Chrysler Drifter - circa 1977

[Big Bird]

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

[Big Bird]

[Big Bird]

[mustanggrahame]

http://www.justauto.com.au/justcars/buy_and_sell/for_sale/JCW3359332/?backurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.justauto.com.au%2Fjustcars%2Fsearch%2F%3Fsearch_category%3DPanelvanWagon%26current_page%3D3&backtext=Back+to+results

[Tony T]

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! 

[matcho mick]

check the flat spot on the snowmans Cr  ,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',

[frostype400]

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.

[firko]

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.

[FourstrokeForever]

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 

[John Orchard]

http://www.justauto.com.au/justcars/buy_and_sell/for_sale/JCW3359332/?backurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.justauto.com.au%2Fjustcars%2Fsearch%2F%3Fsearch_category%3DPanelvanWagon%26current_page%3D3&backtext=Back+to+results

Wow that's a bargain!  If only I had the room  :-(

[TT5 Matt]

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!!

[firko]

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 .

[Doc]

Top units the old Valiants

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

not sayin' anymore

[firko]

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?

[shortshifter]

That would have to Holeshot Buddy working on that Montesa wouldn't it?Jeez things haven't changed much  Liked the Chrysler over the Ford Sundowner,but liked the Sandman over them both.Cool brochures.