When the subject turns to automotive failures, many people focus on the train wreck that was the Edsel experiment. It probably stands as one of the worst miscalculations by a manufacturer. However, the 1989 Chrysler TC by Maserati deserves recognition for failing to realize the potential envisaged by its creators. It was not a bad car, but the manufacturing process resulted in a sticker price that few were willing to pay. This TC is an original survivor that could be ideal for someone seeking a luxurious Convertible. It presents well for its age and is ready to find a new home. The seller has listed the Chrysler here on eBay in Modesto, California. Bidding sits at a mere $1,975 in a No Reserve auction.
It is undeniable that Lee Iacocca dragged Chrysler from the edge when he took the company’s helm in 1978. The transformation can be primarily attributed to the new K-Platform, which spawned a seemingly endless variety of models. All looked rosy when Iacocca renewed a longstanding relationship with Maserati’s Alejandro de Tomaso that dated back to the former’s days at Ford. The pair agreed to the terms and signed a contract to produce a new luxury Convertible as a collaborative effort. The car was envisaged as a halo model for Chrysler, designed to draw more affluent buyers into its showrooms. However, as the saying goes, the best-laid plans of mice and men… Ongoing disputes between the Engineering Departments of Maserati and Chrysler resulted in significant delays, meaning the TC finally hit the market long after the company’s more affordable LeBaron model graced showroom floors. That was only the tip of the iceberg because the highly complex production techniques utilized resulted in a significantly higher sticker price than initially planned. That did little to help the TC’s cause. The original owner ordered this TC in Light Yellow, and its overall presentation is pretty respectable for its age. The paint sports a few scratches and marks, particularly on the front bumper. However, there are no significant problems, and a reputable shop should be able to address these without breaking the bank. The panels are straight, and the car retains its original color-matched hardtop with the distinctive “porthole” windows. The Black soft-top fits tightly, the trim and alloy wheels are in good order, and there are no glass issues.
The seller supplies no engine photos, but the VIN confirms this Chrysler rolled off the line equipped with the 2.2-liter “Turbo II” four-cylinder powerplant that sends 160hp and 171 ft/lbs of torque to the front wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission. Outright performance wasn’t outstanding, even by the standards of the day. However, that wasn’t the aim of the TC exercise. Iacocca envisaged a car delivering relaxed top-down touring that could cruise effortlessly all day at 70mph. The TC achieved that goal, and this one should still accomplish that feat. The seller states that it runs and drives extremely well, with a strong engine and a smooth transmission. Their confidence is emphasized by their claim that they wouldn’t hesitate to drive it anywhere. That makes it a turnkey proposition for its new owner.
Iacocca pushed out the boat when specifying the TC’s interior, leaving occupants in no doubt they were experiencing a high-end motoring experience. Many upholstered surfaces feature handstitched leather, while splashes of woodgrain add to that impression. It came from the showroom loaded with luxury appointments, including air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power seats, power mirrors, cruise control, side window demisters, a tilt wheel, and a premium ten-speaker Infinity AM/FM radio/cassette player. The only option was a CD player, which this car doesn’t feature. The interior presentation is acceptable for a vehicle of this vintage, with only slight wear on the outer edge of the driver’s seat as a notable fault. A leather specialist might be able to revive it and return it from the brink. Otherwise, a set of slipcovers could hide the issue from prying eyes. I probably wouldn’t consider replacing the existing seatcovers because not only would finding them be almost impossible, but the chances are that the cost would far outweigh the potential benefits.
The 1989 model year was the most successful for the Chrysler TC by Maserati, although it would be fair to also regard it as the least unsuccessful! Lee Iacocca had grand plans and high hopes for his Halo model, but only 3,764 buyers shared that vision. Sales dropped by 50% in 1990, plummeting further by the time the pin was pulled in 1991 when the contract minimum number agreed by Chrysler and Maserati had rolled off the line. This car is a tidy survivor with no apparent needs. It could be an affordable daily driver, which might account for the sixteen bids submitted. Would you consider making a play for this classic, or does it leave you unmoved?
You all (BF readers and staff) have a lot more car smarts than a lot of folks, but could it be the problem with the Chrysler TC, the Allante, and, say, Merkur as a few examples was more of the lack of knowledge and enthusiasm on the part of the sales/marketing staff?
A longtime Cadillac salesman I knew said of the Allante “I know my customers and this isn’t what my customers want. I get them away from it and put them in something they’ll be happy with”.
Or am I 180* out?
I think if you’re going to spend $35k on a county club convertible, you might as well spend $45k on an SL or a Jag. They were looking to make a statement about wealth, not to save money. You didn’t buy these cars because they were practical or to commute to work in the 1st place. The TC, the Allante did not understand their buyers. If you were looking to save money and make a statement about value, you’d buy a Lebaron Turbo convertible for $20k fully loaded which would be just as good as the TC
Frankly, I think the big problem was, they still looked like American cars….nothing exotic. The designers of these and the Allantes didn’t grasp why the wealthy buy European cars.
no….think your thinking good….
Well, BFs certainly has a hankerin’ for TCs, as a quick search brings up no less than 20, and I believe this was one of them from a couple years back. I know, we kind of all have it in for car makers, and gloat whenever we can, but a $600 million dollar loss for Chrysler, originally inspired by Iacocca, who had Italian roots and thought the merge of 2 countries cars would be a hit. But after the loss, claims he had nothing to do with the project.
Regardless, I think it’s a really neat car, the 4 cylinder was the one to have, and just think, for a mere shred of the loss(claimed $50grand on every one) you can have one of the companies biggest blunders.
Mileage?
I have seen a few pristine examples of these sell very low. Still a good buy IMO…
The problem with these things is that they were FWD Chryslers. And nothing sez “luxury performance” than a K car derivative.
Why spend the money on a Chrysler TC when you could buy an almost identical Lebaron for thousands less. They should have differentiated the 2 models.
Is this the same one from a few weeks back ?
That doesn’t explain the success of marques like Lexus, Infiniti or (gawd) Genesis though. Lexus and Infiniti were cheaper than Mercedes or Jaguar but delivered the premium experience. For awhile they ate the European maker’s lunch. I’m just saying it’s a bit more complicated. Oh and it’s at $3100 with an hour to go.
I think Marques like Lexus had great timing. Satisfied buyers of Toyotas of the 70s and 80s didn’t mind that a Lexus was a “high zoot” Toyota, Hell, that was a selling point. Kind of like the Chevrolet buyer of the 30s and 40s became Buick buyers in the 50s.