Technology and consumer preferences can change rapidly, with the phone in the pocket of those cool jeans you’re wearing both becoming outdated nowadays almost as quickly as a gallon of milk. Although it took a few years, that’s what ultimately happened to the Chrysler Fifth Avenue, as RWD platforms and V8 engines were aging out of the marketplace by the end of the eighties. Despite serving as the brand’s flagship model during its second generation, sales dropped from a peak of nearly 110,000 units in 1985 to under 27,000 in its last year of production in 1989, making this end-of-the-line Chrysler Fifth Avenue here on Craigslist the rarest of the run. It’s in Portland, Oregon, and seems like high-quality Mopar period luxury for $4,695. Curvette, thanks for another excellent tip here!
Unless you count the Prowler, the Fifth Avenue marked the end of rear-wheel-drive offerings at Chrysler for the twentieth century, and the brand didn’t bring it back until the 300 in 2005. By 1984, the Slant-6 had been phased out as the standard powerplant in the Fifth Avenue, and it was now equipped exclusively with a 318 V8 of the LA variety, with a TorqueFlite automatic the only available transmission. The seller reports this sedan has only traveled 71,000 miles and says the engine still runs smoothly. This dealership also offers customers $75-per-hour shop rates and wholesale parts pricing for future mechanical needs, which could prove beneficial down the road.
Outside, this Fifth Avenue screams period luxury, with a padded vinyl top that extends beyond the roof and sweeps down into the quarter panels and rear doors. The seller doesn’t specify whether the exterior still has its original paint or has been resprayed, but either way, the finish looks good all around. The sheet metal also appears straight, with no obvious signs of corrosion anywhere. Although these cars came standard with loads of great features, this one also has the optional sunroof, so it’s got about as many bells and whistles as you could get. This is very nitpicking, but the mismatched windshield wipers are really bugging me, so please replace them as soon as possible!
One of my favorite features on luxury sedans from this era is the plush seats, and the Fifth Avenue excels here, including padded door panels. The upholstery shows some wear, but it’s still in decent shape overall, and just a new pair of front floor mats would significantly improve the interior’s appearance. The dash and instruments seem to be in excellent condition, and hopefully, that factory cassette player still works! Any thoughts to share on this 1989 Chrysler Fifth Avenue?
End of an era in more ways than one. While this was the last RWD Chrysler, it was also the last passenger car to be made in Kenosha after the Chrysler buyout. Dodge Diplomat, Gran Fury and these 5th Ave. were the last cars to come off the line in late 1988, so this, as a ’89, could be one of the very last,,,if that is worth anything( crickets). Kenosha still tuned out the in-line 6 until 2010, in fact, I hauled some of the last motors out of Kenosha, went in a container for someplace overseas, and closed the doors forever.
These are okay cars, smothered with emission controls, but I think only the Crown Vic lasted a bit longer, but it was adios to the big family RWD sedans forever. Probably considered a “beater” today by most, but still a great find.
Howard buddy, we had another sister up here.. the rwd Caravelle model. 🍁
It switched to a fwd platform sometime in the mid 80s i think… Love these cars. Look at that interior. More comfortable.. you will not find. 👍✨️
I picked up an ’86 Fifth Avenue about a year ago and I’ve been driving it more than any other car since. With the Heavy Duty suspension it corners pretty well, making tires the weak link. It’s super quiet, loaded, and I can get 18 MPG in mixed driving. While I have a 5.9 Magnum destined for my ’81 Imperial, I think I’ll just do a A500 / 42RH four-speed auto and 3.55 gears on the Fifth Avenue and otherwise leave it stock. At that point it will officially replace my 2006 BMW 750Li for four-person trips. The BMW might do great on the autobahn, but it can’t even shed water, so +1 for the ’80s Chrysler.
Good write-up Mike. Looks like a clean Chrysler. And I like your example Todd. Its two-tone really looks sharp.
I got a chuckle out of the windshield wiper comment. And the floor mat comment. Perhaps you have a future as a car show judge?
Nice writeup! Fifth Avenues were everywhere in our neighborhood. Pillow velour is awesome and needs to make a comeback. Hard to believe my lowly 1980 Plymouth Volare was the same platform…slant 6, no air, crank windows…
The subject car would be a great 3 season daily driver to preserve.