Author Topic: Chrysler Drifter - circa 1977  (Read 26208 times)

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Offline Big Bird

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Chrysler Drifter - circa 1977
« on: January 05, 2014, 10:25:42 pm »
When I was a little tacker all I wanted was a panel van and a motocross bike.  Specifically, I wanted a red Escort Sundowner and either an RM or a Montesa - but I wasn't going to be too fussy. 

I picked up a brochure for a Chrysler Drifter panel van somewhere, and I used to spend hours looking at it.  To me the photos in it portrayed the ideal life.  Cool van, great bikes, riding with mates. 

Anyway, I thought I'd lost the brochure years ago,  but with the parents selling up the farm and moving into town last month, we uncovered a heap of cool stuff from my childhood.  Including the Drifter brochure.  So I've scanned the cover page and the bikes pages, and present them below for your amusement.

I remember reading in Van Wheels magazine that only 1959 Chrysler panel vans were ever made, and the Drifter would have comprised only a small fraction of these.  Anyone here own one? 

Cheers


Offline Big Bird

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Re: Chrysler Drifter - circa 1977
« Reply #1 on: January 05, 2014, 10:27:36 pm »

Offline Big Bird

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Re: Chrysler Drifter - circa 1977
« Reply #2 on: January 05, 2014, 10:28:55 pm »

Offline mustanggrahame

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RT1, DT1F, MX100A, TY80A, YZ80D, DT125E, CR125RE, 1982 KTM125RV, 1985 Can Am ASE, 1989 YZ250WR, 1991 YZ250WR

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Re: Chrysler Drifter - circa 1977
« Reply #4 on: January 05, 2014, 10:41:45 pm »
I never owned one but I remember sitting in a van the same colours as the ute in the pics in my local Chrysler dealer thinking how cool it would be to travel round in one with a bike on the back.

Thanks for the memories, Big Bird!  :D

Offline matcho mick

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Re: Chrysler Drifter - circa 1977
« Reply #5 on: January 05, 2014, 11:32:21 pm »
check the flat spot on the snowmans Cr  :D,scrivo (with long hair) changing the plug,the maico breako's obviously parked for the day ,no probs,(got the chicks sorted),RM guys thinking 'where'd i leave my gloves', :P
work,the curse of the racing class!!
if a hammer dosn't fix it,you have a electrical problem!!

Offline frostype400

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Re: Chrysler Drifter - circa 1977
« Reply #6 on: January 06, 2014, 12:14:32 am »
They did a drifter charger too bugger all of them though I have been thinking of buying either a valiant ute VH-CL or a 70's falcon ute for my bikes.

Ford also had specials like that too like the surferoo.

My charger has those wheels pictured the steel sports wheels.

If you really want one you could try mopar market they have a classified section and a lot of cars are sold through there before ebay and the rest or you can post a wanted add.

In my opinion there's nothing better for bikes than a ute no need for a trailer and handy in general I have 2 utes.

That drifter van is cheap in the link parts are readily available too I have been able to get pretty much everything for my charger.
« Last Edit: January 06, 2014, 12:18:58 am by frostype400 »
1971 tm400 and PE's

Offline firko

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Re: Chrysler Drifter - circa 1977
« Reply #7 on: January 06, 2014, 09:51:58 am »
I was visiting my godson in far outback Wilcannia a couple of years ago and I recall seeing a white Drifter ute, the same as in the above ad sitting forlornly in a yard behind the BP fuel depot. It'd been in a pretty hefty front on, probably 20 years earlier and was pretty well rooted. I'm assuming that it would only be good for scavenging trim and mechanicals....that's if it's still there as I believe the depot changed hands last year and the new bloke had plans to tidy the place up.
'68 Yamaha DT1 enduro, '69 Yamaha 'DT1 from Hell' '69 DT1'Dunger from Hell, '69 Cheney Yamaha 360, 70 Maico 350 (2 off), '68 Hindall Ducati 250, Hindall RT2MX, Hindall YZ250a , Cycle Factory RT2MX flat tracker, Yamaha 1T250J, Maico 250 trials, '71, Boyd and Stellings TM400, Shell OW72,750 Yamaha

Offline FourstrokeForever

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Re: Chrysler Drifter - circa 1977
« Reply #8 on: January 06, 2014, 10:06:17 am »
There was an original red Drifter van at HBBB last year. Even though I was there for the bikes, I just had to stop when I came off the track and have a closer look. The front cabin was all original, even had the AM wireless...And the rear was all decked out just like they did in the 70's. Black carpet everywhere and a mattress with bright coloured scatter cushions. A stereo system in the back with a miniature disco ball......very cool  8)
Arrogance.....A way of life for the those that having nothing further to learn.


Offline TT5 Matt

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Re: Chrysler Drifter - circa 1977
« Reply #10 on: January 06, 2014, 01:57:19 pm »
theres a white cl 318 4 speed drifter charger around here maybe in Wilcannia but the owner knows there a limited run car and would want top dollar for it but its still in good condition and would be nearly rust free which you don't get with coastal chargers!!

Offline firko

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Re: Chrysler Drifter - circa 1977
« Reply #11 on: January 06, 2014, 02:20:24 pm »
Quote
theres a white cl 318 4 speed drifter charger around here maybe in Wilcannia 
The one in Wilcannia was a wreck that hadn't been on the road for what looked like 20 years. I couldn't get close enough but assumed it was a six. I really remember that day, my mate and I somehow ended up in a street cricket game with a bunch of funny little Aboriginal kids and a couple of their parents...., it was one of the funniest days I can remember.....but I diverse ;D.
'68 Yamaha DT1 enduro, '69 Yamaha 'DT1 from Hell' '69 DT1'Dunger from Hell, '69 Cheney Yamaha 360, 70 Maico 350 (2 off), '68 Hindall Ducati 250, Hindall RT2MX, Hindall YZ250a , Cycle Factory RT2MX flat tracker, Yamaha 1T250J, Maico 250 trials, '71, Boyd and Stellings TM400, Shell OW72,750 Yamaha

Offline Doc

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Re: Chrysler Drifter - circa 1977
« Reply #12 on: January 06, 2014, 02:51:00 pm »
Top units the old Valiants ;)

Looking past the car the RM250 in the background has floating rear brake..

not sayin' anymore :P
« Last Edit: January 06, 2014, 02:53:49 pm by Doc »

Offline firko

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Re: Chrysler Drifter - circa 1977
« Reply #13 on: January 06, 2014, 03:08:30 pm »
Quote
Looking past the car the RM250 in the background has floating rear brake..
Happy New Year Doc, you cheeky little bugger. The 125b swingarm is getting up there with the legendary Suzuki footpeg thread from the far past eh mate? ;D
« Last Edit: January 06, 2014, 03:21:17 pm by firko »
'68 Yamaha DT1 enduro, '69 Yamaha 'DT1 from Hell' '69 DT1'Dunger from Hell, '69 Cheney Yamaha 360, 70 Maico 350 (2 off), '68 Hindall Ducati 250, Hindall RT2MX, Hindall YZ250a , Cycle Factory RT2MX flat tracker, Yamaha 1T250J, Maico 250 trials, '71, Boyd and Stellings TM400, Shell OW72,750 Yamaha

Offline shortshifter

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Re: Chrysler Drifter - circa 1977
« Reply #14 on: January 06, 2014, 04:37:19 pm »
That would have to Holeshot Buddy working on that Montesa wouldn't it?Jeez things haven't changed much  :D Liked the Chrysler over the Ford Sundowner,but liked the Sandman over them both.Cool brochures.