1962 Plymouth Valiant V100 Signet 2 Door Hardtop
The first generation Valiants were introduced as compact cars and for the early 60's. These were indeed small cars competing with the American Motors Rambler, Ford Falcon, and Studebaker Lark. The design was daring and unique and in just its second year of production, the Signet sub-model was introduced and contains some special features not seen on the standard Valiant and why it is referred to as the "high-end version of the Valiant".
For consignment, that special version assigned to the 2-door hardtop which has undergone a good bit of mechanical and cosmetic restoration. With its unmistakable design and red and black color palette, it presents very nicely with just 57,026 title verified actual miles and represents the first year bucket seats were introduced for the Valiant.
Exterior
The car is awash in glossy black paint with a contrasting red-painted body side molding feature, (this was a $19.95 option in 1962!). The next thing you notice is the flowing body protrusions, a design possibly inspired by a Ghia-bodied concept car, presenting body lines that sweep forward and jut out in a dramatic fashion. While mere mortal Valiants had a regular grille with no Plymouth emblem, the Signet is immediately recognizable for its black-painted grille and colorful emblem. The body lines create eyebrows over the headlights and canted "cat-like" features over the rear, round taillights. The profile of the car is unique as well with narrow C-pillars, lots of glass, and a roofline that grows broader as it extends rearward. The wrap-around rear glass completes the greenhouse look and an open, airy appearance. The 13-inch steel wheels are painted red which surround the hubcaps, all of which are ringed by white-lined tires. The chrome is in very good condition and there were no major flaws in the paint. The front and rear bumpers are new and any metal that showed rust was replaced with new metal then sprayed with base coat and five coats of clear.
Interior
New red vinyl upholstery covers the bucket seats and rear bench and continues the color theme of the car as does the red armrest on black door cards, all in excellent condition. A modest two-spoke wheel with horn ring creates a window to one of the more distinct features of the Valiant, the asymmetrical dashboard. The speedometer is to the left while three small gauges appear to the right. White push-button controls flank the gauge cluster and change the gears and fan speed, left and right respectively. Other knobs are ivory white, pretty unusual for the time when most cars had metal, chrome, or black buttons and knobs. The AM radio, (also with ivory controls!), is enhanced by a Radio Shack Realistic auxiliary FM unit mounted below the freshly painted dash. The low pile black carpet, white, perforated headliner, and black rear shelf are newer and in great shape.
Drivetrain
The famous "slant 6" debuts in the first gen Valiant and the original engine is in place. There are too many qualities to the 225ci slant six to include here but makes for a fascinating read. It produced a healthy 145 horsepower and is tied to a Torqueflite 3-speed automatic, also original to the car. Power travels to the rear axle via a 7.25" rear and 3.55 gears. Power drum brakes bring all those horses to a halt. Per the consignor, all of these things are new mechanicals: power brake unit, water pump, alternator, heater core and valve, motor mounts, radiator core. These things have been rebuilt: power steering pump, carburetor, (1-barrel), transmission.
Undercarriage
The consignor makes a note that rust and bonded areas of the bottom edges of the body were removed. The underside was power washed and painted with rust converter paint. As such, the underside is uniformly black with a few areas of surface rust on the frame where the paint missed. The single exhaust is in good shape and enters a stock-style muffler. Torsion bars appear on the front independent suspension while leaf springs can be found in the rear.
Drive-Ability
Who doesn't love a push button transmission? The simplicity is astounding! We fired the leaning tower of power up and took a lap. After driving other cars of the era, it does feel considerably smaller, but the absolute greenhouse effect means you don't feel cramped or confined in any way. Seats of this era lack the "cradling" support of modern stuff, but these are soft and comfortable nonetheless. Quite decent power from the Signet and a smooth ride ensued. The power drums brought the car to a stop...valiantly!
Tom McCahill tested the '62 Signet and wrote about it in Mechanix Illustrated: "A two-door hardtop with beautiful bucket seats, lush carpeting, and deluxe trim which makes it foreign-looking, it has a built-in intrigue, looks-wise the Valiant is a bold stand against planned bashfulness that is designed not to offend or excite anyone.". Indeed, this is a special car that is show-worthy and ready to take its throne as a garage queen.
1426186695
1-Plymouth 6 Cylinder
4-Valiant Signet
2-1962
6-Newark, DE Assy Plant
186695-Sequential Unit Number
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