VALGAL's 1997 Chrysler Neon SE

Affectionately known as "Gino, the bug-eyed Neon"

US built, 4-door, 5 speed manual in Strawberry Metallic Red,

with aftermarket rims and low profile tyres.

Original price $25,000 in 1997, I paid $5,000 in 2008.

Engine
Engine Location    Front
Engine Size (cc)    1995
Cam    Overhead Cam
Engine Cycle    4 Stroke
Engine Type    Piston
Engine Number    S4RE
Cylinders    4
Valves per Cylinder    4
Compression Ratio    9.8
Power    98kW @ 5850rpm
Torque    174Nm @ 4850-4850rpm
Induction System    Aspirated
Fuel Type    Petrol - Unleaded ULP
Fuel Tank Capacity (litres)    47
Fuel Delivery    Multi-Point Injection
Method of Delivery    Electronic
Fuel Urban (l/100km)    7.8
Fuel Extra Urban (l/100km)    5.2
Fuel Combined (l/100km)    6.2

So, how did I end up with Gino?

If you read my other Car Profile (VF Valiant) you will know how much I adore my Chryslers and my own beautiful old Valiant, Ritchie, in particular. I still own Ritchie, have done for nine years now, and he is still registered and runs like a dream. However, about three years ago, the cost of fuel started to hurt the hip pocket. A gas guzzling Valiant might be great fun to have as a daily driver, but it is far from cheap. My husband bought himself a 1994 Mitsubishi Magna as a daily runaround, but then he was provided with a company car, so I started using the Magna on a daily basis. The Magna was a nice car, and a lot more economical to drive on a daily basis compared to Ritchie, however I hadn't chosen it, and it didn't say anything about the person I was. As nice a car as the Magna was, it was an old man's car and it had to go.

Naturally, being a Chrysler enthusiast, I wanted a Chrysler of some sort. My options were limited as it had to be cheap, so a nice luxury cruiser like the 300C or a sporty little PT Cruiser were out of the question. I had never been really fond of the styling of the Neons, but I had always said that if I ever got a "modern" Chrysler, it would have to be a Neon.

Before even deciding that I would definitely replace the Magna, and before I knew if I could even afford to buy another car, I came across a nice little black Neon at CarCity Minchinbury, drove it "just for fun", but decided then and there that I wanted it. The car had been for sale for several months with no interest, so I didn't worry about putting down a deposit, I just applied for finance and said I would be back to sort out paperwork the next morning. Believe it or not, someone showed up with cash and bought the car out from under me that same afternoon.

Anyway, the search for another car around the same price began, and that's when I came across "Gino" (who was previously known as "Belle" as it was owned by a bloke). Gino drove a lot nicer than the black car, even though the paint work wasn't quite as good. I am the third owner, and it has always been garaged and well looked after.

I have now had Gino for around 18 months, and other than the rims he already had, he has no modifications yet - though extractors, exhaust and air brushing are on the "to do" list. I had planned to have him lowered and add a body kit, but as we live on a farm, we have a dirt track driveway that is not friendly to lowered vehicles.

More info and pics to come soon... hopefully!