The Chrysler TC by Maserati was a joint venture between the U.S. and Italian automakers. Designed to be a halo car, the vehicle pulled from engineering on both sides of the Atlantic. It was criticized by the media at the time and was only in production between 1989 and 1991 with a total of just 7,300 cars. Chrysler reportedly lost money on each one that was sold (and we assume the same was true for Maserati). Located in National City, California, this vehicle is in true cheap wheels territory at just $950 here on craigslist (assuming this is a real deal posting and not a scam). Thanks for the tip, Tony Primo!
Chrysler contributed a modified version of the “K” platform for the TC (which stood for Turbo Coupe). It was set up as a luxurious grand tourer with seating for two. Manufacturing took place in Italy under Maserati’s watchful eye. This all came about from the friendship that had been forged between Lee Iacocca (while he was at Ford) and Alejandro de Tomaso who owned Maserati. Under the hood of each 1989 TC resided a 160 hp turbocharged 2.2-liter inline-4 engine (later ones would be replaced by a Mitsubishi powerplant).
While the seller’s car might be had for a song, it took big bucks to buy one when new. The automobile cost about $33,000 at the time which would be akin to $75,000 today. Half of the TC’s total production came in 1989, so the seller’s car was 1 of about 3,800 when it came off the boat. From what we can tell, the media didn’t think much of a Chrysler engine inside a Maserati body and that may have helped hold sales down to below expectations of 5,000 to 10,000 units a year.
We don’t know much about the seller’s car other than we’re told it’s “fun to drive”. The TC is said to have just 56,000 miles on the odometer, but is that actual? And it wears New York State license plates (though in Cali). The vehicle looks okay overall, though the paint may be flawed on the trunk lid (or it’s the lighting) and the interior is worn with a cut in the driver’s bucket seat. The convertible top operates manually and looks as if it needs to be replaced. Is this a car you would add to your stable, either at $950 or somewhere higher than that?
I would check your facts on the manufacturer’s list price Russ. It was comparable to a base Corvette, $30-$33,000. The Cadillac Allante was closer to $80,000.
I may have read the source incorrectly, which said “the cost to produce each of the 7,300 TCs was about $80,000 in 1990 dollars ($186,572 in 2023 dollars). I’ll correct the post. Thanks!
Thanks Dixon, always liked these collaborative offerings.
Hmmm…beat up junkyard seats out of an Infiniti. $950 is about right given all the work needed and what a mint one is worth anyway
If this was near me, I’d buy it PRONTO! Muy bueno. I’m familiar with the motor( changed a timing belt in a truckstop with hand tools) it would be perfect for regional cruises, where the Jeep doesn’t like. These were comfy, economical, good sound, easy to fix with parts 2 blocks away, dang, these pop up from time to time. Usually, very little interest, but I’d love to have it.
Wow, Howard likes a posting? A first for me to see!!!
Howard was hooked when he saw it has an automatic transmission!!! Just kidding Howard…… I cant say I dont blame him
He went a few million miles constantly hunting for gears in 10 and 13 speeds trucks!! I’d want an automatic too!!!
Dave
For that kind of money, if it ran and was safe (didn’t need big $$$ to become safe) it would be fun just to beat around in. I think it’s too trashed to considering restoration, but it could be fun to drive and not worry about it.
I remember when Chrysler announced they were working with Maserati to build these things and people purchased them thinking they would get something really cool only to find out what a piece of junk they really are and I’m shocked to see two of them in today’s email.
Optioned up Chrysler Labarron, like the Optioned up chevy cavalier/Cadillac Cimarron, like the Optioned up ford granada/ lincoln Versailles…
I’ve seen worse for a thousand bucks. Somebody will buy it.