Chrysler reinvented the LeBaron name in 1977 after the demise of the Imperial. As downsizing was all the rage by then, the new LeBaron would use the same platform as the Dodge Aspen/Plymouth Volare but with sheet metal of its own. This 1978 example has only had two owners and the mileage is said to be just 17,540, which means it’s spent far more time off the road than on. Located in Chicago Heights, Illinois, this smaller Chrysler is available here on craigslist for $9,500. Thanks, Pat L., for steering us in the direction of this car.
The LeBaron was one of the badges that Chrysler automobiles would wear between 1931-41 and again in 1955-95. Much of its service was as a model of the luxurious Imperial, but those cars were retired in 1975. Looking for a smaller car that would serve as the entry-level Chrysler, the LeBaron came back in 1977 and stayed until the mid-1990s. At first, they used the rear-wheel-drive M-body which was a derivation of the F-platform but had its own hoods, trunk lids, and front and rear header panels compared to its Dodge and Plymouth cousins. This arrangement would continue until 1981 when the LeBaron would morph once more into a luxury subcompact as part of the new FWD K-Car line-up.
This ’78 LeBaron falls into the survivor category and looks good for a 43-year-old car. It received a Ziebart rustproofing in its early years which has no doubt helped keep it rust-free in the Midwest. While we don’t know much of the car’s history, it’s only changed hands one other time and just managed to travel an average of 400 miles per year. The Chrysler is said to be a good running car with the likely powerplant likely being the venerable 318 cubic inch V8 although a 360 was available. It’s been recently treated to some maintenance, including new tires, brakes, and shock absorbers. The factory A/C still blows cold.
Chrysler only built 16,273 of the LeBaron V8 coupes in 1978, with sales leaning toward the 4-door models as typical buyers represented an older demographic. The seller tells us that everything on the machine works as it should except for the radio. Resale value on the 1977-80 LeBaron’s haven’t reached collector territory, perhaps because the Aspen/Volare got a bad rap for quality control when they were new. Given this car’s condition, you might best get your money’s worth by using it as a daily driver rather than a Cars & Coffee entry.
My grandfather had 2 Chrysler Town and Country wagons. Both were dark blue. I remember him saying he got rid of the first one due to problems with it. I liked the car and thought the wagon was more attractive than the sedan. He was so impressed with Lee Iocca that he traded the town and country for a 86 Town and Country K car. That would be the last car he owned.
A nice looking car and with only 17,000 miles on it, it’s just barely broken in. I agree it would make for a nice daily driver though I wouldn’t drive in the winter if I wanted to keep it this nice. It would probably draw it’s fair share of attention at local car shows, too; it is, after all, over 40 years old. The price might seem a little steep but you could be hard pressed to find a nicer used car for under $10,000 these days, especially with the low mileage this one has. Plus it’s simpler mechanicals means a reasonably competent person could perform maintenance and repairs at home.
I had a dark blue 2 door like this, same interior. A previous owner repainted it, spent a ton of money at a speed shop beefing up that little 318, then parked it in their garage because the vinyl top was in poor shape lol.
I took that car to a couple car shows. Honestly, I really liked the car (except it was useless on the freeway with the drag strip rear end gearing). But no one paid any attention to it at the car shows. The beige Horizon I sold here last year got more gawker than my LeBaron got.
This is a really nice car. It should be reliable & comfortable for many years to come.
Resplendent in all it’s Carter-era meh-ness.
One reason that this has such low miles is these were equipped with the lean burn carb system. Left many owners on foot. Literally Mopar or no car.
True – it likely spent 38 of its 40 years in the shop at the dealer!
One of the better looking cars of the late 70s…..only, NOT with the baby blue top and interior. Ugh.
That color is a shade darker than baby blue, but either is preferable to the ubiquitous baby-poop tan.
Also, the Lebaron did not “morph” into a glorified K-car until the 1982 model year, not 1981.
Ignatius, couldn’t your parents have given you a more Irish name?
Lean burn nightmare…had one black w t tops, Mirada wheels, looked great but never could run right…t top seals unobtainium so it leaked, but it looked pretty…
I’ve had several cars with LeanBurn and have never had a problem. Must be lucky, I guess.
To lean well cause misfire burned hole in position carburetor won’t run out to lean
Now this would make a great sleeper. I’d haul the drivetrain out and put in a built 340/727 combo but leave the exterior as is down to the hubcaps.
You do that you’ll spit that tiny 7 1/4″ rear axle out the back. The 7 1/4″ rear ends did not like to be hot rodded. Ask me how I know?
Yep 8 3/4 would be the way to go. I just thought that would go without saying. I should have been more clear I guess lol.
This thing is only a few miles from me! I wish I had the money for it. I had a 77 Diplomat from 91-93 that was no where near this condition then, but it was LOADED with almost every electric option available plus leather seats.
For only $9500 you get a low mileage cream puff with the ultra rare 1 of 1 giant battery option.
“as typical buyers represented an older demographic.” My thoughts exactly, which I communicated to the salesman who was trying to convince a much younger me, that this was a cool car! I told him that it was an old man’s car and not for me; aside from the fact that the styling did NOTHING for me,
LOL!! :-)
I bought one of these new. It was a 1977 1/2 Chrysler Lebanon in grey with a silver Lantau top and interior. I was so proud of this beautiful automobile. I really like the Imperial hood emblem Chrysler used on it. The car seemed special. I put wider whitewalls on it too. I was 22 years old, fresh out of college and this car was my platform shoe, disco mobile. However, the lean burn system stranded me on the highway numerous times. My local Chrysler dealer didn’t have the needed equipment or knowledge to fix it. It NEVER worked right. I swore to never buy another Chrysler product again. In 2006, I bought a new Jeep Commander with electric and memory everything. It was black with a big V-8 and a cowboy brown leather interior. It was junk too with crazy electrical problems. It visited the repair shop every two months. PURE JUNK! When will I learn?
One has to remember that the 1978 LeBaron and the Dodge Diplomat were built at the Chrysler St. Louis Assembly plant in Fenton, Mo.. These were a 1978 and 3/4 Model Year vehicles, Launched in March 1978 and went on sale in late April 1978 so this is why first production year numbers are low.
What is up with the big battery box?? It looks like it is mounted in an angle no less?? Will make for very accurate water check. LOL. On the plus side i had a 78 model Chrysler 5th avenue. These are full frame cars…..i had a 318 lean burn on mine. I disconnected that and went with old school carb….and alot of rubber lines being blocked off. Car was bullet proof after that. I bought some of that miracle 1 time a year was of tv. It ruined my maroon paint. I sent letters to the company with pics…..but sorry was all i got. Sorry for rambling….i dont comment much….but i agree with the lean burn system comments. Bad luck to me….but others had good luck. I LOVE BARN FINDS!!!
Had a 79 LeBaron 4dsd and it had the Lean Burn computer and spent many days and weeks in the shop. I replaced 2 catalytic converters, 2 carbs, and the car still ran like crap. When it did run good, I loved it, but it never lasted very long. Traded it for an 84 Chrysler E Class 4 cylinder and loved that car.
Lean Burn easily removed. 318 and torque flite are very dependable. This car would last a long time with care.
My aunt had one that was all beige. She had a home if Florida, and she drove it down from Detroit. It was the last time I saw it. I always thought it was a beautiful, small luxury car. Especially all the one color.
My father in law had the 1st year model! Nice car at that time! I had a Cutluss Supreme for 73!
I’m surprised how many of the LeBarons of this era (M-body?) had the slant six. I think these 1977 – 1981 models are very handsome designs. The Lean Burn/Spark Control computers have never been a problem for me, though they are easy to remove if you need to. My 1979 Dodge Magnum GT, 1979 Chrysler 300 (Cordoba), and 1981 & 1982 Imperials (dealer carb conversions) all run great with these systems in place (I’ve owned a couple of these for 20+ years).
The 1981/82 Imperials came with a Chrysler version of Fuel Injection. The weak component in the system was the “FUEL SUPPORT PLATE”. Mopar Parts Division finally came up with a Supplier to remanufacture the fuel support plates to improve the reliability of the system. So you can not compare Lean Burn to this system of fuel injection.
George, as I stated my 81 and 82 Imperials have dealer carb conversions offered by Chrysler. So they don’t have fuel injection. Also, they do indeed have Spark Control Computers (aka Lean Burn) mounted to the air cleaner. The fuel injected Imperials were equipped with two computers actually; one for the fuel injection and one for the ignition/Spark control/Lean Burn like these all mopars of the era had.
Had a 1980 Chrysler Le Baron with a slant-six it was bland for sure. Had Spice Tan ext (dark brown with some metal flake), tan int. Looked good if you kept it shiny. Only exterior features were WW tires, no-dent strips for doors + nice hood ornament. Had trouble with a ceramic piece on firewall that would shut the car down. After paying too much to get fixed a couple of times, purchased a few of these parts and carried correct tool, two in/out plugs and could change it in the dark, and I’m no mechanic. Only trouble I had. After all, it WAS a slant-six.