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Chrysler LeBaron

(Redirected from Chrysler LeBaron GTS)

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.

Chrysler LeBaron
Third generation LeBaron convertible
Overview
ManufacturerChrysler Corporation
Body and chassis
Class
Layout
Chronology
SuccessorChrysler 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 "LeBaron" name has since been applied to five different cars built by the Chrysler Division:

  • 1977–1981 M-body (mid-size) LeBaron sedan, coupe, and wagon
  • 1982–1988 K-body (mid-size) LeBaron sedan, coupe, convertible, and wagon
  • 1985–1989 H-body (mid-size) LeBaron GTS hatchback
  • 1987–1995 J-body (personal luxury) LeBaron coupe and convertible
  • 1990–1994 AA-body (mid-size) LeBaron sedan

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

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Main article: LeBaron Incorporated
 
1941 Chrysler LeBaron Newport
 
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)

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Main article: Chrysler Imperial § 1931–1933
Classic generation
 
1934 Chrysler Imperial CL by LeBaron
Overview
Production1930s
AssemblyDetroit, Michigan, United States
Bridgeport, Connecticut, United States[1][2][3][4]
Body and chassis
ClassLuxury
Body style2-door coupe
2-door convertible (roadster)
4-door sedan
4-door convertible
LayoutFR layout
PlatformChrysler
RelatedChrysler
Chrysler Imperial
Powertrain
Engine385 cu in (6.3 L) Imperial 8 I8[5]
and others
Transmission3-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)

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See also: Imperial (automobile) § Second generation (1956–1966)

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
Overview
Production1956–1975
AssemblyJefferson Avenue Assembly
Detroit, Michigan, United States
Body and chassis
ClassFull-size luxury
Body style2-door hardtop
4-door sedan
4-door hardtop
LayoutFR 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
Transmission3-speed automatic
  •  
    1960 Imperial LeBaron
  •  
    1964 Imperial LeBaron
  •  
    1967 Imperial LeBaron
  •  
    1972 Imperial LeBaron
  •  
    1974 Imperial LeBaron

First generation (1977–1981)

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First generation
 
1980 Chrysler LeBaron Town & Country
Overview
Production1977–1981
AssemblySt. Louis, Missouri (Saint Louis Assembly), United States
Newark, Delaware (Newark Assembly), United States
Valencia, Venezuela,
Toluca, Mexico (Toluca Car Assembly)[8]
Body and chassis
ClassMid-size
Body style5-door wagon (1978–81)
4-door sedan (1977–81)
2-door coupe (1977–81)
LayoutFR layout
PlatformM-body
RelatedChrysler Town and Country
Dodge Diplomat
Plymouth Gran Fury
Powertrain
Engine225 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
Transmission3-speed A727 automatic
3-speed A904 automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase112.7 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
SuccessorChrysler New Yorker Fifth Avenue
Chrysler Fifth Avenue
 
1977 Chrysler LeBaron coupe
 
1978 Chrysler LeBaron sedan
 
1980 LeBaron 5th Avenue Limited Edition; one of 654 produced
 
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]
Coupe Sedan Wagon Yearly Total
1977 7,280 12,600 - 19,880
1978 47,313 59,575 21,504 128,392
1979 96,400 17,463 113,863
1980 24,530 31,010 7,939 63,479
1981 37,010 6,123 43,133
Total 53,029 368,747

Second generation (1982–1988)

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Second generation
 
1984 Chrysler LeBaron
Overview
Production1981–1988
Model years1982–1988
AssemblyNewark, Delaware, United States (Newark Assembly)
St. Louis, Missouri, United States (Saint Louis Assembly,
Toluca, Mexico (Toluca Car Assembly)
Body and chassis
ClassMid-size executive car
Body style5-door wagon (1982–88)
4-door sedan (1982–88)
2-door coupe (1982–86)
2-door convertible (1982–86)
LayoutTransverse front-engine, front-wheel drive
PlatformK-body
RelatedChrysler Town & Country
Dodge 400
Dodge Aries
Plymouth Reliant
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission5-speed Getrag A525 manual
3-speed A413 automatic
3-speed A470 automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase100.3 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 Chrysler LeBaron convertible
  •  
    1985 Chrysler LeBaron Town & Country station wagon
  •  
    1986 Chrysler LeBaron coupe
  •  
    1986 Chrysler LeBaron Town & Country convertible
  •  
    1987 Chrysler LeBaron sedan

1985–1989 LeBaron GTS

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LeBaron GTS/LeBaron
 
Overview
Also calledChrysler GTS
Production1984–1989
Model years1985–1989
AssemblySterling Heights, Michigan, United States
Body and chassis
ClassMid-size
Body style5-door hatchback
LayoutTransverse front-engine, front-wheel drive
PlatformH-body
RelatedDodge Lancer
Shelby Lancer
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission5-speed Getrag A520 manual
5-speed Getrag A555 manual
3-speed A413 automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase103.1 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

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  • 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]
Coupe Sedan Wagon Convertible GTS Yearly Total
1982 27,151 42,534 7,809 12,825 - 90,319
1983 18,331 30,869 10,994 9,891 - 70,085
1984 24,963 47,664 11,578 16,208 - 100,413
1985 24,970 43,659 7,711 16,475 60,783 153,598
1986 24,761 40,116 19,684 19,684 73,557 177,802
1987 - 54,678 5,880 - 39,050 99,608
1988 - 24,452 2,136 - 14,211 40,799
Total 120,176 283,972 65,792 75,083 187,601 732,624

European market - the Chrysler GTS

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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)

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Third generation (coupe/convertible)
 
Overview
Also calledChrysler Phantom (Mexico)
Production1986–1995
Model years1987–1995
AssemblyNewark, Delaware, United States (Newark Assembly)
St. Louis, Missouri, United States (Saint Louis Assembly)
Toluca, Mexico (Toluca Car Assembly)
Body and chassis
ClassPersonal luxury
Body style2-door coupe (1987–93)
2-door convertible (1987–95)
LayoutTransverse front-engine, front-wheel drive
PlatformJ-body
RelatedChrysler 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
Wheelbase100.5 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)

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

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

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1993–1995 Chrysler LeBaron convertible
 
1994 interior (aftermarket radio)
 
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

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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.

  • 1987: Highline, Premium
  • 1988: Highline, Premium, GT
  • 1989: GTS Turbo, GT Turbo, GTC Turbo, Highline, Premium
  • 1990: GT, GT Turbo, GTC Turbo, Highline, Highline Turbo, Premium
  • 1991: GTC, GTC Turbo, Highline, Highline Turbo, Premium LX
  • 1992: GTC, GTC Turbo, Highline, Highline Turbo, LX
  • 1993: GTC, Highline, LX
  • 1994: GTC, LX
  • 1995: GTC, LX

Export

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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

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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]
Coupe Convertible Yearly Total
1987 75,415 8,025 83,440
1988 48,671 38,197 86,868
1989 53,504 37,489 90,993
1990 20,106 38,928 59,034
1991 10,771 29,074 39,845
1992 5,656 40,284 45,940
1993 6,007 26,776 32,783
1994 - 37,052 37,052
1995 - 35,760 35,760
Total 220,130 291,585 511,715

Third generation sedan (1990–1994)

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1992 Chrysler LeBaron LE
Third generation (sedan)
 
Overview
Also calledChrysler New Yorker (Mexico)
Production1989–1994
Model years1990–1994
AssemblyNewark, Delaware, United States (Newark Assembly)
Toluca, Mexico (Toluca Car Assembly)
Valencia, Carabobo, Venezuela
Body and chassis
ClassMid-size
Body style4-door sedan
LayoutTransverse front-engine, front-wheel drive
PlatformAA-body
RelatedChrysler 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
Wheelbase103.5 in (2,629 mm)
Length182.7 in (4,641 mm)
Width68.1 in (1,730 mm)
Height53.7 in (1,364 mm)
Curb weight2,971 lb (1,348 kg)
Chronology
SuccessorChrysler Cirrus
 
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

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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

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  • base - 1990–1992
  • LX - 1992
  • Landau - 1992–1994
  • LE - 1993–1994

Production Figures:

Chrysler LeBaron Production Figures[10]
Yearly Production
1990 27,312
1991 17,752
1992 33,862
1993 26,474
1994 35,760
Total 141,160

Mexican market

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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.

References

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  1. ^ a b c d "Chrysler LeBaron History". Webspace.webring.com. Archived from the original on 2011-08-25. Retrieved 2010-10-04.
  2. ^ a b c "1985 Chrysler LeBaron Images, Information and History (LeBaron Town & Country, LeBaron Mark Cross Convertible, T&C, LeBaron GTS, LS Sedan)". conceptcarz.com. Archived from the original on 2011-06-13. Retrieved 2010-10-04.
  3. ^ a b c d e "LeBaron Carrossiers - LeBaron Inc. - LeBaron-Detroit". coachbuilt.com. Archived from the original on 2010-08-02. Retrieved 2010-10-04.
  4. ^ a b c d e "Briggs Body Company, Brggs Mfg, Co., Walter O. Briggs, LeBaron, Briggs Detroit, John Tjaarda". coachbuilt.com. Archived from the original on 2010-09-01. Retrieved 2010-10-04.
  5. ^ "1931 Chrysler Imperial Close Coupled Sedan". imperialclub.com. 1930-07-14. Archived from the original on 2010-06-29. Retrieved 2010-10-04.
  6. ^ "Special Built Cars Hint Tomorrow's Designs". Popular Mechanics. Vol. 75, no. 1. January 1941. p. 32. Retrieved 10 May 2022 – via Google Books.
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  8. ^ "1978 Chrysler LeBaron (VE)". dkarros.com. Archived from the original on 2011-07-10. Retrieved 2010-10-04.
  9. ^ "1977 Chrysler Brochure". oldcarbrochures.com. Retrieved 10 May 2022.
  10. ^ a b c d e Flammang, James M.; Kowalke, Ron (1999). Standard catalog of American cars, 1976-1999 (Thrird ed.). Iola, WI: Krause Publications. ISBN 0-87341-755-0. OCLC 43301709.
  11. ^ 1992 Chrysler LeBaron Factory Sales Brouchure
  12. ^ a b Borglund, Staffan (1991-05-30). "Röde baronen priskrigar" [The Red Baron's price war]. Teknikens Värld (in Swedish). Vol. 43, no. 10. Stockholm, Sweden: Specialtidningsförlaget AB. p. 9.
  13. ^ a b Stopford, William (2016-12-12). "Mexican Mopars, Part 4: 1987-94 Chrysler Phantom – The Camargue of Mexican Chryslers". Curbside Classics. Archived from the original on 2020-11-29.
  14. ^ Stark, Harry A., ed. (1987). Ward's Automotive Yearbook 1987. Vol. 49. Detroit, MI: Ward's Communications, Inc. p. 86. ISBN 0910589007.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: ignored ISBN errors (link)

Sources

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