The Chrysler Royal AP1, introduced in Australia in 1957, marked an important milestone for Chrysler Australia Limited. It was the company’s first fully Australian-developed large passenger car, designed to suit local road conditions and long-distance touring.
Built at Chrysler’s Keswick plant in South Australia, the AP1 Royal combined locally produced bodywork with proven Chrysler mechanical components. Buyers could choose between the dependable six-cylinder engine or the more powerful V8 option, along with manual, overdrive or automatic transmission.
The following factory specifications outline the key mechanical and dimensional characteristics of the Chrysler Royal AP1.
Chrysler Royal AP1 Dimensions
Wheelbase: 115 inches
Overall length: 200¾ inches
Vehicle height: 64 inches
Maximum width across bumpers: 73¼ inches
Total glass area (including rear window): 3,263 sq. in.
Luggage compartment capacity: 35 cubic feet
Approximate vehicle weight:
Standard transmission: 1 ton 10 cwt
With automatic overdrive or PowerFlite transmission: 1 ton 12 cwt 1 qr
Engine Options
Six Cylinder Engine
Inline six-cylinder engine
L-head (side valve) design
Displacement: 230.2 cubic inches
Bore: 3⅜ inches
Stroke: 4⅝ inches
Taxable horsepower: 25.3
Maximum horsepower: 115 hp at 3,600 RPM
Maximum torque: 201 lb-ft at 1,600 RPM
Compression ratio: 7.9:1
Main bearings: 4
Six Cylinder with Overdrive or PowerFlite
Displacement: 250.6 cubic inches
Bore: 3⁷⁄₁₆ inches
Stroke: 4½ inches
Taxable horsepower: 28.3
Maximum horsepower: 117 hp at 3,600 RPM
Maximum torque: 205 lb-ft at 1,400 RPM
Compression ratio: 7.25:1
Main bearings: 4
Braking System
The Chrysler Royal used hydraulic, self-equalising internal expanding brakes.
Each of the front wheels used individual hydraulic cylinders, providing balanced braking force.
Drum diameter: 10 inches
Total lining contact area: 150 sq. inches
The hand brake operated through a cable system and acted on:
Rear service brakes (manual and overdrive models)
Transmission brake drum (PowerFlite automatic)
Steering
The Royal used direct double tie-rod steering with worm and three-tooth roller gear.
Steering ratio: 18.2:1
Optional Power Steering
Hydraulic power steering was available as special equipment, using a rotary-type pump connected to the rear of the generator.
Chassis and Frame
The Chrysler Royal AP1 was built on a heavy-duty box-section chassis frame designed for durability and rigidity.
Side rails were braced with four cross members, forming a strong platform for the large Royal body.
Maximum side member depth: 5½ inches
Outside width at maximum depth: 4½ inches
Steel thickness: 3/32 inch
Transmission Options
Conventional Transmission
Three-speed manual gearbox
All helical gears
Synchromesh on second and third gears
Remote control gearshift
Gear ratios:
3rd: 1.00:1
2nd: 1.83:1
1st: 2.57:1
Reverse: 3.49:1
Automatic Overdrive
Overdrive unit fitted to the standard transmission.
Overdrive ratio: 0.70:1
Minimum engagement speed: 25 mph
Controlled electrically with manual lock-out.
PowerFlite Automatic Transmission
Two-speed fully automatic transmission using a torque converter and planetary gearset.
Gear ratios:
Low: 1.72:1
Direct: 1.00:1
Reverse: 2.39:1
Rear axle ratio: 3.54:1
Rear Axle
Semi-floating hypoid axle design.
Differential gears used carbon molybdenum steel for durability.
Fully adjustable tapered roller bearings.
Rear axle ratios:
Standard transmission: 3.9:1
Overdrive model: 4.1:1
PowerFlite model: 3.54:1
Wheels and Tyres
Steel disc wheels with drop-centre rims.
Wheel size: 15 x 4.5K
Standard tyres: 6.70 x 15
Five tubeless tyres supplied including spare.
The spare wheel was mounted in an inclined vertical position in the luggage compartment.
Capacities
Cooling system:
Standard transmission model: 11 quarts
Overdrive and PowerFlite models: 12 quarts
Crankcase: 8 pints
Differential: 2½ pints
Fuel tank: 12.5 Imperial gallons
Transmission capacity (3-speed): 2⅓ pints
Overdrive unit: ⅔ Imperial pint
PowerFlite transmission: 7¾ Imperial quarts (approx.)
Equipment
Standard equipment included:
Dual air tone horns
Cigar lighter
Instrument panel ash trays
Wrap-around bumpers
Reversing light incorporated in tail lamps
Comprehensive tool kit and tyre pump
Dual sun visors
Chrysler Royal AP1
The Chrysler Royal AP1 represented Chrysler Australia's entry into the full-size passenger car market during the late 1950s. With a combination of strong chassis construction, proven Chrysler engines and a spacious body design, the Royal was built to handle the long distances and varied road conditions found throughout Australia.
Detailed technical information for the Chrysler Royal AP1 models, including engine specifications, maintenance procedures and repair instructions, can be found in the Chrysler Royal workshop manual available from Car Manuals Direct.
