Vehicle Description
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.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
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