Chrysler LeBaron

This 1989 LeBaron GTC has bootlid carrier for additional lightweight luggage

Very comfortable and supportive seats with multi-functional positioning

2.2 turbo SOHC engine is rated at 174bhp although the V6s do it a lot smoother

Front three-quarter seems more Eurobox than Yank and the LeBaron looks clean

Rear passengers are well looked after

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What is a Chrysler LeBaron?

A particularly ‘compact’ sporting 2+2 coupe from the Pentastar stable, that’s more European in styling than Yank, and brimming full with so many options that makes the phrase ‘fully loaded’ almost an understatement. Forget all your preconceptions about V8-powered Detroit gas guzzlers, this just isn’t one of them. In fact, perish the thought, it hasn’t even got a V8 engine, it’s front wheel drive too, and extremely economical when it comes to fuel consumption. Available as both a fixedhead coupe and convertible, the LeBaron was a big seller in the USA enjoying a nine year production run, and nowadays is quite popular with UK owners as a second car, and indeed is one of the cheapest ways of getting into American car ownership after the Mustang Mk3. While the LeBaron may never be deemed to be ‘collectable’ it has a strong enthusiastic following, and offers incredibly high levels of refinement in a car so small and inexpensive to purchase.

History

The LeBaron name has been part of the Chrysler line-up of models since 1977 when it was a rather boxy M-body on a 112.7-inch wheelbase and in the early days did feature a V8 engine. New small cars were the way to go as far as much of the American buying public were concerned and they sold well. It was the time when Lee A. Iaccoca (often referred to as the ‘Father of the Ford Mustang) joined the company as chairman, and its fortunes were very much in need of restoring, and in time they were. Early LeBarons were rather nondescript and bland in the styling department and didn’t exactly have much wow factor.

However, in 1982 the ‘Ragtop’ model was introduced, the first in the USA car industry since the mid 1970’s, with revised frontal styling complete with rakish headlamps, and the newly designed 2.2-litre SOHC four-cylinder engine, and 2.6-litre courtesy of Mitsubishi arrived on the scene. In 1984 the 2.2-litre got a turbo and power output was a fairly healthy 146bhp. Additionally a 2.6-litre engine option supplied by Mitsubishi was also available. There was even a LeBaron Town & Country model with that very American ‘Woody’ theme, only this time it was wallpaper wood and plastic… and an acquired taste?

By the mid 1980’s the LeBaron had become even more attractive, keeping the same rakish headlamps, which were now enclosed under a cover, though the only fly in the ointment for some was the concave effect finish of the lower door extremities that does look rather odd. Variations of the LeBaron included the GTS sedan with five-door hatchback bodywork, quite a practical model, but not having the same kudos as the top of the range GTC turbo coupes and convertibles, based on the J-body introduced in 1987.

Their interiors are quite plush, nicely trimmed including the door cards and to the rear are individual bucket seats. There was no stinting in the braking department either with discs all round and attractive lattice style 16-inch alloy wheels. When new, the LeBaron sold for around $14,000 and some dealers at shopping malls in the USA offered His ‘n’ Hers deals with red and white painted cars and you got the second car for half price!

The Americanism ‘fully loaded’ definitely applies to the LeBarons with some features that would normally be found on much larger luxury saloons. Options like illuminated vanity mirrors built into the sun visors both sides, illuminated entry system whereby you press the door handle and all the interior lights come on. Then there’s a light on the steering column which shows you where to insert the ignition key, Power Enthusiast Seats which have just about every adjustment you could ever wish for.

The rear seats fold flat for the stowage of longer items, there’s an overhead console with storage for sunglasses, the remote for your electric garage door, twin map reading lights, outside temperature and compass LED display, there’s heated wing mirrors, cruise control, air con, the list is seemingly endless. The LeBaron turbo coupes and convertibles with five-speed manual transmission offered fine handling and performance with economy, and anti-lock brakes arrived in 1992. So did new a new engine with the 2.2-litre four-cylinder dropped in favour of a 141bhp Mitsubishi V6. The LeBaron even spawned the Chrysler TC Maserati, with a 200bhp 2.2 Maserati designed twincam cylinder head no less, but it wasn’t a great success, being much more expensive and looked too much like the cheaper LeBaron. The last of the line came in 1995 when the model was replaced by the Sebring, a model derived from the Japanese Mitsubishi Galant!

Driving

The LeBaron is quite a lively performer, nimble and will suit your requirements very nicely whether you’re nipping down to the shops or long distance touring. On a long run it’s quite possible to obtain as much as 40mpg, and even urban driving should return 25-30mpg. The on-board trip computer will give you all this information. The interior offers high levels of comfort and in addition to multi adjustable seats you also have a tilt steering column to ensure you find that perfect driving position. Four wheel disc brakes ensure excellent retardation, there’s power steering and the turbo boost gauge will keep you informed at what’s happening on the performance front. Cars from 1990 onwards with the V6 will also offer excellent acceleration, but make sure gear changes from the automatic transmission are as silky. Listen for any clunking noises from the FWD due to tired CV joints and don’t forget to make sure the rubber boots are not cracked or split.

Prices

Entry level for a tired late 1980’s GTC coupe can be as little as £500, but is it really worth the trouble when you can source a much better one for around £1000-£1500? If you want a convertible you can purchase the best for a mere £2500. Last of the V6 cars will be a tad more.