Easily one of the most distinctive designs from Chrysler in the 1970s, this 1979 Chrysler LeBaron 2-Door looks good overall, other than what appears to be a slightly crunched left quarterpanel, unfortunately. If you can do bodywork and are a fan of the first-generation LeBarons, this one is posted here on craigslist in Chesapeake, Virginia, and they’re asking $5,950. Here is the original listing, and thanks to Tony P. for the tip!
Ensign Blue Metallic is a perfect color name for Virginia’s maritime history, and this car looks really nice, other than for the left quarter panel. The LeBaron name goes back to the early part of the 1900s as a coachbuilder, and Chrysler used them for the spectacular 1941 dual-cowl LeBaron Newport. The design seen here is officially Chrysler’s first-generation LeBaron as its own make, and they were made from 1977 to 1981 or so, at which point the front-drive K-car LeBarons took over.
You can see some of the very cool design features of the 2-door version of this era’s LeBaron, the pointed trunk lid and the rear haunches. You can also see more of the crunched quarter panel above. A while ago, I wondered what a 4-door version of this 2-door body style may have looked like, so I made one. Then, just about a half-hour ago, I started thinking that they never offered a convertible in this era, so I made one.
The seller says the interior is in “excellent shape,” and there is no rust on this car. Other than the steering wheel cover, which I probably would have taken off for the photos, this car does have a nice-looking interior. I believe this is a mid-trim-level LeBaron Salon, which included velour and vinyl bucket seats with a center armrest, not bad at all. As expected, the back seat looks as close to new as you can get. We don’t get to see inside the trunk or the underside.
While only available initially with a 318 V8, as time went on, the 225-cu.in. OHV slant-six was available, and that’s what powers this LeBaron Salon 2-Door. It sends 110 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque through a TorqueFlite automatic to the rear wheels and is said to run and drive great, and has a new gas tank, new tires, and more. Would you fix the quarter panel or just drive this car as is?
Great job 👍 with the Photoshop Scotty!!!
You really added a touch of vinyl to that sedan roof SG
Thanks, guys!
Actually is an attractively-styled and trimmed car. The colors, landau roof, stripes, and wheels give it a period-correct look. Too bad about the damage; I don’t follow autobody repair costs, but might getting it fixed at a shop approach the value of the car?
Fun photoshops Scotty.
I bought a used 78 LeBaron coupe for my sister. It was a 318 V8 Red White Top and White Leather interior. It had 50K on it and we had very little to no trouble with the car which came from the original owner. I was a GM person at the time and never warmed up to the LeBaron. It was based on the Volare/Aspen cars and never seemed as smooth and quiet as the GM cars I owned.
I had to warm up to the headlamp cluster but otherwise liked the looks of these. I hope this is a 2bbl super six for the added driveablity and fuel economy.