I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like a potential bargain. This is particularly true when they are searching for a project candidate to park in their workshop. This 1984 Chrysler LeBaron Town & Country kills two birds with one stone. Not only is it cheap, but the seller also includes a complete parts car for the buyer to raid for spares. It may not be the most desirable classic Wagon on the planet, but it might be ideal for someone considering a first project. The Town & Country twins are listed here on Craigslist in Renton, Washington. You could take them home for $2,000, which is undeniably affordable.
Chrysler introduced its Second Generation LeBaron range in 1982, following the company’s practice at the time of basing the latest model on Lee Iacocca’s beloved K-Car platform. It was Chrysler’s most affordable model, remaining in production until 1988. This Town & Country emerged in 1984, with the first owner ordering it in subtle and restrained Beige. The paint shows age, with deterioration on many surfaces. This is particularly noticeable on the horizontal surfaces, but the entire car would benefit from a cosmetic refresh. The process may not be complicated because the panels are straight, and there is no evidence of rust. The faux woodgrain looks like it might be okay. However, having a professional apply replacement vinyl wouldn’t be expensive if it isn’t acceptable. The trim is in good order, and there are no visible glass issues.
Powering this Town & Country is the Mitsubishi-sourced 2.6-liter four that sends 101hp and 140 ft/lbs of torque to the front wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission. Performance was considered quite acceptable for a vehicle of this type and size during the early 1980s, with the Town & Country capable of cruising for hours at 70mph. However, the Wagon’s greatest strength was its fuel efficiency, with figures beyond 30mpg easily achievable. Potential buyers will be disappointed to learn this Chrysler isn’t a daily driver. It runs and drives, but it and the parts car have mechanical issues. Both relate to the engine, with the seller indicating a cracked cylinder on one and overheating on the other. Still, using the best parts of both motors might be possible to minimize project costs.
The LeBaron may have been Chrysler’s entry-level offering, but its interior equipment reflected the marque’s upmarket image. The new owner receives power windows, power locks, cruise control, a tilt wheel, lashings of woodgrain, a rear defogger, an AM/FM radio/cassette player, and the ultra-cool Electronic Voice Alert. The interior is complete and unmolested, with the seller confirming the Voice Alert works as it should. That is a small victory because the system can turn up its toes with age. A complete retrim is required for the interior to present at its best, although deep cleaning everything and throwing on a set of slipcovers would make an enormous difference for those on a budget.
The parts car is another Town & Country finished in Mink Brown. Its paint is more tired than the other, but it does score items like the more expensive wire hubcaps. Its interior condition is unclear, although swapping the seats and other upholstered items could be a cheap option if it isn’t as shabby. However, the value of these cars is often in small items like clips and brackets, which are sometimes hard to locate for older vehicles.
The 1984 Chrysler LeBaron Town & Country isn’t the most desirable classic on the planet, but it was a landmark car in the company’s history. After teetering on the brink of bankruptcy, the K-Car platform proved to be Chrysler’s savior. The sad reality is that although 11,578 buyers took home one of these Wagons in 1984, they were essentially treated as disposable items. It is unclear how many survive or what percentage disappeared into the depths of scrapyards years ago. This is your chance to save one…or possibly a matched pair. The price is low, but is that enough to tempt you to take the plunge?
Jon Voigt’s family hauler
Double Trouble!
Not a bad motor, but i prefered the later 80s 2.5. Had the balance shaft for smooth runnig, plus plenty of pull with the long stroke. Just the thing for the old double nickel days.
These were notorious for head gasket problems, which explains the overheating on one car, and the cracked head on the other. The 2.6 Mitsubishi is the more undesirable of the options, the 2.2 being more reliable.
I seem to remember either Mark Cross or Bill Blass editions of these cars with the two tone leather being one of the distinctions. Other than having the wrong wheels driven, I always liked these and my other half liked the soccer Mom vibe and not having an oil burner to keep up, as her wanna-be friends always drove seedy looking Mercedes wagons driven by herr Diesel.
Update November 19, 2024: The price is all the wat down to $400 for the pair! Wow!
https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/d/seattle-chrysler-lebaron-woodie-wagon/7803521723.html