It’s hard to believe, but seemingly every day there’s yet another Chrysler LeBaron convertible, looking as resplendent as it did in 1985 with its wood-clad body and luxurious leather interior. People must really love these things, because the rate at which they continue to show up in decent, driver-grade condition far outpaces many other so-called “collector” cars. This 1985 model has under 90,000 original miles and features the preferred 2.2L turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It’s also the Mark Cross edition, so it comes with the more luxurious interior and the trick digital dash that was all the rage in 1985. Find it here on craigslist for $11,900 in Naples, Florida.
When you see the interior of this LeBaron, it’s immediately evident that the current and previous owners loved this high-zoot convertible. The leather is in really, really nice shape, as are the door panels, and the backseat looks practically unused. Over the years, we’ve seen enough of these that there’s no guarantee the leather will present this well so many years later. It is a convertible, after all, and seeing it parked with the top down may lead you to believe that it’s been out there, baking in the relentless Florida sun for years. That’s apparently not the case, as it presents far better inside than you’d expect for close to 90,000 miles.
But owners really do seem to get attached to these cars, even if I can’t exactly understand why. Perhaps it’s because when new, they did represent a certain level of success owing to the high-end appointments and the association of fake wood paneling with a higher class of automobile. The LeBaron looks good on the outside, though perhaps not as polished as the interior is. I don’t immediately recognize the wheels, so perhaps this handsome mesh design was an optional upgrade at the time. Seeing at the first owner seemingly checked all the other boxes when ordering their LeBaron, some upgraded wheels certainly doesn’t seem out of the question.
The digital gauge cluster was a true wonder of 1980s technology. So many vehicles utilized them; in fact, a car I am close to acquiring had the digital cluster as an option, and I hope to find one to swap in at some point. Of course, there’s always a risk of these relatively primitive electronics failing and no longer providing key details about vehicle performance and speed, but that doesn’t seem to be a problem here. The seller notes the LeBaron is loaded with power features that all still work, and that the drivetrain is healthy enough to “…drive anywhere.” While summer may feel far away for some of us, seeing a car like this parked in sunny Florida makes it feel just a little bit closer.
Am I the only person who is confused by all the Chrysler cars that were given the LeBaron name? I get the Town and County usually means wood applied. Are they any collectors out there that have a Town and Country collection? I believe this car also got the talking dash with the digital package or maybe that was on the earlier models. This car reminds me of Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. Car is in really nice shape. My grandpa had a couple TC LeBaron wagons. He always wanted a fancy car but his frugal upbringing would never allow it. He used to live through the cars I drove and I could see him in this car.
Jon Voight jokes in 3-2-1….
I was waiting for the “you’re going the wrong way!” comments. Planes trains and flammable automobiles.
Jon Voight the actor or Jon Voight the dentist?
Mr.Lavery, I believe your write-up to also be High-Zoot…….
Once owned by George Costanza
My MIL had an ’86 model without the wood trim. Hers also had the Mitsubishi
4 cylinder turbocharged engine. Sadly
though, hers burned to the ground due to a designed in defect in the turbocharging unit. Seems like unburned gas collected in the bottom of the unit, and POOF! no more car. Thankfully, Mom wasn’t hurt, but the car was toast. Moral: check the turbo to make sure it’s not defective. A bit too
pricey for my taste, but not far from me.
Were it mine, I’d take Mom for a little road trip before her dementia gets the better of her.
These did NOT have a Mitsu turbo engine. It was a Chrysler 2.2 turbo engine. The fires were caused by a little rubber fuel line on the fuel rail above the turbo that would eventually dry-rot and drip gas on the hot turbo causing a fire. I owned 3 Shelby Chargers and a Daytona Turbo Z, all with the 2.2 Chrysler turbo engine. Luckily, I found out about this defect on the 2.2 from my n
ext door neighbor who was the head mechanic at the local Dodge dealer.
just another plastic k-car… no thank you…
This is the perfect car for someone who can’t decide between a sporty convertible and a station wagon.
LeBaron sedans had the woman who would remind you that the door was ajar, and the lights were on. She might even have told you that you were either about to run out of gas or that you just did.
There was no Mitsubishi 4 cyl Turbo available for these units.
There was a 2.6 L Mitsubishi 4 cyl. carbureted engine though. There were issues with the fuel filter assembly which was mounted over the exhaust manifold. The assembly leaked and we all know the rest of the story. A recall was issued and problem was resolved. Unfortunately some vehicles were lost.
I made the mistake of buying one of these (also in Naples, Florida) back in the late 90’s. Same engine and transmission. What a money pit it turned out to be. Paid $1500.00 for it and spent nearly everyday I owned it repairing something that broke, including 2 turbo chargers. The last straw was the day the top mechanism broke and being pot metal could not be repaired. I wouldn’t take this car as a gift unless I already had a buyer lined up.
God bless America
A friend of mine just bought one of these. It is in really good condition. So far, he loves it.
The type of car that saved Chrysler. I cannot for the life of me figure out how? They were plastic junk!
and I thought I’d be the first post to reference Jon Voight and George Castanza…..silly me !!!!
I know that Covid has caused used car values to go up, but 12K for a 90K Lebaron?
My mind goes remembers the movie planes, trains, and automobiles also every time i see one of these. I had a freind that had one (none wanna be woody version) and i remember riding with her in it. Whenever she hit a pothole, went over a speed bump, or crossed railroad tracks that car shivered worse than a wet naked person in a meat freezer! But hey, the too went down, right?
I’m truly sorry for what I’m about to say and I don’t want to offend any dodge guys but there’s no way I would pay $11.00 for this car let alone 11k why would anyone really want to spend that type of money on a car that’s not worth it,I paid $800 for my 72 delta conv and it was in great shape I still have her now that’s a car…sorry again all