Vehicle Description
1987 Chrysler LeBaron Coupe
In 1987, Chrysler released an all-new coupe and convertible model
to replace the dated design of the second generation K-body LeBaron
coupe and convertible. The result was the aerodynamic, and more
modern, J-body LeBaron Coupe. Car and Driver dismissed it as yet
another thinly-disguised K-car knockoff, even going so far as to
have its main road test picture with the car parked in front of a
Burger King restaurant. Their main point was, just like a whopper
sandwich, no matter how much you dressed it up on top, it was still
the same old hamburger meat underneath.
For consignment, the car that would become ubiquitous to the
retirement community parking lot, the Chrysler LeBaron Coupe this
example from 1987. Adored by the mature crowd it offered sportiness
yet had an air of distinction. It was not a huge car, so it was
easy to navigate especially for those with less than 2020 eyesight
or depth perception. This one has survived all that and has emerged
as a fine example with good paint, no rust and nice chrome.
Exterior
Maroon paint adorns this LeBaron with its straight steel and hidden
headlights, 2 door coupe. In front the grille puts out an air of
distinction with its chromed surround and a Chrysler star badge in
the center ( Hey big spender?). A chrome topped and wide black
vinyl trimming virtually wraps the car and presents at the perfect
height to avoid damage from parking lot pylons, other car doors,
road signs, mailboxes, and the sides of a garage. A large
wrap-around rear glass provides a panoramic view of what's behind,
although it is also assumed you have the ability to actually turn
around to the point where you can look through it (sometimes my
buddy arthur gets in the way...arthur-itis!). Aero tail lighting
melts into the rear deck and all neoprene bumpers are looking good
on this car with no fade on their fillers between the bumpers and
the body. Nice cast alloy "snowflake" wheels are wrapped in well
preserved rubber. Overall, a few scratches and scrapes which
managed to avoid the protection of the wrap around trimming, and
some paint chop off is noted on the drivers door.
Interior
Appointed with all the finery Chrysler had to offer in 1987, we see
a padded red tweed broadcloth panel dancing with molded maroon
plastic to form the armrest, door pull and a large star badged
panel. The actuator, power lock button and side view mirror
adjuster are within a black panel strategically oriented well
within reach of the driver. About 6 months of muscle training and
the driver should be easily able to reach it without taking eyes
off the road. Inside sporty red and maroon high back buckets that
have shiny vinyl bolsters and more of the red tweed broadcloth
covering them face the dash. In the center is a console with
glovebox, tall shifter, and power window toggles. Some nice burl
wood applique surrounds these panels on the console and dash which
is mostly bathed in tones of maroon. There is a digital factory
radio installed which can dial in AM and FM, and just above a push
button climate control center. On top is a message center that will
flash a particular light when your gas is low, doors are not closed
and certain lights are not working. Above is a trip odometer so the
occupants can be assured they are getting at least the sticker
stated EPA mileage. More burl applique surrounds all these panels
and the instrument cluster. In the back you can pile 2 of your
friends into the bench/bucket setup and there is plenty of room to
get in and out through the magical push of the seat backs forward
for even better access. Red carpeting floods the floors and above
is a maroon headliner. No Arthur please for this rear seat access
and egress.
Drivetrain
Under the hood in an unrestored engine bay is a 2.5 liter 4
cylinder engine which sports EFI and an A413 3 speed automatic. Out
front is a 3.02 final drive.
Undercarriage
Nicely patina surfaces abound underneath, and no rust is noted of
significance. Power disc brakes are up front and power drums on
back.
Drive-Ability
I entered and immediately I'm enveloped with a smell of some
mustiness, and the distant smell of a dirty diaper. The car ran
well and handled nicely. The headlight doors do not open and the
brake pedal goes to the floor. Test drive over!
A sporty classy example of the mature set, in this Chrysler LeBaron
Coupe for 1987. What else can I say?
VIN DECODE
3C3CJ41K0HT730978
3-Mexico
3-Chrysler
3-Passenger Car
C-Automatic Seat Belts
J-Lebaron
4-High Price Class
1-2 Door Coupe
K-2.5L 4 Cylinder EFI
0-Check Digit
H-1987
T-Toluca, Mexico Assy Plant
730978-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 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.
