Black Plate Beauty: 1963 Plymouth Valiant V200 Station Wagon – SOLD!

January 18, 2022 Update – We confirmed the seller of this “Classifind” deleted their listing, so we’re now able to call this one “SOLD!” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

Licking its wounds from the polarizing styling of its first-generation (1960-1962) Valiant compact, Chrysler launched a redesigned second-generation version for the 1963 model year. Consumers liked the more conservative styling. “V200” continued to signify the entry-level Valiant regardless of body style. We came across this 1963 Plymouth Valiant V200 station wagon originally listed in January 2022 on Craigslist in Los Angeles, California by the second owner who notes the car retains its desirable black plates.

Currently offered for $11,500, comparing that price against the  Collector Car Market Review Online Tool reveals the seller’s ask is $1,600 higher than this guide’s #1 “Excellent” appraisal of $$9,900. Sadly, the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool continues to provide only values for V200 convertible models for 1963.

Chrysler stylists reskinned the Valiant for 1963. Using a half-inch shorter wheelbase, 1963 Valiants had a wide, flat hood and a flat square rear deck. The upper belt feature line ran from the rear body, in a gentle sweep, to the front fender tip. Here it was “veed” back and down to the trailing edge of the front fender. The roofline was flatter and sharpened in profile. The grille was a variation of the inverted trapezoid shape that characterized contemporary Chryslers, with a fine mesh insert. Advances in body structure, many accessories, and a new spring-staged choke were promotional highlights. Chrysler offered the new Valiant as either a two-door hardtop, two-door convertible, a two- or four-door sedan, and a four-door station wagon.  The optional 225 cubic inch slant-six engine was initially offered with the die-cast aluminum block introduced in late 1961, but early in the 1963 model year the aluminum block was discontinued; both the 170 and 225 engines were thenceforth available only with iron blocks. In December.  The 1963 Valiant was much better received by the public, and sales for the year rose to 225,056.

The Osborne Tramain YouTube Channel provides this 1963 Valiant Signet commerical:

A nicely documented, two-owner Valiant that appears to be a survivor quality example is what’s being offered here. The next buyer has the choice to continue enjoying the car as-is or take it to the next level.  However, with #1 condition examples still only commanding less than $15,000, it likely makes more sense to just enjoy the car as-is.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“63 PLYMOUTH VALIANT V200 STATION WAGON
RUNS – DRIVES – SHIFTS & STOPS EXCELLENT
POWER STEERING & POWER REAR WINDOW
2nd OWNER – ORIGINAL CALIF. BLACK PLATES
CLEAN & CLEAR TITLE IN HAND $11,500
DMV TAGS GOOD TILL DEC. 2022

Restore or drive As-Is: what would you do with this 1963 Plymouth Valiant V200 station wagon?  Comment below and let us know!