During the 1980s, many vehicle manufacturers became excited by the potential performance increases offered by a turbocharger. Everyone seemed to be jumping on the “hairdryer” bandwagon, and the results were mixed. Chrysler joined the party with its Second Generation LeBaron, and this 1984 Convertible looks like a gem. It is structurally sound and mechanically healthy, making it a turnkey classic ready for the road with a new owner behind the wheel. It is listed here on Craigslist in Royal Oak, Michigan. The seller set their price at $5,400 but will consider offers. I must say a big thank you to eagle-eyed Barn Finder Pat L. for spotting this terrific turbo.

Chrysler staggered into the 1980s on the brink of bankruptcy, and it seemed that only a miracle would save it from complete collapse. It is difficult to decide whether its K-Car platform could be considered a miracle, but it proved to be the company’s savior. The secret of its success was its incredible diversity, with Chrysler using it as the foundation for everything from mid-size cars to minivans and sports cars. The candidates included the Second Generation LeBaron, introduced in 1981 for the 1982 model year. Initially offered in sedan and coupe versions, a Convertible entered showrooms in the first half of 1982. Our feature LeBaron rolled off the line in 1984, and it has many positive points. Its Garnet paint shines impressively for an unrestored vehicle with thirty-eight years under its belt. There are no significant flaws or defects, and the panels only sport the occasional bump or bruise that could be candidates for repair by a paintless dent removal company. The white pinstriping offers a classy contrast and is complemented by the matching soft-top that is free from rips and tears. The trim and plastic haven’t succumbed to the ravages of UV exposure, and the glass looks flawless.

Manufacturers across the globe looked at the success turbocharged engines experienced in various levels of motorsport and chose to apply that technology to their showroom offerings. The experiment met with mixed success as companies grappled with heat build-up and turbo lag. Chrysler added a turbo to its 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine that first appeared in 1981. However, it didn’t approach it as a “bolt it on and hope for the best” exercise. The four received significant internal upgrades to pistons, valves, and bearings to cope with the additional stress. Dyno figures demonstrated the benefits, with power climbing from 96hp for the normally-spirated powerplant to 140hp for the turbocharged unit. The company’s decision only to offer the LeBaron Turbo with a three-speed automatic transmission was the most significant shortfall. That sapped performance potential, with many believing it represented a lost opportunity for increased sales. The turbocharged four in this Convertible offers the promise of a ¼ mile ET of 17.9 seconds. To place that figure in perspective, the non-turbo version took 20 seconds to complete the same journey. It is also worth noting that the turbocharged version achieved these increases while returning better fuel consumption figures than its non-turbo sibling. For potential buyers, this car’s excellent mechanical health makes it a turnkey proposition where they could fly in and drive it home.

It only takes a single glance inside this LeBaron to confirm Chrysler had a luxury motoring experience in mind for potential buyers. This car features supple White leather seats, air conditioning, power windows, power locks, cruise control, a leather-wrapped wheel, an FM stereo radio/cassette player, and splashes of faux woodgrain. The overall condition is impressive for a vehicle of this age, with no signs of rips or abuse and no crumbling plastic. The carpet is slightly faded, but the lack of wear may make replacement difficult to justify. The leather would probably benefit from a specialist’s attention to perform a deep clean and conditioning, but there appear to be no other needs.

Turbocharged convertibles often promise an excellent compromise between performance and relaxed motoring. While the 1984 Chrysler LeBaron is not the most potent vehicle of its type, this car could prove an affordable entry for the right person into the classic car world. Its lack of rust and good mechanical health make it a turnkey proposition that should prove enjoyable on a sunny day. The seller’s willingness to negotiate is a significant positive, although the asking price is well within the range of recent sales results. If you are searching for a first classic, this LeBaron could warrant a closer look.