The definition of iconic means different things to different people, but in terms of 90s-era drop tops, the Chrysler LeBaron certainly deserves a seat at the table. As a proud member of the K platform era, the LeBaron offered an affordable way to own a stylish convertible that even to this day, looks plenty modern. There may be a time in the future when these cars achieve a higher level of recognition from the collector community, but for now, most LeBarons are affordable runabouts like this 1994 LeBaron GTC convertible listed here on eBay with no reserve.
I have to give this seller credit for taking decent photos of a car that rarely gets any love from enthusiasts or die-hard Chrysler fans alike. The model shown here reflects the changes stemming from a 1993 facelift, where the hidden headlights gave way to flush-mounted assemblies. Other updates included safety features like dual airbags, and in general, serve as a reminder to the staying power the LeBaron had in Chrysler’s lineup: born from the K-car era and evolving into a time when dual airbags became standard equipment. The taillight assembly reminds me of European-market cars with the liberal use of amber reflectors.
The LeBaron reminds us also of how much cross-pollination was still happening between Chrysler and Mitsubishi at the time. While the 2.2L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine was a familiar sight in the early days of the LeBaron, later cars like this one used the 3.0L naturally-aspirated V6. That’s a decent-sized mill but it still only made 140 horsepower, which strikes me as low relative to the engine size. An automatic transmission was the only option, and despite all this, it still managed to get through the 0-60 run in under ten seconds. The engine bay is a bit tired but the seller makes no reference to mechanical defects.
The interior is better than expected, with tan cloth seats still showing plenty of bolstering and no major stains or tears. The Motorweek review at the time showed a car that slithered through the slalom with surprising poise and also exhibited strong braking under pressure. The seller points out a variety of cosmetic flaws which seem to be the driving force behind his no reserve auction, but overall, the big items seem to be intact: the A/C blows cold and the convertible top mechanism still operates as it should. Do you think the LeBaro deserves more love at this point?
Cool link to the Motorweek test drive. Thanks for that Lavery, what a great show. It was broadcast on PBS where we lived. Such a great voice for tv the host, John Davis 👏👍
The fwd convertible was a Chrysler specialty.
GTC ??????
Looks pretty good for its age. Has the typical failed rear window regulator. This one is basic with the cloth and wheel covers but looks good in black cherry.
I remember taking my ’91 to the dealership for a recall. They drilled drain holes somewhere below those rear windows to keep them from rusting and quitting.
An excellent way into the hobby for minimum bucks, plenty of parts available, pretty reliable engine, the advertised HP is low, but the car weight is low as well. Lke the Buick Reata, the Caddy Allante, and a few others, good cars, 1/4 the price of a Mustang or a Model A, for that matter. “I like xxxx because everyone likes xxxx” can be said for the car market as well.
I sure loved mine, a red/gray 1991 LeBaron ragtop, on sale in a newspaper ad from a dealer in the fall of 1991. A “Springtime Special Model”, she was, with V6, heavy duty suspension, oversized wheels and tires, and, best of all, four on the floor! Purchased in the spring by somebody who just wanted a fun car for the summer, she was traded back on a Lincoln six moonths later, then sold to me for ten grand and a tired ’84 Chrysler K-car ragtop. I reluctantly sold her years later after 161,000 great-fun miles. The only maintenance she ever needed was a right side rear quarter window motor and a headlight door motor. No car ever treated an owner better that that!!
I didn’t know the 3.0 Mitsubishi V-6 was available with a four-speed stick.
I thought it only available on the 2.2 liter 4-cylinder.
My 1991 LeBaron was a “Springtime Special Model” with bigger wheels and tires and so on. The combination of the V6 and the four speed may not have been available on the “standard” LeBaron convertible.
I was rarely in a panic situation in buying a car, and so first had the local dealer look for a dealer swap if the car I wanted was not in his inventory or his future inventory. By 2012 the computer systems made that easy – my 2014 Audi was “destined” for a dealer two states away, dealers swapped, my 2000 Dodge Caravan, 1984 Caravan, 1968 Chevelle were all special ordered, not in a combination of things the “usual” ordering allowed. But the three dealers I delt with were all able to get me the exact vehicle I wanted. So, getting the V6 with a 4 speed was not impossible, if the dealer was motivated to make the sale and it was mechanically possible. The Chevy dealer wanted 1/3 down, since he did not think that if I folded he would be able to sell it to anyone else – big V8, 4 speed, heavy duty everything, to pull two horse trailer, Chevelle station wagon, economy rear axel to get good fuel economy the rest of the time. Rarely used 1st unless starting uphill or starting with the trailer with horses. Even in 1968 the “public” did not want standard transmissions, but the choice was a 2 speed PowerGlide, not the much better 3 speed hydramatic. But, maybe, if I had been persistent, I could have gotten the hyramatic, since it might have been available on the Olds B body being built on the same assembly line.
Another article with an odd timeline.
Article dated 8/26
Comments starting on 8/23
Vehicle SOLD on 8/23 for $900
My mother always had a convertible growing up and I have had at least one in my garage since I was 18. When Chrysler brought the convertible back in the early 80’s we were quick to buy one. The first one was slow and felt a little shaky but every version got better. I liked the styling of the one in this posting a lot. Mine had hidden headlights and nice leather interior. So fun to have convertibles back but now they are going away again.
My mom bought a ’91 model new back then. We had to switch out the 4sp automatic TWICE due to mechanical issues (a big problem for Chrysler at the time).
I just can’t get past the cowl shake on these cars. I rented one of the last ones produced when on business in San Diego. The cowl shake was better (lessened) than the first edition. But it was still there and it totally made me nervous. I hope who ever bought this is happy with it. I would not be.