The association with the name Mark Cross and high-quality components dates way back to the mid-1800s when Henry W. Cross opened a saddlery company in 1845, naming it after his only son. The business exchanged hands several years later, which then expanded to include top-of-the-line luxurious leather items and elite travel bags, so it’s not surprising when Chrysler decided to attach that moniker to its LeBaron that the result would be a special edition model that’s chic and loaded with equipment. This 1985 LeBaron Mark Cross coupe is a low-mileage and well-preserved example, located in Concord, North Carolina.
The seller purchased the Chrysler back in 2006, with less than 42,000 miles at the point when he took over as owner. Over the past 17 years, the odometer has only increased to 55,812, so this one’s seen way less travel than most cars nearing the four-decade mark. The exterior received a new paint job in 2020, which included some rust repairs on the doors and rocker panels. Since that time, one bubbling spot underneath the finish on the passenger door has returned, but it appears to be only a minor issue, and the appearance on the outside looks sweet overall. A new vinyl top was also added while the car was in for cosmetic refreshment.
Step inside and you’ll find not only an overall nicely-preserved interior, but also one that’s loaded, including such features as power windows, door locks, plus a power driver’s seat. There’s an AM/FM/Cassette Stereo which includes a graphic EQ, so this was a rockin’ sound system for the time. The two-tone leather seats show a Mark Cross embossing on the backs, reminding the driver and occupants that this is no ordinary LeBaron you’re sitting in. A confirmation is given by the seller that everything in here is working as it should, with the A/C being an exception.
The excitement continues under the hood, as the 2.2-liter engine is turbocharged and also fuel injected, so I’m guessing this one’s probably lots of fun to drive. However, that’s the main issue with the seller, as he hardly ever uses the car and it’s just taking up needed room in his driveway. If you’d like to help him reclaim the space, this 1985 Chrysler LeBaron Mark Cross Edition can be found here on eBay, with bidding sitting at $2,000. There’s no reserve, so the most optimistic candidate will be taking this beauty home. What are your thoughts on this one?
There’s a couple I forgot, Mark Cross, Bill Blass, I know, now available, the Howard A Edition, it’s got nuttin’,,,silliness aside, these were great cars. The puffer isn’t really needed, and many stuck and the drivers never knew it. If it DID work, however, it added 50hp. I had a Plymouth minivan with one and a stark difference over a non-turbo. Used a lot of oil, and gas mileage suffered, just not needed. In the 80s, every Tom, Dick and Harry offered a turbo to bolster sagging HP ratings, and it worked, for a while. I had a Dodge 600, a basic version of this car, changed the motor in an afternoon, by myself, and just a throwaway car, although it worked for me. Much better than that dismal Ford Tempo I had. The price, with 77 viewers pretty much tells the story. Like clean AMCs, people that bought these new are passing on, and about the only way you’ll find them. People are just not looking for a car like this anymore. Looks sharp, great gas mileage, comfy seats, good heat /a/c and dependable. Too bad, their loss.
Howard ” Wisconsin Emporia ” edition.
I really liked my 1986 LeBron GT hatchback with turbo. Mag wheels, leather interior, comfortable seats and it was really fun to drive. A very well made car. I sold it with almost 200,000 miles on it. It was still running strong.
The two tone paint is not correct. It is on the deck lid and under the opera windows, but where is the rest of it? Obviously, the hood was repainted, but it is wrong. The trunk lid color follows through to the hood. Whoever buys this needs to take it to the body shop for a repaint. Who wouldn’t notice this. And such a nice car too.
In the 1st photo, it’s the reflection from the sky which makes the hood appear the same color as the sides. If you look closer at the headlight housing and the fender, you can see the 2 paint tones. A better photo is on ebay. Scroll to the one that shows the driver’s side from the rear (it’s an overhead shot). You can see the darker paint on the roof and the hood (the door sill appears to be the same as the sides but again, it’s just the reflection.
Everytime i see one of these cars,can’t help but think of the movie Planes,Trains and Automobiles.. especially when they’re going the wrong way on the highway and squeeze between two semi trucks and John Candy folding the steering wheel and Steve Martin with his fingers stuck in the dash…surprised to see any of these cars alive nowadays….
It is not a Mark Cross edition. This car has the Mark Cross interior package.
Same as my Eldorado. Front wheel drive with a tranny and driveline hump.
If you want a car that emulates the spirit of the 1980s then this is a good example. Chrysler rode this horse and its offspring to great success. The Turbo engine worked properly and helped overcome the lack of V6 or V8 power. Came with a 7 year/70,000 mile warranty to reassure you that you did the right thing. I dig it and all its square beauty.
SOLD for $3,200.
I just bought it for $3200. I am in Asheville NC and hope to drive it the 142 miles home. Wish me luck! Also have a 1986 Aries SE wagon with the wood decals and a 1986 LeBaron base convertable. Also 2 parts cars. Don Weaver