Cheap and cheerful. Those could be two words to describe this 1985 Chrysler LeBaron. It is a tidy survivor with a claimed 9,580 genuine miles on its odometer. It isn’t perfect, but its overall condition would allow it to continue turning heads. The original owner’s decision to order it with the optional turbocharged four adds to its appeal. It needs a new home as the dealer downsizes their private collection. The LeBaron is listed here on eBay in Alliance, Ohio. Bidding has reached $3,250, and the seller’s determination to move this Chrysler on is reflected in their decision to list it with No Reserve.
Two-tone paint combinations have become less common on modern vehicles, but they were one strategy manufacturers used in the 1980s to indicate that some of their offerings carried luxury leanings. This LeBaron is no exception, with its original owner ordering it in Radiant Silver and Gunmetal Blue. It makes this Chrysler look larger than the tape measure suggests, which was an important consideration when pitching the car to potential buyers seeking prestige or high-end models where size was a consideration. Its presentation is impressive for its age, with the seller believing most of its paint is original. They noted an area of overspray in the passenger-side rear door jamb suggesting a prior touch-up, but no evidence of any other repairs. It wears a few scratches and marks, and there is visible fading on some horizontal surfaces, like the trunk lid. However, the panels are straight, there is no evidence or history of rust, and the glass is in good order. Plastic trim from this era could succumb to UV exposure, but that isn’t the case with this LeBaron. The bright trim pieces sparkle and the original wire hubcaps add to the car’s luxurious appearance.
The seller admits they recently replaced the headliner and a few minor trim pieces, but the rest of this LeBaron’s interior is as it left the production line. Its condition is impressive, with no signs of wear or other problems. The dash is in good order, and the spotless faux walnut trim is worthy of special mention courtesy of its absence of deterioration. There are no cosmetic needs, but the original AM/FM radio occasionally malfunctions and refuses to stay in FM mode. The seller confirmed it is a switch fault, which could pose challenges because of its integrated nature. A new owner might be able to remove and dismantle the radio to clean the switch. This may address the issue, although a search of online sites or a trip to a pick-a-part might be on their radar. Otherwise, everything works as it should. The new owner receives ice-cold air conditioning, power locks, cruise control, and a tilt wheel.
The entry-level four offered by Chrysler delivered 1985 LeBaron owners 99hp and 121 ft/lbs of torque. There was also a 2.6-liter powerplant that pushed those figures to 101hp and 140 ft/lbs. However, the pick of the bunch was the 2.2-liter turbocharged engine that placed 146hp and 168 ft/lbs at the driver’s disposal. With the power feeding to the road via a three-speed automatic transmission, the ¼-mile ET of 17.4 seconds is unsurprising. However, the four’s mid-range power and torque delivery makes the LeBaron a practical daily driver or open-road cruiser. The seller indicates that this gem is in excellent mechanical health. It runs and drives perfectly, with no issues or problems beyond possibly needing new tires. They claim it has a genuine 9,580 miles on the clock, but they don’t mention verifying evidence. Therefore, the claim must be taken at face value.
The K-Car Platform undoubtedly proved Chrysler’s savior and its versatility allowed it to form the foundations of a diverse range of vehicles. The 1985 LeBaron is one such car, and while these are not the most desirable classics on the planet, the twenty-six bids submitted suggest people like what they see. Lifting its presentation to a higher level should be straightforward, but retaining it as an untouched survivor could allow it to function as an affordable and comfortable daily driver. It could be the perfect car to pursue further if you’ve searched for a turnkey classic that is unlikely to break the bank.
You know what? This is hysterical. Totally a fun thing. For $3500.00, it’s a hoot.
My mom had an 84 Labaron. It was beautiful, luxurious, and small enough for her to handle. Unfortunately, it had the 4-cylinder non-turbo engine. It was ok until you climbed a hill with the AC on! This looks like a solid car for the price.
Nice looking leBaron. Very 1980s. The bones of a K-car isn’t a bad thing. Mine was pretty tough. Having a turbo would make it livable. Drive her nicely.
Junk with a capital J
Always thought Lebaron was more upscale. This has hand crank windows. But with 80″s electronics that is probably a good thing as more than once the power window dies on my Dad’s 92 LeSabre. Once the power seat died after my mon 5’2″ drove it. My Dad is 6’4″. Made for an interesting few days.
Absolutely awesome! Amazing, fantastic! I remember these cars when they were new, but being a 25 year old at that time I opted for a Mustang GT. A buddy of mine that had a family bought one of these and absolutely loved it. It was comfortable and for him, his wife and 2 kids it was as he put it “ my turbo charged grocery getter “
Now THIS is a Craig’s List car.
Very similar to the ’85 Plymouth Caravelle 4 door sedan I bought new. Same exterior 2 tone colors, same 4 cylinder turbo charged engine, which was claimed to have more horsepower than the 318 cu. in V-8. Only difference was the turbo, shocks and air condioner all needed replacing at 45,000 miles, so I replaced the car with an 89 Olds Cutlass Ciera, lol
Great seats 💺 in the Caravelle model. 👍
I’m picturing this originally owned by a guy named “Murray,” who bought this LeBaron when he retired from his blue-collar job as a gift to himself. He drove it sparingly, preferring to run about in his twin-stick 1979 Plymouth Champ so that the LeBaron would stay pristine.
I thought that “Twin-Stick” thing was so cool when I saw it in the car magazines back then.
The turbo 2,2 had small oiling holes in the block. Consequently, they ran hot. At around 60 thousand miles or a bit more, you always had to replace the turbo and head gasket. While they were doing these repairs they usually did the timing belt and water pump too resulting in a big repair bill. They were very easy to work on. If you changed the oil very frequently, they lasted longer. The MOST reliable version was the 2,5 fuel injected non-turbo version that arrived in subsequent years.It was slower but lasted a lot longer. This one looks like it’s very nice.
If you can find a better car, buy it.
My girlfriend had a 2 door. Trying to keep the timing right with the “Hall effect” distributor was a pain. Even with a new sensor it was never right and sounded like a diesel. Glad Shelby figured out how to get that engine to perform as intended.
Like to bye it straight out.
What a cherry for 38yrs old.nice engine bay detailing.If you started driving this everyday and putting real miles on it,the age of alot of components on this car will quickly come to light and it will turn into a “nickel and dime operation”.not every replacement part this car might need in the near future is still available.