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HomeMediaPick of the Day: 1985 Chrysler LeBaron

Pick of the Day: 1985 Chrysler LeBaron

Top of the line

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One of the things that former Chrysler CEO Lee Iacocca will be best remembered for is the “K Platform.” Launched in 1981, this platform became widely used in the 1980s and implemented a front-wheel drive configuration with parts that were shared across many Chrysler vehicles of the time.

The Pick of the Day is a 1985 Chrysler LeBaron convertible listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Ormond Beach, Florida. (Click the link to view the listing)

“Top of the line Chrysler with every available option,” the seller states. This LeBaron comes from the model’s second generation which launched in 1982 using the transverse-mounted, front-wheel drive layout – a distinct change from most earlier Chrysler vehicles. Body styles for the LeBaron were offered in coupe, sedan, station wagon, and convertible variations, and the front and rear fascias were designed to resemble Chrysler’s larger E-body vehicles of the time.

According to the included window sticker, this LeBaron drop-top was originally delivered to South Hills Chrysler-Plymouth in McMurray, Pennsylvania, and is coated in a Cream exterior hue. The top and the back window have been replaced, but this car looks very original for being 38 years old.

Also shown on that window sticker are several special options that come with this “Mark Cross Edition” LeBaron including: air conditioning, leather bucket seats, floor mats, cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, wire wheel covers, an electronic instrument panel cluster, and an illuminated entry system. The only things that look non-factory on this example are the fact that its original whitewall tires have been replaced with blackwall versions, and the radio has been replaced with a Sony AM/FM/CD unit.

While a video is not included with the listing, this car should also come with Chrysler’s famous “talking car” functionality that provided audible driver alerts for things like a door being ajar or the headlights being left on. That feature would make a fun conversation piece at any car show today.

Under the hood, power comes from a fuel-injected turbocharged 2.2-liter four-cylinder connected to a TorqueFlite three-speed automatic transaxle. “Over $8k invested in recent mechanical maintenance, drives like a dream,” the seller says. The turbo has reportedly been replaced, and the air conditioning system works well. Service records are included with the sale to corroborate the recent spend.

This LeBaron ragtop had an original retail price of $17,038 including destination, but it could be yours now  for $10,500 or best offer. Lee Iacocca would be proud to see it still motoring down the highway.

To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.

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Tyson Hugie
Tyson Hugie
Tyson Hugie is a Phoenix-based automotive enthusiast who has been writing for The Journal since 2016. His favorite automotive niche is 1980s and 1990s Japanese cars, and he is a self-diagnosed “Acura addict” since he owns a collection of Honda and Acura cars from that era. Tyson can usually be found on weekends tinkering on restoration projects, attending car shows, or enjoying the open road. He publishes videos each week to his YouTube channel and is also a contributing author to Arizona Driver Magazine, KSLCars.com, NSX Driver Magazine, and other automotive publications. His pride and joy is a 1994 Acura Legend LS coupe with nearly 600,000 miles on the odometer, but he loves anything on four wheels and would someday like to own a 1950 Buick Special like his late grandfather’s.

17 COMMENTS

  1. “A door cannot be a jar”. Just one of many mistakes when they made the K cars. They are getting rare that’s for sure.

  2. Not sure if spending over $8,000 on this K car was a better investment than finding a replacement “upgraded” Maserati/K Car convertible on-line.

  3. agree -somebody’s math tutor failed!

    my 2 cents- black wall tires just don’t cut it on this car, especially with wirewheel covers.

  4. I remember driving these K cars back in the 80’s as a parking lot attendant in Lake Tahoe. I never liked them too much, probably because I was also driving all the luxury cars too. Still, the name on the car never lived up to the car itself. Cheap looking and sounding. Dear old Lee made a mistake, but that is water under the bridge.

    This cars looks to be a very fine example of one that survived. Many have not been so fortunate and went to the crusher. I give the owner credit for keeping this piece of history for posterity. Perhaps it should be in a Chrysler showroom somewhere.

  5. I had this identical car, in the same color. It was the biggest piece of junk I have ever owned. Because of that car, I refuse to buy a Chrysler product.

  6. Very nice ride… Mopar is and always will be the best around. I’m looking for a 1976:Corboba. Under 10. K. 832-368-5465

  7. I had a convertible and a station wagon in the K-Car line. I agree with most of the comments. These cars and other Chrysler products have never really lived up to the old Chrysler reputation. I didn’t keep either of the 2 K-Cars very long.

  8. I had a convertible and a station wagon in the K-Car line. I agree with most of the comments. These cars and other Chrysler products have never really lived up to the old Chrysler reputation.

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