Sometimes, we see a car that connects to a point in our lives and makes us want to buy it, or perhaps bring it back to showroom condition. This is a scenario that defies all logic because nostalgia is driving the purchasing decision, not reason. I still have a mild fascination with the Porsche 928 because I was convinced at the age of 12 that it would be my first car (it didn’t happen). The 1989 Chrysler LeBaron GT Turbo convertible listed here on craigslist just emerged from a Florida restoration shop and is offered for sale at $5,500.
I can see the LeBaron being the sort of car someone might bring to a restoration facility to have freshened up or upgraded. These sorts of shops are everywhere, not specializing in any one make or model but perfectly willing to take a boatload of money to add a stereo, some seat covers, and detail the heck out of the tired paint. I’m not suggesting that’s what happened here, but you could see it. If you were at the height of your career when the LeBaron was new, it was likely a fairly desirable car for a normal household. The looks are still handsome today, and that monochrome appearance was all the rage. The “GT Turbo” trim was one of six offered that year.
While the LeBaron ping-ponged between sporty and luxurious, depending on the year and the specific trim line, things didn’t change much year over year. There were turbocharged four-cylinders, naturally-aspirated four-cylinders and V6s, automatics and manuals, and your usual assortment of interior features like leather seats and voice assistants. Truth be told, the elusive GTC coupe is one of the better-looking cars Chrysler has ever made, but those seemingly never come up for sale. This GT Turbo convertible comes with a sharp black leather interior, full power options, and fake woodgrain trim.
The seller notes that some of the work completed by the “restoration shop” includes a new fuel tank, belts, radiator, and hoses, indicating a fair amount of mechanical work. The final bill likely comes close to the asking price shown here, and a new fuel tank suggests the seller isn’t lying when he notes it was parked in a garage from 2009 to 2026. The 2.5L turbocharged engine produces 150 b.h.p. and 180 lb.-ft. of torque which won’t knock your socks off but should sufficiently blow your hair with the top down. Would you pay a shop to refresh a Lebaron like this one? Thanks to Barn Finds reader Jack M. for the find.
White interior would’ve completed the Miami 🌴 ⛱️ hat trick along w the white body, and wheels.
And white leather belt and shoes. 😂
Lol white suit Primo 😱
Nice cruiser, fair price. I would prefer a manual, but for that price, condition beats being picky.
Poorly detailed? Yes. Restored? No.
My ex had a 1988 Lebaron with the 2.5L turbo and an automatic. Not a desirable combination back then. In the ’80’s, automatics on FWD cars, including her 2.5L Turbo LeBaron were total slushboxes. It couldn’t get out of its own way until 2500 RPM or better in 2nd gear. She got it new and it was OK to cruise but not if you had to quickly accelerate from a dead stop. And it had the Digital Dash and all the electronic gadgets of the ’80’s….and they never worked right. I was glad when she finally agreed to let it go.
What else you gonna find for 5K with 63,000 miles ? Wore out old Hondo cars around here with 200,000 miles and blistered paint jobs , go for this money round here.
I’m not a convertible guy at all but it looks like a really nice little drop top for the money. Having the turbo’s a plus, even if it is a auto. And remember Jeff, for a luxurious car like the LeBaron convertible, it’s faux woodgrain trim. 😂