Chrysler LeBaron

Last updated
Chrysler LeBaron
Baron 010 cropped.jpg
Third generation LeBaron convertible
Overview
Manufacturer Chrysler Corporation
Body and chassis
Class
Layout
Chronology
Successor Chrysler New Yorker Fifth Avenue for rear-drive M-body version (1982)
Chrysler Fifth Avenue for rear-drive M-body version (1983)
Chrysler Cirrus for front-drive sedan (1995)
Chrysler Sebring for front-drive coupe (1995)
Chrysler Sebring for convertible (1996)

The Chrysler LeBaron, also known as the Imperial LeBaron, is a line of automobiles built by Chrysler from 1931 to 1941 and from 1955 to 1995. The model was introduced in 1931, with a body manufactured by LeBaron, and competed with other luxury cars of the era, such as Lincoln and Packard. After purchasing LeBaron with its parent Briggs Manufacturing Company, Chrysler introduced the luxury make Imperial in 1955, and sold automobiles under the name Imperial LeBaron until 1975. Chrysler discontinued the Imperial brand in 1975 and reintroduced the Chrysler LeBaron in 1977 to what was then Chrysler's lowest-priced model.

Contents

The "LeBaron" name has since been applied to five different cars built by the Chrysler Division:

The last Chrysler LeBaron was produced in 1995, to be replaced with the Cirrus and Sebring. The LeBaron was one of Chrysler's longest-running brands.

The LeBaron background

1941 Chrysler LeBaron Newport 1941 Newport.jpg
1941 Chrysler LeBaron Newport
1941 Chrysler Thunderbolt 1941 Chrysler LeBaron Thunderbolt - rvl.jpg
1941 Chrysler Thunderbolt

LeBaron was one of the many prominent coachbuilders in the 1920s and 1930s to provide bodies for luxury cars. It was founded in Bridgeport, Connecticut, in 1920 by Thomas L. Hibbard and Raymond H. Dietrich. It was later purchased by Briggs Manufacturing Company of Detroit in 1926, the major manufacturer of bodies for Ford, Chrysler, Hudson, Packard, and others, and operated as a Briggs specialist subsidiary.

LeBaron supplied exquisite custom bodies for various car companies such as Chrysler's luxury Imperial line, Duesenberg, and Cadillac. LeBaron's last projects for Chrysler were the Chrysler Newport Phaeton, a super-streamlined dual cowl phaeton with an aluminum body, and the remarkable 1941 Chrysler Thunderbolt, a sleek roadster with concealed headlights (like the 1936 Cord 810/812) and a retractable metal hardtop styled by Alex Tremulis, who would later style the legendary Tucker of 1948. [1] [2] [3] [4]

Chrysler purchased Briggs Manufacturing Company in 1953. [4] Two years after the Chrysler Corporation introduced the Imperial as a separate luxury division, LeBaron was designated the top-of-the-line Imperial models in 1957 through 1975. [1] [2] [3] [4]

Classic generation (1931–1941)

Classic generation
1934 Chrysler Imperial CL.jpg
1934 Chrysler Imperial CL by LeBaron
Overview
Production1930s
Assembly Detroit, Michigan, United States
Bridgeport, Connecticut, United States [1] [2] [3] [4]
Body and chassis
Class Luxury
Body style 2-door coupe
2-door convertible (roadster)
4-door sedan
4-door convertible
Layout FR layout
Platform Chrysler
Related Chrysler
Chrysler Imperial
Powertrain
Engine 385 cu in (6.3 L) Imperial 8 I8 [5]
and others
Transmission 3-speed manual
4-speed manual

The LeBarons started in the 1930s during the automobile's Classic era and competed directly with the luxury brands of its day, such as Lincoln, Cadillac, and Packard. In the mid-1930s, Chrysler added a radical new "Art Deco" design shape, known as the Airflow Imperials, to the Chrysler line. LeBaron supplied the high-end CW series. The design features were considered advanced and perhaps ahead of their time. However, the shape was too radical for buyer's tastes, and non-Airflow models outsold Airflows by about 3 to 1. Raymond Dietrich, co-founder and former stylist at LeBaron, was hired in 1932 to be Chrysler's in-house stylist. Dietrich restyled the Airflow line and moved Chryslers to more mainstream styles. As a result of the poor Airflow sales, Chrysler's designs became quite conservative for the next two decades. Auto manufacturers continued to build up their in-house styling departments and bodyworks. LeBaron thus became less important to most of its customers for design ideas and bodies. Toward the late 1930s, LeBaron/Briggs built more bodies for Chrysler and fewer for Ford. Chrysler became their biggest customer, with additional bodies built for Packard, Hudson, and Graham-Paige. During the late 1930s and early 1940s, the LeBaron name and division became less critical for Briggs, although it remained a division of Briggs until the Chrysler buy-out in 1953. [3] [4]

LeBaron's last projects for Chrysler were two concept cars: the Chrysler Newport Phaeton, a super-streamlined dual cowl phaeton with an aluminum body, and the remarkable 1941 Chrysler Thunderbolt, [6] a sleek roadster with concealed headlights and a retractable metal hardtop [7] styled by Alex Tremulis, who went on to later style part of the legendary Tucker of 1948. Only 6 of each were made. [1] [3]

Imperial generation (1955–1975)

For the 1955 model year, Chrysler Corporation spun off Imperial as a SEPARATE MAKE and DIVISION, its flagship luxury brand, taking its name from the original Chrysler Imperial series. Intended as a direct competitor for Cadillac, Lincoln, and Packard, Imperial was a completely distinct vehicle make/brand that did not use the Chrysler nameplate.

Through the existence of the division, Imperial used two nameplates alongside a nameless base model (Imperial Custom, from 1960–1963). Its mid-range line was the Imperial Crown, with the flagship line branded as the Imperial LeBaron (in deference to the coachbuilder); Southampton was a sub-designation applied for pillarless hardtop bodystyles.

In June 1975, Chrysler retired the Imperial brand in response to declining sales of the marque; the Imperial LeBaron was repackaged for 1976 as the Chrysler New Yorker Brougham.

Imperial generation
1968 Imperial LeBaron DY1-H photo-1.jpg
1968 Imperial LeBaron
Overview
Production1956–1975
Assembly Jefferson Avenue Assembly
Detroit, Michigan, United States
Body and chassis
Class Full-size luxury
Body style 2-door hardtop
4-door sedan
4-door hardtop
Layout FR layout
Platform
Related
Powertrain
Engine
  • 392 cu in (6.4 L) Hemi V8
  • 413 cu in (6.8 L) V8
  • 440 cu in (7.2 L) V8
Transmission 3-speed automatic

First generation (1977–1981)

First generation
1980 Chrysler LeBaron wagon.jpg
1980 Chrysler LeBaron Town & Country
Overview
Production1977–1981
Assembly St. Louis, Missouri (Saint Louis Assembly), United States
Newark, Delaware (Newark Assembly), United States
Valencia, Venezuela,
Toluca, Mexico (Toluca Car Assembly) [8]
Body and chassis
Class Mid-size
Body style 5-door wagon (1978–81)
4-door sedan (1977–81)
2-door coupe (1977–81)
Layout FR layout
Platform M-body
Related Chrysler Town and Country
Dodge Diplomat
Plymouth Gran Fury
Powertrain
Engine 225 cu in (3.7 L) Slant-6
318 cu in (5.2 L) LA 318 V8
360 cu in (5.9 L) LA 360 V8
Transmission 3-speed A727 automatic
3-speed A904 automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 112.7 in (2,863 mm) [9]
108.7 in (2,761 mm) (Coupe, 1980-81)
Length204 in (5,182 mm) (2-door)
206.1 in (5,235 mm) (4-door)
Chronology
Successor Chrysler New Yorker Fifth Avenue
Chrysler Fifth Avenue
1977 Chrysler LeBaron coupe 1977 Chrysler LeBaron (9338938791).jpg
1977 Chrysler LeBaron coupe
1978 Chrysler LeBaron sedan 1978 Chrysler LeBaron (M-body) 4-door at 2015 Rockville show 1of3.jpg
1978 Chrysler LeBaron sedan
1980 LeBaron 5th Avenue Limited Edition; one of 654 produced 1980 LeBaron 5th Avenue Limited Edition.JPG
1980 LeBaron 5th Avenue Limited Edition; one of 654 produced
1980-1981 Chrysler LeBaron coupe Chrysler LeBaron Coupe M-Body.jpg
1980-1981 Chrysler LeBaron coupe

For 1977, the LeBaron returned, moving from Imperial to Chrysler. Introduced as a late model-year response to the Cadillac Seville and Lincoln Versailles, the Chrysler LeBaron was the first compact Chrysler ever produced. Effectively a new generation of the Dodge Aspen/Plymouth Volaré, the LeBaron was the inaugural model of the M platform (alongside the Dodge Diplomat). In contrast to the Seville and Versailles, the LeBaron was offered as both a two-door coupe and a four-door sedan, with a Town & Country five-door station wagon added for 1978.

Though the LeBaron sedan and station wagon were visibly similar to the Volaré (which shared the 112.7 in (2,863 mm) wheelbase), they had different hoods, trunk lids, and front and rear header panels. [10] The LeBaron coupe shared the same wheelbase as the sedan/wagon (4 inches longer than the F-body coupe), with a sleeker roofline. A 225 cu in (3.7 L) Slant Six was the standard engine, with the 318 cu in (5.2 L) or 360 cu in (5.9 L) V8s optional. A three-speed Torqueflite automatic transmission was offered with all three engines, though a four-speed manual overdrive transmission was offered with the 225 and 318 engines through 1981.

For 1980, the LeBaron underwent an mid-cycle facelift. The exterior was styled with sharper-edged sheetmetal and restyled with a waterfall grille (similar to the 1974-1975 Imperial); the sedan roofline underwent aerodynamic revisions (no longer shared with the Volaré). The two-door moved to the shorter F-body wheelbase, also receiving aerodynamic enhancements to its rear sheetmetal. The interior underwent design upgrades to make the model line more luxurious. Chrysler introduced a limited-edition "Fifth Avenue" option package for the 1980 LeBaron four-door sedan. A conversion by American Sunroof Corporation, the Fifth Avenue featured a padded vinyl roof covering the quarter glass of the rear doors and interior trim upgrades.

Following the discontinuation of the Volaré for 1981, Chrysler introduced a police-equipment option package (keeping Chrysler-Plymouth dealers in competition for law enforcement fleet contracts); for 1982, the Plymouth Gran Fury was downsized to the M-body, directly replacing the Volaré. After the LeBaron was moved to the K platform for 1982, the M-platform remained in use until the end of the 1980s, supporting several Chrysler-brand nameplates (alongside the Dodge Diplomat and Plymouth Gran Fury).

Production Figures:

(For 1979 and 1981, coupe and sedan production figures are not separated)

Chrysler LeBaron Production Figures [10]
CoupeSedanWagonYearly Total
19777,28012,600-19,880
197847,31359,57521,504128,392
197996,40017,463113,863
198024,53031,0107,93963,479
198137,0106,12343,133
Total53,029368,747

Second generation (1982–1988)

Second generation
84 Chrysler LeBaron (14132781526).jpg
1984 Chrysler LeBaron
Overview
Production1981–1988
Model years 1982–1988
Assembly Newark, Delaware, United States (Newark Assembly)
St. Louis, Missouri, United States (Saint Louis Assembly,
Toluca, Mexico (Toluca Car Assembly)
Body and chassis
Class Mid-size executive car
Body style 5-door wagon (1982–88)
4-door sedan (1982–88)
2-door coupe (1982–86)
2-door convertible (1982–86)
Layout Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive
Platform K-body
Related Chrysler Town & Country
Dodge 400
Dodge Aries
Plymouth Reliant
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission 5-speed Getrag A525 manual
3-speed A413 automatic
3-speed A470 automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 100.3 in (2,548 mm)
Length179.2 in (4,552 mm)
Width68 in (1,727 mm)
Height52.9 in (1,344 mm)

For 1982, the LeBaron moved to the front-wheel drive Chrysler K platform, where it was the upscale brand's lowest-priced offering. It was initially available in just sedan and coupe versions. In early 1982, it was released in a convertible version, bringing to the market the first factory-built open-topped domestic vehicle since the 1976 Cadillac Eldorado.

A station wagon version called the Town and Country was also added. A unique Town and Country convertible was also made from 1983 until 1986 with a 1,105 total produced, which, like the wagon, featured simulated wood paneling that made it resemble the original 1940s Town and Country. This model was part of the well-equipped Mark Cross option package for the latter years.

Despite being mechanically similar to the Aries and Reliant, its fascias closely resembled the larger E-body sedans. This generation featured Chrysler's Electronic Voice Alert, a computerized voice that warned drivers about various conditions with phrases such as "A door is ajar" or "Your engine oil pressure is low".

The LeBaron was facelifted for 1986, receiving rounder front and rear ends to improve aerodynamics. A landau padded top replaced the sedan's full vinyl roof. The instrumentation cluster was revised from a rectangle speedometer and fuel gauge with a message center to round gauges similar to the Reliant/Aries but with an argent surround for a more upscale appearance. Coupes and convertibles were dropped for 1987, replaced by the all-new J-body LeBaron released that year. The sedan and wagon continued with minor changes until 1988. A new digital dashboard replaced the analog gauges for a more modern appearance. A larger LeBaron sedan based on the Dodge Spirit and Plymouth Acclaim would arrive for the 1990 model year.

1985–1989 LeBaron GTS

LeBaron GTS/LeBaron
Chrysler LeBaron sedan -- 09-15-2011.jpg
Overview
Also calledChrysler GTS
Production1984–1989
Model years 1985–1989
Assembly Sterling Heights, Michigan, United States
Body and chassis
Class Mid-size
Body style 5-door hatchback
Layout Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive
Platform H-body
Related Dodge Lancer
Shelby Lancer
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission 5-speed Getrag A520 manual
5-speed Getrag A555 manual
3-speed A413 automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 103.1 in (2,619 mm)
Length180.4 in (4,582 mm)
Width68.3 in (1,735 mm)
Height53 in (1,346 mm)

The 1985 LeBaron GTS was a somewhat different car than the standard LeBaron and was based on the Chrysler H platform. It was available at the same time as the Cadillac Cimarron as a luxury-brand model while offering a similar level of equipment to the small Cadillac. As a 5-door hatchback still derived from the K-car, the GTS (and the similar Dodge Lancer) was more of a performance vehicle than the softer-tuned K-car LeBaron sedan. In base configuration, the car was powered by Chrysler's 2.2 liter inline-4 engine, later replaced by a 2.5 L TBI version generating 100 hp (75 kW). A turbocharged 2.2 L engine producing 146 hp (109 kW) was also available. The GTS moniker was dropped for 1989, the final year of this vehicle's production, after the K-based LeBaron sedan was discontinued after 1988.

Trim levels

  • High Line - 1985–1989
  • Premium - 1985–1988
  • GTS - 1989 (replaced "Premium" after the "GTS" was dropped from the name of the car)
  • "Pacifica" 1986 (replaced by Shelby Lancer in 1987) Limited 500 run

Production Figures:

Chrysler LeBaron Production Figures [10]
CoupeSedanWagonConvertibleGTSYearly Total
198227,15142,5347,80912,825-90,319
198318,33130,86910,9949,891-70,085
198424,96347,66411,57816,208-100,413
198524,97043,6597,71116,47560,783153,598
198624,76140,11619,68419,68473,557177,802
1987-54,6785,880-39,05099,608
1988-24,4522,136-14,21140,799
Total120,176283,97265,79275,083187,601732,624

European market - the Chrysler GTS

After some years of absence, Chrysler officially started offering some models under its brand on the European market from April 1988. One of them was the "Chrysler GTS", which was a rebadged version of the Dodge Lancer ES. Sales figures were moderate.

Third generation coupe/convertible (1987–1995)

Third generation (coupe/convertible)
1989 Chrysler LeBaron Highline convertible, front right, 09-30-2023.jpg
Overview
Also calledChrysler Phantom (Mexico)
Production1986–1995
Model years 1987–1995
Assembly Newark, Delaware, United States (Newark Assembly)
St. Louis, Missouri, United States (Saint Louis Assembly)
Toluca, Mexico (Toluca Car Assembly)
Body and chassis
Class Personal luxury
Body style 2-door coupe (1987–93)
2-door convertible (1987–95)
Layout Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive
Platform J-body
Related Chrysler TC by Maserati
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission
  • 2.2 and 2.5 L engines:
  • 5-speed Getrag A520 manual
  • 5-speed Getrag A523 manual
  • 5-speed Getrag A555 manual
  • 3-speed A413 automatic
  • 3.0 L V6 engine:
  • 5-speed Getrag A543 manual
  • 5-speed Getrag A568 manual
  • 3-speed A670 automatic
  • 4-speed A604 automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 100.5 in (2,553 mm) (1992–95 coupe)
100.6 in (2,555 mm) (1992–95 convertible)
100.3 in (2,548 mm) (1987–1991 coupe)
100.4 in (2,550 mm) (1987–1991 convertible)
Length184.8 in (4,694 mm)
Width69.2 in (1,758 mm) (1992–95)
68.5 in (1,740 mm) (1987–1991)
Height51.2 in (1,300 mm) (1992–95)
50.9 in (1,293 mm) (1987–1991)
1987-1992 LeBaron Coupe (headlight covers open) 1987 Chrysler Le Baron coupe.jpg
1987–1992 LeBaron Coupe (headlight covers open)

After discontinuing the first generation LeBaron coupe and convertible in 1986, Chrysler released a new LeBaron for 1987, built on the J platform (a K platform derivative) and available as a coupe or convertible. The all-new LeBaron looked modern and aerodynamic compared to its boxy predecessor and was quite stylish for its day, featuring headlights hidden behind retractable metal covers and a waterfall grille, steeply raked windshield, full-width taillight lenses though only the edges lit up, and curved (Coke bottle) style rocker panels. The LeBaron was equipped with a trip and fuel economy computer as well as full instrumentation. In Mexico, these models were marketed as the Chrysler Phantom. The available engines were the stock 2.2-liter and 2.5-liter, naturally aspirated or turbocharged, and for the 1990 model year, a 3.0-liter Mitsubishi V6 became available, although the Mexican Chrysler Phantom R/T DOHC 16V also offered the same 2.2-liter turbo engine as used in the U.S. market Dodge Spirit R/T.

1989 interior 89ChryslerLeBaronInterior.jpg
1989 interior

For 1990, the LeBaron's interior was refreshed, featuring an all new dashboard, gauge cluster, door panels, and center console design. All of the new components were designed to be smoother and more flowing than the comparatively boxy 1987-89 interior style, making it more in tune with the "aero" revolution of the early 1990s. The 1992 LeBaron coupes and convertibles could be ordered with a new "sport package", which featured a monochrome appearance including body-colored grille, accent stripe, and decklid logo. The package also included 14-inch "lace" style wheelcovers and a black strip below the taillights in place of chrome, with special blacked-out window moldings on coupe models. [11]

1993 Facelift

1993-1995 Chrysler LeBaron convertible 93-95 LeBaron convertible.jpg
1993–1995 Chrysler LeBaron convertible
1994 interior (aftermarket radio) 94ChryslerLeBaronInterior.jpg
1994 interior (aftermarket radio)
1993-1995 Chrysler LeBaron convertible, rear styling 1993 Chrysler LeBaron Highline Convertible with Sport Package, rear left (Cruisin' the River Lowellville Car Show, June 19th, 2023).jpg
1993-1995 Chrysler LeBaron convertible, rear styling

In 1992 for the 1993 model year, the LeBaron received a slight facelift. The hidden headlamps of the 1987-1992 models were deleted in favor of less costly flush-mounted replaceable-bulb headlamps, new wheel styles were made available, and all models got the amber rear turn signals introduced on the deluxe 1992 models. For 1994, a passenger side airbag became standard on all models. Also new for 1994 was the "Bright LX" decor package which included a "bright" chrome grille, "bright" chrome badging, and "bright" chrome molding inserts, as opposed to being body-colored on the GTC.

The available engines were a naturally aspirated 2.5 L and a turbocharged 2.2 and 2.5 L versions of Chrysler's inline-four, and the 3.0 L Mitsubishi V6 making a 141 hp (105 kW) in this application. The turbocharged engines were dropped from the lineup in 1992 for the 1993 model year. The coupe was discontinued after 1993. For the last two model years, the 3.0 was the only available engine. The convertible was discontinued after 1995, to make way for the new Chrysler Sebring coupes and convertibles, for 1995 and 1996 respectively.

Trim levels: 1987–1995

Throughout its lifetime, the LeBaron convertible/coupe was available in many trim levels. For its first year, the LeBaron was available in Highline and Premium, typical Chrysler trims at the time. The number of trims grew, peaking in 1990, with six available. After that, the number decreased until just two trim levels remained for 1995.

Export

The LeBaron coupe/convertible was part of Chrysler's export push and was regularly available across Europe. Springs and shocks were somewhat firmer on European-market cars. [12] The initial European lineup was made up of the naturally aspirated 2.5 and the turbocharged 2.2; both were offered with a 5-speed manual or a 3-speed automatic. Power is 98 and 148 PS (72 and 109 kW; 97 and 146 hp) respectively. In mid-1988, the turbocharged 2.2 was partially replaced by the 2.5 Turbo, with power slightly lower at 146 PS (107 kW; 144 hp). The 2.2 Turbo received an intercooler, which boosted maximum power to 177 PS (130 kW; 175 hp). Called the LeBaron GTC, it was not offered with the automatic. Both turbo versions were discontinued during 1989; the 2.5 Turbo returned (only with the five-speed manual transmission) some time during 1990. The new version produces 155 PS (114 kW; 153 hp) at 4700 rpm, but it was discontinued yet again in 1991. The 3.0-liter Mitsubishi V6 engine was introduced to European buyers in mid-1989, and was only available with the four-speed automatic. It produces somewhat less power than the American models; 136 PS (100 kW; 134 hp) at 5200 rpm. The top speed was 182 km/h (113 mph) and the 0–100 km/h (62 mph) sprint took 10.8 seconds. [12] After the 2.5 Turbo was discontinued in 1991, the V6 remained the only regular option until the LeBaron Coupé/Convertible ended European sales in mid-1994.

Racing

Several ARCA (one tier down from NASCAR cup racing) teams built LeBaron based race cars (supported by a revitalized Chrysler Direct Connection performance parts division) and ran them from 1988 until 1998.

Production Figures:

Chrysler LeBaron Production Figures [10]
CoupeConvertibleYearly Total
198775,4158,02583,440
198848,67138,19786,868
198953,50437,48990,993
199020,10638,92859,034
199110,77129,07439,845
19925,65640,28445,940
19936,00726,77632,783
1994-37,05237,052
1995-35,76035,760
Total220,130291,585511,715

Third generation sedan (1990–1994)

1992 Chrysler LeBaron LE 1989-1994 Chrysler LeBaron LE sedan.JPG
1992 Chrysler LeBaron LE
Third generation (sedan)
Chrysler LeBaron sedan.jpg
Overview
Also called Chrysler New Yorker (Mexico)
Production1989–1994
Model years 1990–1994
Assembly Newark, Delaware, United States (Newark Assembly)
Toluca, Mexico (Toluca Car Assembly)
Valencia, Carabobo, Venezuela
Body and chassis
Class Mid-size
Body style 4-door sedan
Layout Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive
Platform AA-body
Related Chrysler Saratoga (Export only)
Dodge Spirit
Plymouth Acclaim
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission
  • 2.5 L engines:
  • 5-speed Getrag A523 manual
  • 3-speed A413 automatic
  • 3 L engines:
  • 5-speed Getrag A543 manual
  • 5-speed Getrag A555 manual
  • 5-speed Getrag A568 manual
  • 3-speed A670 automatic
  • 4-speed A604 automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 103.5 in (2,629 mm)
Length182.7 in (4,641 mm)
Width68.1 in (1,730 mm)
Height53.7 in (1,364 mm)
Curb weight 2,971 lb (1,348 kg)
Chronology
Successor Chrysler Cirrus
Interior Final LeBaron pictures.jpg
Interior

The last LeBaron sedan was built on the front wheel drive AA platform, another K derivative, as junior level sedan to the more upscale New Yorker. It offered rebadged versions under the Dodge Spirit and Plymouth Acclaim nameplates, and the three differed mostly in detail and trim choices, as well as the European Chrysler Saratoga.

Theoretically, as historically was the case in this era versus its Dodge and Plymouth corporate siblings, the LeBaron was marketed as the luxury version, reflecting the Chrysler brand's flagship status. In reality, however, there was considerable overlap amongst the three in available trim, equipment and features. Launched in a single trim, the top-line LeBaron Landau model offered a padded vinyl half-roof with smaller "formal" backlight, as well as unique button-tufted bench seats. All LeBaron sedans came with a standard driver's side airbag, and could seat up to six passengers.

Due to Chrysler's efforts to refocus the Plymouth brand at the value end and to expand the Chrysler brand's sales, for 1992 the Plymouth Acclaim would lose its mid-range LE and top-line LX trims. They were instead added to the LeBaron lineup as the base and LX trims, below the former standard trim, which was now called Landau. The LX, which retained the Acclaim's taillights instead of the LeBaron's full-width treatment was available for 1992 only, and now the only model to feature the V6 as standard. For 1993, the LeBaron sedan received new rear lights, which incorporated the reversing lamps previously located in the bumper fascia. Trim levels were reduced to just the base model, renamed LE, and the luxury Landau. The LeBaron sedan was discontinued on May 18, 1994, while the Dodge Spirit and Plymouth Acclaim continued production until December 21, 1994. The Chrysler LeBaron was replaced by the "Cloud Car" Chrysler Cirrus.

Safety

In 1994, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration rated the LeBaron[ which? ] a 4 out of 5 for driver side and a 3 out of 5 for passenger side frontal impact occupant protection.[ citation needed ]

Trim levels

Production Figures:

Chrysler LeBaron Production Figures [10]
Yearly Production
199027,312
199117,752
199233,862
199326,474
199435,760
Total141,160

Mexican market

M and K-platform cars were assembled in the Toluca, Mexico facility. The M-platform LeBaron was sold in Mexico from the 1977 to the 1982 model years. The K-car LeBaron was also produced in Toluca and was sold for the 1983 through 1987 model years. There were no K-platform convertibles offered from the factory.

Chrysler Phantom was the Mexican-market version of the J-Body LeBaron Coupe. There were no convertibles of the J-body 2-door for the Mexican market. Phantoms were Chrysler's top-of-the-line model in Mexico and generally sold with a higher trim level than their United States counterparts; the Phantom was also only ever available with the more powerful, turbocharged engines. [13] Chrysler Phantoms were marketed from 1987 until 1994, with the first cars delivered in December 1986. [14] A more powerful R/T version (similar to the American LeBaron GTC but using a higher-tuned turbo engine) was also available in 1992 and 1993. The Phantom R/T originally received the 2.5-liter 175 hp (130 kW) Turbo II engine, coupled to a three-speed automatic, but this was quickly changed to the 224 hp (167 kW) Turbo III engine with a five-speed Getrag manual transmission. [13]

The Mexican AA-body Chrysler LeBaron 4-door sedan was called the New Yorker (all of them with Landau roof), and the "K" body (slightly shorter) was reserved for the 4-door LeBaron's, which were sold in two trim levels, one with Landau roof and leather, and the other one without those two options.

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The Chrysler New Yorker is an automobile model produced by Chrysler from 1940 until 1996, serving for several decades as either the brand's flagship model or as a junior sedan to the Chrysler Imperial, the latter during the years in which the Imperial name was used within the Chrysler lineup rather than as a standalone brand.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chrysler K platform</span> Motor vehicle platform

The K-car platform was a key automotive design platform introduced by Chrysler Corporation for the 1981 model year, featuring a transverse engine, front-wheel drive, independent front and semi-independent rear suspension configuration—a stark departure from the company's previous reliance on solid axle, rear-drive unibody configurations during the 1970s. Derived from Chrysler's L-cars, the Plymouth Horizon and Dodge Omni, the platform was developed just as the company faltered in the market, at first underpinning a modest range of compact/mid-size sedans and wagons—and eventually underpinning nearly fifty different models, including all-wheel drive variants—and playing a vital role in the company's subsequent resurgence.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Plymouth Caravelle</span> Motor vehicle

The Plymouth Caravelle is a mid-size sedan that was introduced by Plymouth as a 1983 Canadian model. The Caravelle came to the United States in 1985 to replace the Chrysler E-Class. It was essentially identical to the concurrent Dodge 600. It was replaced by the Plymouth Acclaim in 1989. The Caravelle was Plymouth's first front wheel drive mid-size sedan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dodge 600</span> Motor vehicle

The Dodge 600 is a mid-size car that was sold by Dodge from the 1983 to 1988 model year. Serving as the replacement of the Dodge 400 coupe and convertible, the 600 also included a four-door sedan. Within the Dodge car line, the 600 was slotted between the Dodge Aries and the Dodge Diplomat.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dodge Colt</span> Motor vehicle

The Dodge Colt is a subcompact car that was manufactured by Mitsubishi Motors and marketed by Dodge for model years 1971 to 1994 as captive imports. Rebadged variants include the Plymouth Champ and Plymouth Colt, both were marketed by Plymouth.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chrysler Sebring</span> Motor vehicle

The Chrysler Sebring is a line of mid-size automobiles that was sold from 1995 through 2010 by Chrysler. Three generations of convertibles, two generations of sedans, and two generations of coupes were produced. Although the coupe shared the same name and some styling cues, it was mechanically unrelated to the other Sebring models.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chrysler Imperial</span> Motor vehicle

The Chrysler Imperial, introduced in 1926, was Chrysler's top-of-the-line vehicle for much of its history. Models were produced with the Chrysler name until 1954, after which it became a standalone brand; and again from 1990 to 1993. The company positioned the cars as a prestige marque to rival Cadillac, Continental, Lincoln, Duesenberg, Pierce Arrow, Cord, and Packard. According to Antique Automobile, "The adjective 'imperial' according to Webster's Dictionary means sovereign, supreme, superior or of unusual size or excellence. The word imperial thus justly befits Chrysler's highest priced model."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dodge Magnum</span> Car model

The Dodge Magnum is a nameplate used by several Dodge vehicles, at different times and on various markets. The name was first applied to a large Chrysler B platform-based 2-door coupe marketed from 1978 to 1979 sold in the United States and Canada. From the 2005 to the 2008 model years, the nameplate was revived for a Charger-based station wagon on the rear-wheel drive Chrysler LX platform, produced in Canada and sold on the American and Canadian market.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dodge Aspen</span> Motor vehicle

The Dodge Aspen, and the nearly-identical PlymouthVolaré, are compact cars that were produced from 1976 until 1980. The Volaré/Aspen model line offered a four-door sedan, a two-door coupe, and a four-door wagon.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dodge Diplomat</span> Motor vehicle

The Dodge Diplomat is an American mid-size car that was produced by Dodge from 1977 to 1989. At launch, it shared a common design with the Chrysler LeBaron and for much of its later production run was the counterpart of the more upscale Chrysler Fifth Avenue and lower priced Plymouth Gran Fury. It was also sold in Mexico between 1981 and 1982 as the Dodge Dart, and in Colombia as the Dodge Coronet. The Diplomat was initially offered in a coupe and a sedan; in 1978, station wagons were added as replacements for the discontinued full-sized C-body wagons.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dodge Monaco</span> Motor vehicle

The Dodge Monaco is an automobile that was marketed by the Dodge division of Chrysler Corporation. Introduced as the flagship of the Dodge product line, the Monaco was introduced for the 1965 model year to replace the Custom 880, then later joined as a sub-model of the Dodge Polara. During its production, the Monaco was offered in several body configurations, including two-door and four-door hardtop sedans, four-door sedans, two-door convertibles, and station wagons.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chrysler Neon</span> Compact car manufactured by Chryslers Dodge and Plymouth

The Neon is a compact car that was built from in January 1994 until 2005 by the American Chrysler Corporation over two generations. It has a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout and came in two-door and four-door sedan body styles. In the United States and Canada it was sold as either a Dodge or a Plymouth, while in Europe, Mexico, Japan, South Korea, Egypt, Australia, South Africa, and South America it was branded as a Chrysler, the Neon was offered in multiple versions and configurations over its production life, which lasted from the 1995 model year until 2005. The Neon nameplate was subsequently resurrected in 2016 for the Dodge Neon, a rebadged variant of Fiat Tipo sedan for the Mexican market.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Plymouth Fury</span> Motor vehicle

The Plymouth Fury is a model of automobile that was produced by Plymouth from 1955 until 1989. It was introduced for the 1956 model year as a sub-series of the Plymouth Belvedere, becoming a separate series one level above the contemporary Belvedere for 1959. The Fury was a full-size car from 1959 until 1961, then a mid-size car from 1962 until 1964, again, a full-size car from 1965 through 1974, and again, a mid-size car from 1975 through 1978. From 1975 until 1977, the Fury was sold alongside the full-size Plymouth Gran Fury. In 1978, the B-body Fury was the largest Plymouth, and by 1979, there was no large Plymouth. This product gap was filled in 1980 with the R-body Gran Fury, followed by the M-body Fury in 1982. Production of the last V8, RWD Plymouth Fury ended at the Kenosha Main assembly plant in Kenosha, WI, on December 23, 1988. Unlike its sibling brand, Dodge, Plymouth would not live to see the resurgence of the large, V8/RWD sedan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Plymouth Acclaim</span> American car model

The Plymouth Acclaim is a mid-size sedan produced in the 1989 to 1995 model years. The Acclaim was Plymouth's updated replacement for both the similarly sized E-body Caravelle and the K-body Reliant. Badge engineering was employed to give Dodge and Chrysler their own versions of the AA-body Acclaim: the Dodge Spirit, the Chrysler LeBaron sedan, and the export-market Chrysler Saratoga. It was replaced by the Plymouth Breeze in 1996.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Plymouth Gran Fury</span> Motor vehicle

The Plymouth Gran Fury is a full-sized automobile that was manufactured by Plymouth from 1975 to 1989. The nameplate would be used on successive downsizings, first in 1980, and again in 1982, through what would originally have been intermediate and compact classes in the early 1970s, all with conventional rear-wheel drive layouts. By the time Chrysler ended M-body production in December 1988, they were Chrysler's last remaining rear-wheel drive cars, with a V8 and carburetor, a configuration used since the mid-1950s. Plymouth did not have another rear-wheel drive car until the 1997 Prowler roadster.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chrysler Newport</span> Motor vehicle

The Newport was a name used by Chrysler for both a hardtop body designation and also for its lowest priced model between 1961 and 1981. Chrysler first used the Newport name on a 1940 show car, of which five vehicles were produced. From 1950 to 1956, the Newport name was then used to designate any Chrysler model with a hardtop body style. In 1961, Chrysler introduced the Newport as a new, low-priced model, offering large, comfortable two- and four-door Chrysler models that were modestly priced compared with the Chrysler 300, the Chrysler New Yorker and the Imperial. For 1961, the Newport was priced below the Chrysler Windsor in the Windsor's final year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dodge Series D8</span> Motor vehicle

The Dodge Series D8 appeared in October 1937 for the 1938 model year, replacing the previous year's Series D5. Production of the 1938 Dodges ran from September 1937 until July 1938, which was the typical pattern for Dodge in this period. As before, there was also a "Junior" line of Plymouths using Dodge badges and trim for the Canadian and global export markets. The main version is sometimes referred to as the "Senior" Dodge to distinguish the two.

Chrysler is an American brand of automobiles and division owned by Stellantis North America. The automaker was founded in 1925 by Walter Chrysler from the remains of the Maxwell Motor Company. The brand primarily focused on building luxury vehicles as the broader Chrysler Corporation expanded, following a strategy of brand diversification and hierarchy largely adopted from General Motors.

References

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  11. 1992 Chrysler LeBaron Factory Sales Brouchure
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Sources