The Valiant Charger: A Chrysler innovation.

Of the three classic "Aussie" family brands (GM-Holden, Ford and Chrysler), Chrysler was always the poorest cousin of the three, in sales and in the battle for Aussie hearts and minds. (Of course, all were owned by US parents and Ford and Chrysler didn't even trade under an 'Aussie' name, unlike Holden.)

And yet they were the innovators: First large family car. First large 6-cylinder car. First cruising V8. And first coupe.

The Charger (pictured) was an icon in 1970s Australia. As a Highway Patrol car it actually sucked. It was just a sedan chassis with the tail chopped off and it handled like a supertanker on a rough sea. Reportedly the cops used to put bags of cement in the boot ('trunk' for US readers) to hold the back wheels to the road.

But hey! What a car! I always wanted a Charger.

And who can forget the classic TV ads: the "V" or Victory Symbol and the catchphrase, "Hey Charger"!!!!