By the time the mid 1970s rolled around, Chrysler was sliding into a financial abyss. With four different CEOs running the company at various points during the decade, a solution wasn’t at hand until the last of those, Lee Iacocca, stepped aboard. Heaping measures of perseverance and persuasion, along with a new platform, finally dragged the company out of bankruptcy. Of course, US taxpayers chipped in, lending Chrysler hundreds of millions of dollars – which it did pay back, with interest, early. And how did it manage the payback? Part of the answer lay in the new K-platform, under development since 1977 and introduced in 1981. The compact, front wheel drive configuration carried some fifty models, starting with the Dodge Aries and Plymouth Reliant. The LeBaron arrived in 1982. This ritzy faux woody convertible rolled off the line in 1983, and reportedly counts Hal Sperlich – father of the minivan – among its owners. It is advertised here on craigslist for $6800, and can be found in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee.
This car is powered by Chrysler’s turbocharged 2.2 liter four-cylinder, good for about 146 hp. Subsequent years would see improvements to this engine, including a switch to fuel injection in 1986. Automatic transmissions were mandated with the turbo, helping to combat inherent lag. The seller notes that this car runs well, but a few of its power accessories work reluctantly. Its interior is in great shape, with the leather showing perhaps a few cracks, but other wear at a minimum. The K-car was launched with Chrysler’s Electronic Voice Alert, delivering important messages such as “A door is a jar”. Chrysler was the first of the Big Three to introduce a convertible back to the automotive ecosystem; buyers were happy to pay the premium price for these top-shelf drop-tops.
The “simulated ash trim” surrounding “simulated teak panels” remain in great condition – a good thing because replacement bits are hard to find. This car rides on new tires, and the condition of the top is excellent. A smattering of documents, including a shop manual, accompany the sale. Values have been rising, as collectors show new appreciation for the kitsch of these faux woody convertibles. A few have sold in the mid-teens, but prices more commonly settle in the mid- to high four-figures. Provided rust is minimal and the car’s running condition passes muster, this example seems like a worthy prospect.
Looks a lot like the LeBaron Convertible featured yesterday
Not owned by Jon Voight
My grandfather would have been proud to wheel this around. And that’s exactly the target audience for this LeBaron
I heard this car was also owned by John Voight. Not my fave car but interesting token of the times when car was new.
You have to give Chrysler credit. Despite their financial issues, they came out with a car that not only saved them but didn’t have many issues at its first release (see GM’s X-car). And the fake wood grain looks rather attractive here, the only thing that can get to it is rust and fake termites. About turbo lag, the engines with the turbo had to be revved, then you had to wait. Putting an automatic behind one meant you had to force downshift and then again, wait. Lag became less of a problem once smaller and/or multiple turbos were used.
Turbo in 83 ????? I’m sure turbo came online in 84 ?
I know that is right, but this owner calls this an ’83. Hard to tell unless we can see the ID plates.
It is a heck of a deal, the thing is still in the crate!
Call George Costanza. He can replace the one that burned down (Seinfeld episode “The Hamptons”, aired on May 12, 1994).
Or replace the one Steve Martin & John Candy drove.
I’m not convinced that this is a 1983. Both the 1982 and the 1983 did not have the rear quarter window. That did not arrive until the 1984 model year. Unless this is some sort of a prototype, I think it is a 1984. Buyer would need to do a little research.
Michelle, the US government did not directly loan Chrysler funds in 1979. The Chrysler Corporation Loan Guarantee Act of 1979 provided up to $1.5B in loan guarantees, meaning that Chrysler secured loans from banks and the US government essentially co-signed and would be responsible if Chrysler defaulted. It was an extraordinary time, with Chrysler lobbying hard and attempting to garner public support with heartfelt advertisements on TV and radio. Even leadership from GM and Ford lobbied in favor of the loan guarantees, believing that competition is good for the consumer. Ultimately, there was no default, and Chrysler paid back the bank loans early, releasing the government of its obligations. The net cost to the government was negligible, essentially just the administrative costs of managing the program.
You’re going the wrong way!
He says we’re going the wrong way.
Oh he’s drunk how would he know which way we’re going?
Yeah how would he know?
Thank you thanks a lot!
Thank you! Ha, what a moron!