Chrysler also experimented with fitting a 5.2-litre (318 ci) American-made V8 but decided that the body lacked the rigidity to cope with the larger engine; the V8 version never went into production.

All KB Centuras had a tachometer and a clock, low fuel light (rare for 1975), rear bumper overriders, console (no storage) and optional vinyl roofs.

Although the A55 6 cylinder Centura Sports Package was fitted to some vehicles (included body stripes, styled wheels, woodgrain instrument cluster and Boca Raton cloth trim), it was common to see dealer fitted options including the styled road wheel option, and stencilled side stripes and bonnet black outs.

Traction in wet weather proved to be poor, with some cars only having an open differential, relatively large six-cylinder Hemi engine and very light weight over the rear wheels.

The importation of the bodies from France into Australia was complicated in 1973 by industrial action, with dockside unions protesting against French Pacific island nuclear testing.

There was a myth that many early KB bodies spent months on wharfs exposed to salt air, creating corrosion problems later in these cars' lives.

The vinyl roof cover which was a popular and standard fitment on GL models (delete option only) was also a source of water entrapment, creating the possibility of rust in the "A" pillars and gutters.

The Centura's main competitors in Australia were four- and six-cylinder Australian-made versions of the Ford Cortina and General Motors' LH, LX and UC Holden Torana and Sunbird.

Centuras were also seen to compete to a lesser extent with larger-bodied Australian Holdens, Chrysler Valiants (including the sporting Charger coupe) and Ford Falcons.

Most competitors, although often lacking the outright fierce acceleration of the six-cylinder Centura,[citation needed] proved less rust-prone and generally had more modern styling.

[citation needed] The Chrysler 180 design was also rather dated by the time the cars arrived in the Australian market (later than intended), further adding to the old-fashioned image of the brand.

The bigger Valiants were still popular with rural Australians, who seemed to prefer larger cars, but the Centura didn't have the size or perceived style to meet the needs of that market, either.

The nuclear ban's impact on production and parts supply, subsequent rust problems, extreme light weight over the rear of the car, comparatively violent acceleration and challenging handling were likely all factors that contributed to their relatively rapid disappearance from Australian roads.