The Chrysler TC by Maserati is sometimes derided for being a massive failure. And it’s important to remember that when assigning a car’s place in history, many of the shortcomings (if not all) are due to human intervention. The massive production costs, the underwhelming engine options, and the lack of awareness as to what consumers actually wanted all happened as a result of product planners and bean counters who didn’t take into account what was necessary for the TC to be a success. The car shown here on craigslist is one of the better preserved Chrysler TCs I can recall seeing, and it’s clear the owner loved it despite its reputation.
And a lot of people seemingly did love the TC, given we still see plenty pop up for sale in a given year and a batch get sent to the local pick-a-part as well. The seller is asking $7,500 for the car, which has only 64,000 original miles, and that seems quite fair for one that looks about as nice as you can ask for in a specimen without delivery-only miles. The color name is Light Yellow, and it’s one of those paint options that seemed to get some extra love in marketing materials and promo reels; it’s a great color on the TC, for sure. The cosmetics are excellent and this seemingly was a fair weather-only driver.
The interiors were ornate affairs, like all Maseratis, and when they’re rough – well, it’s often a disaster. Those layers-upon-layers of leather look great here but it seems like you’re swimming in layers of musty upholstery when you find one of these in the junkyard (or otherwise neglected). The door panels show no signs of coming apart and the same goes for the dash pad. Whether you’re looking at one of these or a Maserati Biturbo, if the interior is trashed, I’d say to walk away and find a better one – I can’t even imagine the cost of asking an upholstery shop to recreate this level of ornateness.
Now, the bread-and-butter engine in these TCs was a Mitsubishi-sourced 3.0L V6, which was perhaps the undoing of this car. In addition to simply being an engine with the personality of vanilla yogurt (no granola), it was underpowered, with a measly 140 horsepower and 171 lb.-ft. of torque. The only saving grace was a rare turbocharged variant that bumped output to a healthier 200 b.h.p. and 220 lb.-ft. of torque, and even an optional 5-speed manual. This example, however, should still be cherished for simply being in wonderful shape and still a fine way to see the coast in the summertime. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Tony Primo for the find.
Well crafted commentary on this interesting find.
One wonders why the seller doesn’t include any pictures with the top down? Maybe that’s a flaw in the oinkment with this TC?
Maybe it’s a pain in the ass to take off the hardtop without a second person or an overhead winch?
I’m sure that the top is a beast, but it sounds squirrely not mentioning the condition of the top or the lift.
You are likely correct. I have the same issue with my 05 Retrobird!
Loved mine. Lotta haters, but that’s okay.
I had a winch installed to do the lifting. Not really heavy, but very cumbersome. Took the top off once and never put it back on until I gave the car to a family member.
Ok I’m the owner of this car someone called me and told me that it’s on here I had no idea so to reply to this yes that guy was right it a hassle a pain in the rear to take the hard top on and off the soft top is in very good condition
The similar appearance to the much less expensive LeBaron killed this car before it ever had a chance. The TC was supposed to come out sooner but it fell behind schedule.
The market for 2 seat high priced “halo” cars is very limited and most failed from a sales perspective but can be great deals today. Think Reatta, Allante, last generation Thunderbird, etc.
The spare tire location being in the passenger compartment is unexpected. How much of a challenge getting the spare out of the car is an unknown. Storing a road-grimed flat tire without mucking up the interior will be a much greater challenge.
Looks like a space-saver spare, so it’s doubtful the full-size flat would fit in there anyway. Regardless, more likely you’d just chuck the dirty flat in the trunk until you can get it patched or replaced.
I just spit out my vanilla yogurt at breakfast while reading your description! I’ve had many of this car’s cousin – the venerable Chrysler LeBarron convertible – and having seen quite a few of these at classic car shows over the years I’ve often thought of scooping one up but have never pulled the trigger for various reasons. They just appear to be “overdone.”
This one looks extremely clean, appears to have all the documentation and associated books (per the pictures) as well as a motivated seller who has run out of storage space but I just can’t see myself “rolling” with a yellow Chrysler/Maserati no matter how “collectible” they are becoming!
As always a great write up of an interesting collaboration between Chrysler’s Lee Iacocca and Maserati’s Alejandro de Tomaso. Now back to my yogurt!
This car is a little TOO nice for me. But I do like the light-yellow paint as it is a small car. In today’s traffic it is easier seen than the dark colors. Think of it as a spring color like an easter egg. And spring is coming, thankfully.
The only item from the Lebaron that will fit the TC is the windshield. I have had 5 TC from 89-91 still have an 90 with the mars turbo 5 speed. 89 with the Chry 2.3 turbo which is a parts car. Unfortunately the only parts are body parts.
It’s a shame these cars had such an anemic lump under the hood. They really are attractive inside and out. Afterwards, Maserati denied these even existed, mostly again due to the car not able to get out of its own way. “Non e mia figlia”. Chrysler should have provided child support.
These cars weren’t made for racing. They were made for touring. My 16 valve five speed will peg the speedometer of 140.
Even if it’s a gussied-up Lebaron, this is a rare find/condition at a great price.
The 3.0 Mitsu was “decent,” but the Ultramatic tranny wasn’t. (No torqueflite here).
The std Lebaron actually had better exterior styling with hidden headlights and full-width taillights
You are right about the transmission as they were weak and most all needed a rebuild once or twice during the life of the vehicle. The timing belt and water pump should be changed on this engine. I have worked on Jeeps/Chryslers since 1993.
Despite the similar styling and related K-car-derived underpinnings, it’s not just a “gussied-up LeBaron”. They didn’t share any body panels in common, and the TC is shorter by about 7″ in wheelbase and 10″ in length.
The original plan was for the TC to launch first as a “halo car”, then a couple years later the LeBaron coupe and convertible would launch with similar styling to inherit a bit of cachet from the tonier TC, making the LeBaron seem like a more affordable TC.
Instead, development and production delays with the TC meant the LeBaron launched first by a couple years, making the TC when it finally debuted seem like a “gussied-up LeBaron”.
very plush looking for sure.
Located in Queen Creek, AZ
My brother-in-law is a retired mechanic and original owner of an extremely cherry TurboTC. It’s actually a very comfortable and well-performing package. To paraphrase Geddy Lee, ” to keep it as new has been his dearest dream”. Finding the Chrysler parts to do that has been easy. But fabricating things like a wiring harness, AC components, and interior hardware? Not so much.
I don’t blame the Chrysler product planners for this unloved, ill fated, star crossed dud. The TC was the fever dream of the famous partnership of Lee Iacocca and Alejandro de Tomaso. I have immense respect for what Lido did in his career at Ford and Chrysler and some of the remarkable cars he gave us. But even the greatest home run hitters have a big whiff from time to time.
I actually thought these were very nice looking cars and this one looks in well kept, primo condition, which is a big plus. I agree with the powerplant. If this had had the turbo version with a 5spd that would have been a big plus but those are pretty rare from what I’ve found. I think it’s still a very fair price for the condition of the car.