Turbocharged: 1986 Chrysler LeBaron GTS Sport

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In the 1980s, there were two Chrysler LeBarons. The family-oriented “regular” LeBaron and one focused on spirited performance, the LeBaron GTS. The former was based on the successful Chrysler K-Car platform, while the GTS rode on a modified H-platform that could be had with a turbocharger. The seller has a 1986 GTS Sport Premium edition that has been in storage for 10 years but runs well and is priced in cheap wheels territory. Located in North Minneapolis, Minnesota, this Mopar is available here on craigslist for $2,300.

Before the 1980s, the LeBaron name was most often associated with luxury Chryslers like the Imperial. The 1980s GTS used an inline-4 that was transversely mounted using front-wheel drive. While a 5-speed manual was popular, the seller’s 1986 GTS has a 3-speed automatic transmission. It was sold as a 5-door hatchback using a 2.2-liter 4-banger that was good for 146 hp with the turbo (46% more than one without the turbocharger).

Chrysler built 165,000 GTS models in 1986, with about 30,000 being the Sport Premium like the one here. We’re told this car was taken off the road about a decade ago with 97,000 miles, but it runs fine now (was any work needed to bring it out of mothballs?). The seller says the tires, brakes, and more are solid, but does that include 10-year-old donuts on the road?

This looks like a well-equipped car, including factory air conditioning which was all but standard fare in U.S. cars by then. The body, paint, and interior all look good, so if you need a roomy second car that has some zip to go with it, could this bargain-priced Mopar be a good addition to your driveway? Thanks for the 1980s tip, Henry Reining!

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Comments

  1. Bob_in_TN Bob_in_TNMember

    I had one, bought new, owned it for five years. It was the response to a situation many of us have faced: a child joins the family, and those two-door smallish cars just don’t cut it any more. So I went looking for a four-door which had a bit of sportiness.

    It was a pretty good car, had few problems. With the turbo I found it to be fairly quick and it handled well. It was a steel blue color, and with the phone dial wheels like this example, didn’t look bad.

    And yes, I’ll admit, the minivans followed….

    Like 17
    • Driveinstile DriveinstileMember

      Bob……. I had to stop….. scroll up…… looks at the photos….and look at the badge on the steering wheel to verify I didnt miss something and that this wasnt a Ford and that I had made a mistake!!! Lol!!! Just kidding. Always enjoy your insight and comments here. Along with your positive, kind attitue with everyone here. We had a couple people we knew that had these back during that time. They were not bad cars. This one looks pretty solid, brown was still very popular in the 80s.

      Like 6
      • Bob_in_TN Bob_in_TNMember

        Thanks for the kind words Driveinstile. I got a chuckle out of your comment. You are correct, I mostly stay in my Ford-centric lane, though I have owned a smattering of other makes over the years.

        Like 7
      • Driveinstile DriveinstileMember

        Thanks Bob. I was hoping you would. Your a nice guy. We need more nice guys in the world.
        Dave

        Like 12
    • nlpnt

      I almost bought a turbo one myself in 1994 or ’95, it was maroon with black leather and for sale at a gas station. Only a pre-check of insurance costs for a 20-year-old on a turbo anything made it a “one that got away”.

      Like 3
    • RacinRob45

      My mom ended up with an 86 in the same steel blue u speak of Bob. Decent little car. Had I known how easy it was to extract more power from that 2.2 then that I learned later in life with my 87 Shelby Charger and my 88 CSX-T, it probably would’ve been more fun to drive. Nice little T1 car, price is really good for the low miles

      Like 2
      • Shelbydude

        RacinRob: I know what you mean. My first turbo Mopar was the 87 Shelby Lancer. Plenty of power and balanced handling. Also had an 86 GLHS and an 89 CSX-VNT. Currently have an 85 GLH that has quite a bit more power than the GLHS and a 90 turbo van with the 5 speed trans. All in all… a lot of bang for the buck.

        Like 2
    • Shelbydude

      In Mopar lingo, those wheels are known as “pizza wheels.”

      Like 0
  2. Terrry

    It’s basically the love child of a Ford Escort and Dodge Omni.

    Like 2
  3. Kim iin Lanark

    Is the seller including the broom handle? Seriously, I’m a sucker for mid size five doors. If it was closer and I had some room…

    Like 3
  4. AUSTIN GWINMember

    So let’s talk about the K platform. The LeBaron name was first applied to the K after the M body LeBaron morphed into the Fifth Avenue, with coupe, sedan and wagon (and yes, the turbo 2.2 was available in these Ks as well). Then the coupe had its roof cut off to become the first American factory convertible since the 76 El Dorado. K begat the E and G, then H and J were LeBarons. LeBaron GTS was the H body and J was the LeBaron with hidden headlights. This isn’t a “modified H” but in fact the H was derived from the G (Daytona/Laser) specifically for this and the Lancer.
    Yes, I know far too much about the K body and its derivatives.

    Like 4
  5. AzzuraMember

    Looks like a heck of a bargain to me, just too darn far away.

    Like 2
  6. Nelson C

    I like these a lot. The rounded edges helped evolve the K family transition away from the box they came in. Would be a good performer with the turbo.

    Like 2
  7. Shelbydude

    Bob: In Mopar lingo, those wheels are called “Pizza wheels.” Not to be confused with the “Swiss Cheese wheel.”
    http://www.turbo-mopar.com/forums/knowledge.php?title=Brake-and-Wheel-Systems:Ultimate-Stock-Wheel-Guide
    Here is a photo:
    https://www.allpar.com/threads/5-lug-pizza-wheels.242780/

    Like 1
  8. PRA4SNW PRA4SNWMember

    That great little 2.2 Turbo engine will always make a car special – including this one.

    The turbo mini-van, with the larger 2.5 (same engine family) is still a desirable find.

    Like 2
  9. Karl

    Best part is it “Talks”!!!

    Like 0
  10. Wademo

    Nice find, Russ! This is actually an affordable, decent car!

    Like 1
  11. Curt

    Had a new one with a 2.5 non turbo and a five speed. The hatchback was handy. Great seats. Over all, a nice car that gave me 150K fairly trouble free miles.

    Like 1
  12. Connecticut mark

    Friend had one low miles from old lady, but the 3 speed on the highway , he could not take, whining, needed another gear, any Mopar FWD 4 speed bolts in?

    Like 0
  13. Nelson C

    The manual was a 5-speed. My 91 Acclaim with the 2.5/3-speed auto turned 3000 rpm @ 75 mph. 31 mpg. No issues.

    Like 0
  14. Curt

    I had a new one like this, I really liked it.

    Like 1

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