Vehicle Description
1997 Chrysler Sebring JXi Convertible
Sebring Raceway is one of the oldest continuously operating race
tracks in the U.S., its first race being run in 1950. Sebring is
one of the classic race tracks in North American sports car racing,
and plays host to the 12 Hours of Sebring. The raceway occupies a
portion of Sebring Regional Airport, an active airport for private
and commercial traffic that was originally built as Hendricks Army
Airfield, a World War II training base for the U.S. Army Air
Forces.
Although the Sebring did not really offer true "off-the-line"
muscle, it did handle well over long, curvy roads, offering minimal
body roll. LXi models further benefited from rear sway bars, a
slightly different tuned fully independent suspension, along with
17-inch wheels wrapped with Goodyear Eagle performance tires.
Recorded slalom speeds proved to be impressive for a car of its
class and were a result of Sebring's 4-wheel double wishbone
suspension and variable speed rack and pinion steering; both of
which were key contributors to the car's road manners. And right
here at Classic Auto Mall we have a 1997 Convertible version of the
LXi.
Exterior
Straight steel body panels remain and are minding their gaps fairly
well on this road handler. Deep Amethyst Pearlcoat covers these
panels and retains its shine but shows some orange peel texturing
throughout (from a prior repaint). Body matching integrated bumpers
are on front and back and a very swept back windscreen helps this
profile cut through the wind. A canvas camel colored top with a
clear glass rear window moves up and down with ease by pushing a
button. The top has some smudges, but a good cleaning will spiff it
right back to life. 15-inch wheels are seen all around. Noted is
headlights are slightly fogged, but nothing a good buff couldn't
clear up.
Interior
Camel leather covers the power memory front buckets, which show
some smudging which sit in front of the original dash. A center
storage console races from front to back, and stops at the rear 2
plus 2 bench, also covered in camel colored leather. Tan carpet
with some stains in it covers the floors and the steering wheel
needs a new leather wrap. An AM/FM/CD digital radio it in the
middle and sports a burl applique field just to add some eye candy.
Overall a nice presentation but needs a good cleaning.
Drivetrain
The original 2.5-liter V6 with electronic fuel injection has a 4
speed automatic attached to the drive wheels of this car. Some
parts show corrosion, but all working condition.
Undercarriage
Save for some heavy surface rust on the muffler, and sporadic
surface rust on suspension parts, it's all structurally sound
underneath, with clean floorboards and solid unibody frame.
Drive-Ability
The car required a battery, so we installed a spare and with a
flick of the key and a few seconds of cranking the V6 came to life.
We noted a fuel leak present on the fuel feed line and made a quick
repair (this needs a new line section). After the repair the car
started and idled beautifully. However, with a brake pedal that
sinks to the floor a drive was not in the cards.
A decent convertible version which of spiffed up a bit, would be a
fun used car. No major issues, and an aerodynamic good handling
package with a leather interior. Fab!
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 500 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
