philosophy. Power comes from a standard 170 cubic inch inline-six engine with 101 horsepower. Buyers can upgrade to a 145-horsepower “Super 225” six-cylinder engine.
Transmission options include the traditional three-speed manual transmission. An optional TorqueFlite automatic transmission is also available. These components ensure the reliability and economy of the vehicle.
This year we have also expanded our body styles. The hardtop coupe is here to stay. A new convertible has been added to the collection to match the Corvair ragtop. This convertible is equipped with a mid-level V200 series bench seat. The basic V100 range was offered as a four-door estate model and as a two- and four-door sedan. This lineup continued until 1966.
Why are stamps special?
So what exactly is the 1963 Plymouth Valiant? This is the sportiest trim level. The model code has “200” at the end.
Exner added chrome trim both inside and out. The interior features full vinyl bucket seats. This is a big difference compared to standard desktop models. In convertibles, the optional power roof replaces the usual manual mechanism.
Signet didn’t reinvent the wheel. We do not guarantee supercar performance. Its mission is to provide reliable and economical transportation at the top of the sport. It lives up to its promise.
SALES, WARRANTY AND MARKET POSITION
Pricing is very competitive. The 1963 model was slightly cheaper than the 1962 model. Plus, they’re covered by Chrysler’s new company-wide warranty. This is a 5 year / 50,000 mile powertrain warranty. This is an industry first.
The Highland Park plant has been plagued by process problems in recent years. The purpose of this guarantee is to bring back doubting buyers.
The strategy worked. Valiant’s sales increased by more than two thirds. Cumulative sales exceeded 225,000 units. Signet’s share of the total amount is about 18%.
Is this enough? Probably not. This era is heating up. In 1964, Dodge entered the market with the stylish Dart GT. Signet is great, but the competition is tough.
The story does not end in 1963. Valiant continues to develop. The next chapter deals with the 1964 model year and the changing landscape of the compact car wars.
To learn more about these classic machines, check out our classic car, muscle car, and sports car resources. You can also search for new or used vehicles using the Consumer Guide.
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V-8 Revolution and Barracuda Shadow
The 1964 Plymouth Valiant Signet received more than just engine upgrades. I had a personality shift.
First-time buyers can now order a V-8. More specifically, it’s a 180-horsepower, 273-cubic-inch unit. It comes from Chrysler’s new generation 318 cylinder block. Valiant owners have the same choice. But there’s a twist.
In the middle of the season, the same 273 appeared as a fastback version. Plymouth.
Sales of the Signet hardtop were initially strong. However, the Barracuda was about two-thirds the size of the Valiant. We achieve this by reducing sales volume. This is a clear sign of things to come.
1965: Split
The 1965 model received a slight facelift. Gone is last year’s full-width horizontal grille. It was replaced by a busier three-part treatment.
The power has increased. As a new option, V-8 horsepower has increased to 235 horsepower.
But here’s the problem. The Valiant’s offering is completely different from the Formula S package. This high performance handling and speed package is unique to the Barracuda. By 1965, the Barracuda was completely separated from the Valiant line.
It outperformed the Signet hardtop by a 5-1 margin.
Signet’s share of Valiant’s total sales was only 8%. The production line was reduced to 167,000 units.
1966: Last Old Style
In 1966, a new square front was introduced. Shared grille design. This was the final year of the 1963 Valiant basic design chassis.
The hardtop roof line is now more formal. Now you can cover it with vinyl top.
Sales increased slightly. However, Valiant’s total production was 138,000 units. This compares to sales of 250,000 units two years ago.
Then came 1967.
The end of an era
The new model of 1967 was conservative in style. They returned the Valiant to its original economy and compact role.
The Valiant is gone.
The hardtop and convertible became the Barracuda.
Signet name? This is simply a more upscale sedan than the V100 model.
This name disappeared after 1969.
Valiant’s short sports career was over.
1963-1966 Plymouth Valiant Brand Specifications
Built between 1963 and 1966, the Plymouth Valiant was one of the Big Three’s new compact cars at the time, helping the automaker continue to grow sales during the slow years. Specifications for the 1963-1966 Plymouth Valiant Signet can be found below.
Technical data
Engine: ohv I-6, 170 cid (3.40 x 3.13), 101 hp. 225 cid (3.40 x 4.13), 145 hp. ohv V-8, 273 cid (3.63 x 3.31), 180/235 hp (1964-1966)
Transmission: 3-speed manual, 3-speed TorqueFlite automatic
Front suspension: Upper and lower arms A-arms, vertical torsion bar, anti-roll bar
Rear suspension: Tension axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs
Brake: Front/rear drum
Wheelbase (inches): 106.0
Weight (lbs): 2,570-2,830
Top speed (mph): 90-105
0-60 miles per hour (seconds): 10.0-20.0
