Despite the call for downsizing and fuel efficiency, ’80s luxury car buyers remembered the days when bigger was always better. Chrysler knew some shoppers wanted drive wheels in the rear and a V8 up front, and M-body cars like this sharp white sedan represented its last such platform. This 1986 Chrysler Fifth Avenue in Curtis Park, Colorado accumulated a mere 72,000 miles in 40 years, according to the description here on Craigslist. Though not perfect, the ’80s cruiser looks ready for a night on the town with shiny white paint and comfy-looking red velour seats. Thanks to reader Mike F. for spotting this flashy formal sedan. The $12,000 asking price demands close attention to detail, so let’s take a look.
The classy dash presents more gauges than idiot lights, and plenty of shiny bits. Look at that control panel on the driver’s door. Now that’s luxury! I own one of these, and other than wishing the power seat went further rearward, the interior offers everything you need for running errands or knocking out a 300 mile trip. Despite the three-speed automatic with no overdrive, the economy-minded rear axle gears help get 20+ MPG from the two-barrel V8.
The half-vinyl roof and chrome trim pair with aluminum alloy snowflake wheels (an individual option or part of the two-tone package), blending traditional and contemporary luxury cues. My ’86 Fifth Avenue has the optional heavy duty suspension which handles more tightly than the similar design (transverse front torsion rods and rear leaf springs) used on my 1981 Imperial. If the Fifth Avenue had the same power as my 2006 BMW 750Li, the better driver would be the deciding factor between the two.
While offering less horsepower than modern 1.xL turbo four-cylinders, the 318 cid (5.2L) V8 makes up for it with low-RPM torque. I have a 5.9 Magnum and four-speed AOD swap in mind, but honestly these cars do fine in normal driving, operating quietly and confidently around town, on the highway, and two-lane travel. Mopar legend Steve Dulcich built up a similar car for his wife to the tune of 335 HP and 400 lb-ft of torque. That will do just fine.
Dodge, Plymouth, and Chrysler shared this basic grille for years, with many M-body units built as fleet cars for police and taxi service. They absorb abuse and rack up miles with minimal fuss, and few classics are cheaper to keep on the road. Where does this tidy Fifth Avenue rank on your list of sub-$15,000 luxury classics?
My 1986 Chrysler Fifth Avenue. It’s a local 95k car and I’m the third owner. I’ll build it up a bit then it will replace the gorgeous but super-frustrating ’06 BMW 750 for long trips with more than two people.
That is such a nice car, Todd! Here’s another view that I took last October when I popped over for a visit.
No matter how nice it looks, it’s pricey. There is a lot of competition from other mid to full sized 4dr American sedans from that era for significantly less money, that is going to make this a tough sell.
Fix the AC and power window, if a car is priced for perfection you need to deliver.
Steve R
The white one looks nice. But your black/silver one Todd looks really good. Thanks for letting us take a look.