In the 1980s, Chrysler offered two variants of luxury cars, the New Yorker and the Fifth Avenue. The former was on the FWD E-body platform, while the latter still used the old-school RWD M-body. Based on the model year of the seller’s car, we think it’s a Fifth Avenue that’s said to have only had two owners who put on just 31,000 miles. The photos could be much better, but the Chrysler is in Huntington Station, New York, and is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $6,000. A thumbs up to “Zen” for the tip.
Chrysler shuffled nameplates from car to car back in the day. The Fifth Avenue had previously been the LeBaron. And cars like the New Yorker went from being enormous land yachts in the 1970s to something more sensible after the company nearly went out of business. The M-body was also sold as the more pedestrian Dodge Diplomat, which was often purchased in bulk as police cars. The Fifth Avenue was easier to spot because of its overly padded vinyl roof. In 1986, you had just one engine choice, the venerable 318 cubic inch V8.
Chrysler managed to sell 569,000 Fifth Avenues between 1982 and 1989, with a near-record 105,000 in 1986. The history of the seller’s car isn’t discussed, but it appears to be living outdoors under a tarp, which is not the best of circumstances for preservation. Stickers on the windshield imply the car hasn’t spent much (if any) time on the road in recent years.
The body and paint look good, though we’re unsure about the interior as the seller took the photos through the glass rather than opening the doors. We’re told it runs and drives, but nothing else is said to comfort us. The seller says the car will be “fully cleaned before purchase,” so why not do that before taking photos? Does Grandma know her car is for sale?
“Does Grandma know her is for sale?” That is hilarious, Russ! Right on! 😁