Straight from the Malaise Era, decked in period-perfect cream and brown hues, we have this 1978 Chrysler LeBaron sedan, a proverbial “driven only on Sundays,” low mileage example. It is advertised here on craigslist for $5400, with a trade possible. Thanks to Mitchell G for pointing us to this barely-used LeBaron – a nameplate with a convoluted history. The original LeBaron wasn’t a car at all – the company was founded in 1920 as a designer and coachbuilder, working with many makers. It was eventually absorbed into Chrysler, who revived the name as a top trim level for its Imperial in 1957. The nameplate remained twinned with Imperial until 1977, when it was launched as a standalone model on a mid-sized platform. Using the LeBaron name allowed Chrysler to soften the blow of downsizing by enticing buyers with the promise of luxury. Today’s example provides a cheap entry point for American car buffs.
Chrysler’s venerable 225 cu. in. slant six sits underhood, paired with a three-speed automatic. The car slumbered in heated storage for 24 years, so before starting her up, the seller replaced the battery, water pump, belts and carburetor. The brake system was completely overhauled, and the tires are new. It’s had a tune-up and all the fluids have been changed. The engine bay is spiffy enough for a neighborhood show; a few hours worth of elbow grease could bring it up a notch.
In keeping with the “luxury” niche, Chrysler offered thirteen exterior colors and a dizzying array of seating option and upholstery choices, from leather, to “sporty” vinyl, cloth and vinyl, and its upscale “Cortez” velour. The accessory options list was even more extensive, allowing the choosy buyer to individualize his vehicle. While most of the interior presents very nicely, I think the dash may be torn right above the steering wheel.
The seller promises us no rust, but admits the body has a few paint flaws. The rear bumper support is discolored, as is the edge of the trunk lid above the tail light. The vinyl top could be hiding problems as well. If you like the price and the claimed low mileage on this baby land yacht, a trip to Westbury, New York to conduct a personal inspection should be on the docket. But be careful what you spend getting there: six cylinder ’70s LeBarons simply do not have much cachet in the market right now, with mid four figures about all the money for even nice examples.
These were quite nice cars back then….. friends had a 4 door and it inspired me to buy my first factory ”new” car… a 70 LeBaron Medallion coupe…white with beautiful aqua half top and leather interior.. even the carpet was aqua… as was the sport steering wheel….. 318 automatic full power as they used to say…. wire hubcaps really set it off. Drove it 120k miles…. really liked that car.
just noticed… it was a 79
Chuck
Air filter housing & valve covers look mighty fresh at 47 years old!
rattle can restoration.
Sunnymead, CA – 40 years ago – five or six of these on a used car lot, any given day. Ricardo Montalban couldn’t entice me to buy one even then. It is nice to see a survivor though.
I have to admit Chuck’s aqua and white version would have been quite appealing.
Thanks… everybody liked that car… even the burliest guys…. it just made you feel good to be surrounded by that color. All the automakers had some colors or shades that were a bit too severe, and this was not one…. Pretty sure Chrysler changed the color palette for 79 and got away from plastic looking colors. I was burning out on saddle by then…. because it was everywhere…. the 70’s ya know !
The psychedelic upholstery is weird in a good way. Just plain weird is the junked-up trunk picture included in a sales ad.
I have some difficulty believing this is a 25k mile car. I thinks it flipped and is 125k miles.
The valve cover is the wrong shade of blue. The air filter housing and lid should be black.
Still in nice shape and if the seller doesn’t know the exact history, should be advertised as showing 25,000 on the five digit odometer.
This car has been on my local CL & Marketplace literally forever.
My 77 LeBaron was a much nicer car than this one. To start with it had a 318 V8. I can’t imagine driving one of these with a straight six. With the addition of all the pollution equipment from the era, this example must truly be a dog. This is the beginning version of LeBaron too. However, it doesn’t look too bad. It’s just nothing special for me. Maybe someone will buy it and give it a good home?
Beautiful looking car. Although I was way too young at the time to drive a car, I remember when these cars were offered. 45 yrs later and I still find these cars attractive. I’d buy one this was closer to where I live. If only more pictures were posted.
I loved this Chrysler Lebaron. I thought this model in a two door was one of the best looking coupes around.
I owned a 1978 4 door Lebaron. Once I got the numerous factory defects fixed, such as insufficiently packing the front wheel bearings, it was a good and adequate performer. Mine was a 318 V8. The big inline 6 would be too slow for the interstate. I had a1964 Valiant with the available 4 0n the floor and the big 6, and that was fine too.
I owned a 1977 Chrysler LeBaron back in 1980 and a few years after. My car had a 318-v8, pewter grey paint with a pewter grey leather interior, power moonroof, cruise, power everything. Really liked the car but Chicago winters quickly took their toll.
These were plentiful enough that a few survived. IMO the Dodge was the better looking car. Never have warmed up to seeing parking lights above the headlamps. You can’t say it wasn’t distinctive.
They were also the turn signals…which were quite large and bright. and my car had cornering lights which is the clear square lens on the side of the headlight. made it easty to find a driveway in rural areas…. another great feature that no longer is offered. Nights haven’t changed since the 70’s…..
Chuck, you are quite right! Nights still look the same. My van surely could benefit with cornering lights. Will discretely “customize” it soon.
Agreed with what you said.
Does Distinctive mean Ugly?
It doesn’t appear natural.
I bought a used ’79 LeBaron station wagon in 1988. One of the best cars I’ve ever owned – and I’ve owned a bunch. From that car I derived my formula for used-car buying: search for one-owner cars around 10 years old or older. My rationale is that people don’t keep cars that long unless they really like them and take care of them. The 318 V8 was very robust, and never gave me a moment of trouble. I frequently drove that car from Virginia to Minnesota, and Virginia to Texas. In 2000 I bought an ’85 Plymouth Fury III – also a 318. Fantastic car! I still find the Furys/Diplomats/Fifth Avenues of the mid-80s very attractive. Find a good one and just drive it and drive it and drive it.
Oh yeah… They’re really comfortable too.
Had a 2 door version of this many years back. One of the best cars I ever owned, it was reliable to a fault. It was the only Chrysler product I ever owned that didn’t have/create major problems
I don’t think it’s ugly at all. Compared to most cars offered today, I actually love the styling of the Dodge Diplomat/Plymouth Fury/Chrysler New Yorker.