1985 Chrysler LeBaron Turbo Convertible
If you were born after 1970, you might not be familiar with the K-car revolution. This is when, in 1981, Chrysler developed a line of cars with a simple box design, transverse engine, front wheel drive, and a semi independent rear suspension. More importantly, to cut costs, Chrysler went to the parts bin and utilized existing components without the need for extensive R&R all in an effort to turn a profit on a failing brand. And it worked. For the first time in two years, Chrysler reported a profit in late 1980 after the K-car introduction and initial sales.
For consignment, a 1985 Chrysler LeBaron Turbo convertible, a nicely preserved example of a mid production K-series. There weren't a ton of convertible options in 1985 so there was some appeal generated by the LeBaron drop top. And an 1984 made had a pivotal appearance in the emblematic 80's film, St. Elmo's Fire.
Exterior
Bright Silver Metallic covers the car which is accented by a chrome grille, a red pinstripe, and black side molding. A pair of hood vents contribute a touch of sportiness to the square car and wire wheel covers dress it up for an evening out on the town. Lined taillights sit above the protruding rear bumper and the canvas folding top is in good condition and has a glass rear window. Dual headlights sit back in a chrome bezel with a slightly canted front fascia that is subtly and yet distinctly Chrysler, confirmed by the Pentastar hood ornament on the nose. Overall, the body and paint are in decent condition with some imperfections. These include blotches of mismatched paint, numerous scratches and scuffs, dings, along with some touched up chips and body work.
Interior
Standard on the convertible was the full vinyl low back bucket seats that were available in three colors, including this Oxblood red. Red vinyl appears on the handsome door panels which have the era's typical design which flows to the short sidewalls of the rear where we also find a bench seat and everything is in fine condition. A simple steering wheel leads to a square dash with just a speedometer, gas gauge, and a series of idiot lights, reminders, and diagrams above a faux wood panel. Towards the center, an AM/FM/CD radio with AUX and USB has been added above the metallic A/C control panel. A temperature gauge has also been added and is mounted under the dash. The center console houses the shifter is a metallic panel over a plastic base that has simulated stitching and more faux wood and it all could use a good detailing just ahead of a plump armrest in red vinyl. On the floor, the plush red carpet has had some fun days in the sun and shows some fading while the plastic mats that protect it from wear have yellowed with age and look vintage 1980's. Gray flannel panels line the entire trunk which looks clean.
Drivetrain
At a time when turbocharging was not widely used, the highly touted 2.2 liter turbo 4 cylinder is under the hood in driver condition. As Chrysler put it in their sales brochure, "the turbocharger increases horsepower, a boost of 47 percent over the standard 2.2 liter engine with EFI.". This one is also fuel injected and rated at 146 horsepower. A Torqueflite 3-speed automatic transmission keeps power in the front with 3.02 gears while power brakes, discs in front, drums in back, bring this car to a stop.
Undercarriage
Driver quality underneath with its fair share of typical surface rust, some residual oil on the pan, some grime build up on the knuckle and just some general patina. But no rust! Unlike Kirby's car at the mountain cabin in St. Elmo's Fire, we're not sure this one has ever seen snow and salt! Meanwhile, the single exhaust meets a stock style muffler before exiting with twin tips out back, and coil springs are the main component of the rear suspension system while MacPherson struts occupy the front.
Drive-Ability
I distinctly remember this being the car to have in the mid-80's but also don't recall ever being in one. The simple and comfortable cabin provides just what you need and delivers a decent ride out on our test loop with the low pressure turbo kicking in to provide a bit more acceleration when needed and the car tracks straight and with the top down, hosts limitless visibility. The windows on the left side don't operate but every other function worked as they should. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
When Kirby was desperate to find Dale, he hastily borrowed Howie Krantz's LeBaron convertible and sped off to the mountain cabin. Howie was gainfully employed at a law firm, unlike the other characters in St. Elmo's fire who were mostly working menial jobs or unemployed, so the LeBaron convertible represented success, upward mobility, and yes, conformity. The film didn't make the car iconic, it's ability to save Chrysler did, even as they later became the butt of jokes. But it's now rare to see them and they always touch a nerve at car shows as people fawn over them. And Radwood material? One hundred percent!
1C3BC55E9FG274254
1-USA
C-Chrysler
3-Passenger Car
B-Manual Belts
C-LeBaron
5-Premium Price Class
5-Convertible
E-2.2 Liter Turbo I4
9-Check Digit
F-1985
G-St. Louis, MO Assy Plant
274254-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
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