New from South Africa

Franna · 01-15-2007, 03:50 AM

Hi all!
I just joined the site today. I live in South Africa and own a 1965 Valiant V200. I bought the car in 2003 and although I haven't used it much, it has proved very enjoyable. I recently fitted a reconditioned Formula S motor (the original went South after 40 years of hard work) and the extra power from the newer motor is very apparent. Otherwise the car is completely original. These cars are extremely rare in our country, yet my dad has been lucky enough to purchase a V100 sedan and V200 convertible, both with three speed manual transmissions! Except for these cars, I have only seen one at a car show in 2005. Before the Valiant I had a Jaguar XJ6, and although the Valiant doesn't come close to it in terms of roadholding, silence and refinement, it was a reliability nightmare. The Valiant is virtually bombproof in comparison and has never let me down. The only problem is that petrol (gas) is extremely expensive in South Africa and the Valiant isn't exactly frugal. This, together with the scarcity of replacement parts, prevents me from using it daily. I have a 1974 Peugeot 404 as a daily driver (these cars are not well known in the US, although one was smashed in the original "Gone in 60 seconds").
I hope I can chat to fellow Valiant enthusiasts and hopefully there are some other South Africans here as well!

cudajim · 02-05-2007, 10:59 AM

I used to own several Valiants from 1963 to 1966 vintage. They are really easy to work on but mine always leaked oil. I too owned a Jaguar and it was a nightmare to keep running. I'll stick with Mopars and Toyotas any day. They're both cheap and easy to fix. I currently own 2 Barracudas, 1 Dodge van, a Toyota Camry and a Lexus. Of these I like the Lexus the best because it has a straight six and is rear wheel drive.
Best to you!

Jonah Hex · 02-09-2007, 12:04 PM

Welcome Franna!! I own a `64 Valiant V200 convertible that currently has a 225ci /6, 904 torqueflite and 7.25" rearend. Plans are for a 360ci V-8, Kiesler 5 speed and 8.75" rearend.
Many years ago I owned a `64 2 door post with a /6 and 3spd on the tree. I put a little over 400,000 miles on it, so I can attest to their longevity.

Jonah

01-15-2007, 03:50 AM	#1 (permalink)
Franna Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 1	New from South Africa Hi all! I just joined the site today. I live in South Africa and own a 1965 Valiant V200. I bought the car in 2003 and although I haven't used it much, it has proved very enjoyable. I recently fitted a reconditioned Formula S motor (the original went South after 40 years of hard work) and the extra power from the newer motor is very apparent. Otherwise the car is completely original. These cars are extremely rare in our country, yet my dad has been lucky enough to purchase a V100 sedan and V200 convertible, both with three speed manual transmissions! Except for these cars, I have only seen one at a car show in 2005. Before the Valiant I had a Jaguar XJ6, and although the Valiant doesn't come close to it in terms of roadholding, silence and refinement, it was a reliability nightmare. The Valiant is virtually bombproof in comparison and has never let me down. The only problem is that petrol (gas) is extremely expensive in South Africa and the Valiant isn't exactly frugal. This, together with the scarcity of replacement parts, prevents me from using it daily. I have a 1974 Peugeot 404 as a daily driver (these cars are not well known in the US, although one was smashed in the original "Gone in 60 seconds"). I hope I can chat to fellow Valiant enthusiasts and hopefully there are some other South Africans here as well!

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02-05-2007, 10:59 AM	#2 (permalink)
cudajim Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Grass Valley, Ca. Posts: 6	I used to own several Valiants from 1963 to 1966 vintage. They are really easy to work on but mine always leaked oil. I too owned a Jaguar and it was a nightmare to keep running. I'll stick with Mopars and Toyotas any day. They're both cheap and easy to fix. I currently own 2 Barracudas, 1 Dodge van, a Toyota Camry and a Lexus. Of these I like the Lexus the best because it has a straight six and is rear wheel drive. Best to you!

02-09-2007, 12:04 PM	#3 (permalink)
Jonah Hex Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Hillsboro, IL Posts: 35	Welcome Franna!! I own a `64 Valiant V200 convertible that currently has a 225ci /6, 904 torqueflite and 7.25" rearend. Plans are for a 360ci V-8, Kiesler 5 speed and 8.75" rearend. Many years ago I owned a `64 2 door post with a /6 and 3spd on the tree. I put a little over 400,000 miles on it, so I can attest to their longevity. Jonah