The Chrysler Royal AP2, introduced in Australia during 1958, represented the second generation of Chrysler Australia’s locally developed Royal series. Built at Chrysler Australia Limited’s Keswick plant in South Australia, the AP2 continued the strong mechanical layout of the earlier AP1 while incorporating a number of refinements to improve performance, comfort and durability.
Like the earlier Royal models, the AP2 was designed specifically for Australian conditions, combining a heavy-duty chassis with proven Chrysler engines and driveline components. Buyers could choose between the reliable PowerFlow six-cylinder engine or the more powerful Fury V8, along with manual, overdrive or automatic transmission options.
The following specifications outline the principal mechanical and dimensional features of the Chrysler Royal AP2.
Dimensions
Wheelbase: 115 inches
Overall length: 200 7/16 inches
Maximum width: 73½ inches
Overall height: 64 inches
Turning circle: 38 feet
Vehicle Weights
Royal with standard transmission: 1 ton 11 cwt 3 qrs
Royal with automatic overdrive: 1 ton 12 cwt 14 lbs
PowerFlite equipped models: 1 ton 12 cwt 1 quarter 7 lbs
Royal V8: 1 ton 13 cwt
Engine Options
PowerFlow Six Cylinder
The Chrysler PowerFlow engine continued as the standard engine for Royal models.
Configuration: Inline six-cylinder L-head
Displacement: 250.6 cubic inches
Bore: 3 7/16 inches
Stroke: 4 inches
Compression ratio: 7.25 : 1
Maximum horsepower: 117 hp at 3,600 RPM
Maximum torque: 205 lb-ft at 1,400 RPM
Fury V8 Engine
The optional V8 engine used Chrysler’s overhead valve design, providing significantly increased performance compared with the six-cylinder models.
Configuration: Overhead valve V8
Displacement: 313 cubic inches
Bore: 3.875 inches
Stroke: 3.312 inches
Compression ratio: 8.5 : 1
Maximum horsepower: 220 hp at 4,000 RPM
Maximum torque: 325 lb-ft at 2,800 RPM
Cooling System
Cooling used a centrifugal water pump with permanent by-pass thermostat system.
Cooling capacity:
Six cylinder models: 12 quarts
V8 models: 16 quarts
Fan sizes:
Six cylinder engines: 6 blade fan (17 inches)
V8 engines: 4 blade fan (18 inches)
Lubrication System
Six Cylinder Engines
Normal oil pressure: 40 psi at 800 RPM
Oil filter: sealed type with by-pass
Oil capacity (including filter): 6 quarts
V8 Engines
Normal oil pressure: 50–60 psi at 1,500 RPM
Oil filter: replaceable element type
Oil capacity: 4 quarts
Fuel System
Fuel tank capacity: 12 gallons
Fuel filter: sintered bronze type
Carburettor:
Six cylinder engines: downdraft carburettor
V8 engines: dual choke carburettor
Air cleaner:
Six cylinder engines: oil bath type
V8 engines: replaceable element type
Braking System
Hydraulic self-equalising internal expanding brakes were used on all models.
Each front wheel used an individual hydraulic cylinder.
Total brake lining contact area: 150 square inches
The hand brake operated through a cable system and acted on:
Rear service brakes for manual and overdrive models
Transmission brake drum for PowerFlite models
Power Brakes
Vacuum-assisted power brakes were available as optional equipment. The vacuum servo unit multiplied the pressure applied to the brake pedal, providing smoother braking with reduced driver effort.
Steering
Conventional Steering
Direct double tie-rod steering using worm and three-tooth roller gears.
Steering ratio: 27.5 : 1
Steering system is self-centring.
Power Steering
Optional hydraulic power steering used a rotary pump connected to the rear of the generator. The system supplied hydraulic pressure to assist steering effort.
Chassis and Suspension
The Royal series used a rigid box-section chassis frame with drop-centre side rails and cross members for increased strength.
Front Suspension
Independent front suspension with:
Coil springs
Non-parallel control arms
Hydraulic shock absorbers
The V8 sedan and Plainsman wagon were fitted with heavy-duty front suspension as standard.
Rear Suspension
Rear suspension used long semi-elliptic leaf springs with telescopic shock absorbers.
The Plainsman wagon featured six-leaf progressive rate rear springs to improve load carrying capacity.
Transmission Options
Conventional Transmission
Three-speed manual gearbox with synchromesh on second and third gears.
Gear ratios:
1st: 2.57 : 1
2nd: 1.83 : 1
3rd: 1.00 : 1
Reverse: 3.49 : 1
Automatic Overdrive
Optional overdrive system fitted to the manual transmission.
Overdrive ratio: 0.70 : 1
Minimum engagement speed: 25 mph
Electrical control with manual lock-out.
Push Button PowerFlite Automatic
Two-speed automatic transmission using a torque converter and planetary gearset.
Gear ratios:
Low range: 1.72 : 1
Direct drive: 1.00 : 1
Reverse: 2.39 : 1
Rear axle ratios:
Six cylinder models: 3.9 : 1
Overdrive models: 3.9 : 1
PowerFlite models: 3.54 : 1
Wheels and Tyres
Steel disc wheels with drop centre safety rims.
Wheel size: 15 x 4.5K
Standard tyre sizes:
Six cylinder sedans and V8 sedans: 6.70 x 15 (4 ply)
Plainsman wagon and V8 models: 6.70 x 15 (6 ply)
Optional equipment:
Whitewall tyres
Tubeless tyres
Chrysler Royal AP2
The Chrysler Royal AP2 continued Chrysler Australia’s development of a large locally designed passenger car built to handle Australian driving conditions. With a durable chassis, improved suspension and the option of a powerful V8 engine, the AP2 expanded the appeal of the Royal range during the late 1950s.
Chrysler Royal Workshop Manual
Detailed engine specifications, service procedures and repair information for Chrysler Royal vehicles are covered in the Chrysler Royal Workshop Manual available from Car Manuals Direct.
The manual includes comprehensive maintenance procedures, engine overhaul information and factory service data for Australian Chrysler Royal models.
