The Chrysler Wayfarer AP3 was the coupe utility version of Chrysler Australia’s Royal series. Introduced in 1960, the Wayfarer combined the strong mechanical platform of the Chrysler Royal sedan with a practical cargo tray, creating a vehicle designed for both work and everyday driving.
Built by Chrysler Australia Limited in Adelaide, the Wayfarer offered a large payload area while retaining the comfort and styling of the Royal passenger car range. Its distinctive rear fins and coupe utility body design made it one of the more unusual vehicles produced by Chrysler Australia during the early 1960s.
The following specifications outline the principal mechanical and dimensional features of the Chrysler Wayfarer AP3.
Dimensions
Wheelbase: 115½ inches
Overall length: 200 inches
Overall height (kerb): 64 5/16 inches
Gross vehicle weight: 4,800 lbs
Tare weight: 3,360 lbs
Load Area
The Wayfarer was designed with a large and durable cargo tray.
Tray length:
76½ inches maximum
71½ inches minimum
With tailgate lowered:
Load space extends to 106 inches maximum
Tray width:
5 inches maximum
46½ inches minimum
The tray body used double steel panelling with removable inner plates for easier body servicing. The hardwood tray floor was protected by steel skid strips, and a snug-fitting tonneau cover was supplied as standard equipment.
Engine
PowerFlow Six Cylinder
Configuration: Inline six-cylinder L-head
Displacement: 250.6 cubic inches
Bore: 3 7/16 inches
Stroke: 4 inches
Compression ratio: 7.25 : 1
Taxable horsepower: 28.3
Maximum horsepower: 117 hp at 3,600 RPM
Maximum torque: 205 lb-ft at 1,400 RPM
Cylinder head: cast iron
Engine mounting used two-point rubber front mountings with a rubber cushion rear mount to reduce vibration.
Cooling System
Pressure cooling system with permanent by-pass thermostat.
Centrifugal water pump.
Cooling capacity: 12 quarts
Lubrication System
Normal oil pressure: 30–50 psi
Oil filter: sealed type with by-pass
Oil intake: floating type
Crankcase capacity (excluding filter): 3½ quarts
Fuel System
Fuel tank capacity: 15½ gallons
Fuel filter: sintered bronze type in tank
Carburettor: single downdraft carburettor
Automatic choke.
Air cleaner: oil bath type
Braking System
Hydraulic self-equalising internal expanding brakes were fitted to all wheels.
Each brake shoe on the front wheels used an individual hydraulic cylinder.
Total brake lining contact area: 150 square inches
The hand brake operated by T-handle release and acted on the rear service brakes.
Power Brakes
Vacuum-assisted power brakes were available as optional equipment. The vacuum servo unit multiplied the braking pressure applied by the driver.
Steering
Conventional Steering
Direct double tie-rod steering system with worm and three-tooth roller gears.
Steering ratio: 27.5 : 1
Turning circle: 38 feet
Steering system was designed to be self-centering.
Power Steering
Hydraulic power steering was available as special equipment, using a rotary-type pump driven from the engine.
Oil filtration used a cartridge-type filter that did not require periodic oil changes.
Chassis and Suspension
The Wayfarer used the same strong double channel box-section chassis frame as the Royal sedan.
The frame included drop-centre side rails and four cross members for additional rigidity.
Maximum side member depth: 5¾ inches
Maximum outside width at deepest point: 4½ inches
Steel thickness: 3/32 inch
Front Suspension
Independent front suspension using:
Coil springs
Unequal length control arms
Telescopic shock absorbers mounted inside the coil springs
Rear Suspension
Rear suspension used long semi-elliptic longitudinal leaf springs with telescopic shock absorbers mounted in “sea-leg” position.
Heavy-duty springs were fitted to support the cargo load capacity of the utility body.
Transmission
Three-Speed Manual Transmission
All helical gears with synchromesh on second and third gears.
Remote control gearshift.
Gear ratios:
1st: 2.57 : 1
2nd: 1.38 : 1
3rd: 1.00 : 1
Reverse: 3.49 : 1
Final drive ratios:
3rd: 3.9 : 1
2nd: 7.14 : 1
1st: 10.02 : 1
Reverse: 13.61 : 1
Rear Axle
Semi-floating hypoid rear axle with carbon molybdenum hypoid gears.
Differential used two-pinion design with forged housing for improved strength.
Rear axle ratio: 3.9 : 1
Lubricant capacity: 2½ pints
Wheels and Tyres
Steel disc wheels with drop-centre safety rims.
Wheel size: 15 x 4.50K
Standard tyre equipment:
6.70 x 15 (6 ply) tubeless
Chrysler Wayfarer AP3
The Chrysler Wayfarer provided Australian buyers with a unique combination of passenger car comfort and practical load-carrying ability. Built on the same durable chassis as the Royal sedan, the Wayfarer was capable of handling both everyday driving and heavier work duties.
Its distinctive styling and coupe utility body design have since made the Wayfarer one of the more recognisable vehicles produced by Chrysler Australia during the early 1960s.
Workshop Information
The specifications listed above provide an overview of the Chrysler Wayfarer AP3 mechanical design.
Complete servicing procedures, adjustment specifications and detailed repair information are contained in OUR Workshop Manual for the Chrysler Royal, available from Car Manuals Direct.
