This 1988 Chrysler LeBaron is a “Special Spring Edition” model that apparently offered buyers the monochromatic paint scheme along with a firmer suspension from the factory. Of course, a taut suspension in a LeBaron drop-top of this generation didn’t mean very much, but anything is better than a completely soft suspension in a car with no roof. This generation of the LeBaron used to be everywhere, and those of us of a certain age certainly remember them littering high school parking lots. Finding a survivor is a rarity, and this one looks quite nice. Check it out here on eBay with time winding down and no action yet on the opening bid of $3,900.
Thanks to Barn Finds reader Russell G. for the find. These Lebarons were nothing like the one made famous in Seinfeld and Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, instead utilizing a sleek design with hidden headlights and no woodgrain in sight. The color-matched wheels, top, and body paint thrust the LeBaron into the late 1980s when these styling cues were all the rage, and while it didn’t necessarily translate to an overnight sales success, it at least kept the nameplate alive for a few more years. The seller notes this example wears low mileage of just 78,600, and that the last owner was an older female driver. The bodyworks looks largely straight and the seller notes the power tops works as it should.
The interior is a definite bright spot, as it looks better than its mileage would suggest. Clean maroon leather seats with matching carpets, dash, and door panels show little signs of wear, a detail the seller attributes to the older owner who wasn’t grappling with car seats, pets, or multiple passengers on every trip. Still, there are some quibbles, like the fact that the speedometer, tachometer and passenger side wiper arm work intermittently. That seems like a simple grounding issue to me, but some detective work may still be needed. The LeBaron has functional air conditioning, and the seller notes that the soft top assembly was replaced in 2009, and is a quality unit with a proper glass rear window.
The LeBaron is equipped with the lovely turbocharged four-cylinder, which the seller claims moves the car along nicely. While not a powerhouse, it’s a respectable engine that can keep up with modern traffic while being fairly simple to service. The flip-up headlights are said to work well, and the seller is confident that this white-on-white-on-white example will serve its next owner well. While I would never call it collectible, these are getting to the point where there are very few left in any condition, particularly in a survivor state like this one. The opening bid seems reasonable enough but there’s no action yet; would you wave your paddle at $3,900?
Knew someone that had one. Many electrical gremlins can be fixed by replacing the alternator. Strange but simple fix. I’d do that first, then get out your multimeter. Just sayin.
Yah. Hopefully that multimeter will reveal how a “grounding issue” would cause only the passenger side wiper arm to work intermittently.
Interesting only be because it’s a convertible. Otherwise, just another 1980s Mopar with a crappy 3-speed auto. Seller should fix the electrical issues and probably should have started the auction at $1000.
Had one of these pieces of crap with low miles and in near perfect condition. If you don’t mind driving cheap, they are perfect. If you do, pass! I sold mine for $2500. Grabbed the cash and ran.
Seats are not leather, they are genuine vinyl. This is the base “highline” interior and this “package” did not include any interior upgrades. Only the premium model got leather. Interesting factoid: seats and dash are shared with the Dodge Daytona. These are great cars in general and are enjoyable low buck top down motoring. I own a 1989 example. The 3 speed automatic mentioned is actually a good transmission that shifts well and has a great service record, unlike Chrysler’s 4 speed of that time. It is perfect match for this car. It shifts quickly up to third and stays there, not downshifting on every grade like a 4 speed AOD would do. To me, that is a good thing. Price is a bit on the optimistic side, especially as a starting price.
It should have no issues at this price. Decent looking car, worth maybe 1/3 the asking price. I like the car, but these really have no value. Too bad.
I had a 1990 Lebaron GT coupe in the same white/white wheels and a dark blue interior. Mine was a 5spd with the 3.0 V6 & 4whl disc brakes.
Bought it new. Came fully loaded. The only option I ordered was the power drivers seat. The V6 and 5spd were standard equipment on the GT model.
Only major problem I had was leaking head gaskets @ 30K which was covered under warranty. Eventually traded it in on a Nissan Maxima.
This is a picture of a ’92 Phantom, which is the Mexican LeBaron, which has the DOHC engine.
The car only came in a stick shift.
This model was never sold in the US.