Chrysler LeBaron

Chrysler LeBaron
Overview
Manufacturer	Chrysler Corporation
Production	1977–1995 (model years)
Chronology
Successor	Chrysler Fifth Avenue for rear-drive M-body version (1983) Chrysler Cirrus for front-drive sedan (1995) Chrysler Sebring for front-drive coupe (1995) Chrysler Sebring convertible for conv. (1996)

The Chrysler LeBaron (or Chrysler Imperial LeBaron) was originally a classic luxury car of 1930s manufactured by Chrysler which competed with other luxury cars of the era such as Lincoln and Packard.

The LeBaron has become one of the longest running nameplates in Chrysler history. The fist LeBaron models were designated as the top-of-the-line 1957 through 1975 Imperials.

The Chrysler LeBaron was re-introduced in 1977 as Chrysler's lowest priced model, and the name was used on various Chryslers until 1995. Resurrected to add cachet to the Chrysler Division's new mid-sized entry, the "LeBaron" name has since been applied to five different cars built by the Chrysler Division:

• 1977–1981 M-body Mid-size LeBaron sedan, coupé, and wagon
• 1982–1988 K-body Compact LeBaron sedan, coupé, convertible, and wagon
• 1985–1989 H-body Mid-size LeBaron GTS hatchback
• 1987–1995 J-body Personal luxury LeBaron coupé and convertible
• 1990–1994 AA-body Mid-size LeBaron sedan

The LeBaron background

1941 Chrysler LeBaron Newport

LeBaron was one of the many prominent coachbuilders in the 1920s to provide bodies for luxury cars. It was founded in Bridgeport, Connecticut in 1920 by Thomas L. Hibbard and Raymond H. Dietrich. It was later purchased by Briggs Manufacturing Company of Detroit in 1926 and operated as a subsidiary.

LeBaron supplied exquisite custom bodies for various car companies such as Chrysler's luxury Imperial line, Duesenberg, and Cadillac. LeBaron's last projects for Chrysler were the Chrysler Newport, a super-streamlined dual cowl phaeton with an aluminum body and the remarkable 1941 Chrysler Thunderbolt, a sleek roadster with concealed headlights and a retractable metal hardtop styled by Alex Tremulis, who would later style the legendary Tucker of 1948.

Chrysler purchased Briggs Manufacturing in 1953. Two years after the Chrysler Corporation introduced the Imperial as a separate luxury division, LeBaron was designated the top of the line Imperial models in 1957 through 1975.

1931–1941

Classic generation
Overview
Production	1930s
Assembly	Detroit, Michigan, United States Bridgeport, Connecticut, United States
Body and chassis
Class	Luxury
Body style	2-door coupe 2-door convertible (roadster) 4-door sedan 4-door convertible
Layout	FR layout
Platform	Chrysler
Related	Chrysler Chrysler Imperial
Powertrain
Engine	385 cu in (6.3L) Straight-8 125HP ("Imperial 8") and others
Transmission	3-speed manual 4-speed manual

The LeBarons started in 1930s during the automobile's Classic era and competed directly with the luxury brands of its day such as Lincoln, Cadillac, and Packard.

In the mid-1930s, Chrysler added a radical new "Art Deco" design shape, known as the Airflow Imperials, to the Chrysler line. The high-end CW series were supplied by LeBaron. The design features were considered advanced and perhaps ahead of their time. However, the shape was too radical for buyer's tastes and non-Airflow models outsold Airflows by about 3 to 1.

Raymond Dietrich, co-founder and former stylist at LeBaron, was hired in 1932 to be Chrysler's in-house stylist. Dietrich restyled the Airflow line and Chryslers moved to more mainstream styles. As a result of the poor Airflow sales, Chrysler design actually became quite conservative for the next two decades. Auto manufacturers continued to build up their in-house styling departments and bodyworks, with the result that LeBaron became less important to most of its customers for design ideas and bodies. Toward the late 1930s, LeBaron/Briggs built more bodies for Chrysler and fewer bodies for Ford. Chrysler became their biggest customer, with additional bodies built for Packard, Hudson, and Graham-Paige. During the late 1930s and early 1940s, the LeBaron name and division became less important for Briggs, although it remained a division of Briggs until the Chrysler buy-out in 1953.

LeBaron's last projects for Chrysler were two concept cars: the Chrysler Newport, a super-streamlined dual cowl phaeton with an aluminum body and the remarkable 1941 Chrysler Thunderbolt, a sleek roadster with concealed headlights and a retractable metal hardtop styled by Alex Tremulis, who went on to later style part of the legendary Tucker of 1948. Only 6 of each were made.

1957–1975

Imperial generation
1972 Imperial LeBaron 4-door hardtop
Overview
Production	1957–1975
Assembly	Detroit, Michigan, United States
Body and chassis
Class	Luxury / Full-size
Body style	2-door coupe 2-door convertible 4-door sedan
Layout	FR layout
Platform	Perimeter Frame Unibody
Related	Imperial Chrysler Chrysler Imperial
Powertrain
Engine	392 cu in (6.4L) V8 413 cu in (6.8L) V8 440 cu in (7.2L) V8
Transmission	4-speed automatic

For an extended section of Imperial LeBaron models sold under its own Imperial marque (1957-1975) see also Imperial (automobile)

The Chrysler Corporation introduced the Imperial as a separate luxury make and division in 1955. LeBaron was designated the top of the line Imperial models in 1957 through 1975. These cars were Imperials and did not bear the Chrysler name.

The Imperial LeBarons were made to compete directly with competitor's luxury brands such as Lincoln, Cadillac, and Packard, just as they had since 1930s. The last model was made in June 1975, a victim of dwindling sales and the 1973 oil embargo.

1977–1981

First generation
Overview
Production	1977–1981
Assembly	St. Louis, Missouri, United States Newark, Delaware, United States Valencia, Venezuela, Toluca, Mexico
Body and chassis
Class	Mid-size
Body style	2-door coupe 4-door sedan 4-door wagon
Layout	FR layout
Platform	M-body
Related	Chrysler Town and Country Dodge Diplomat Plymouth Gran Fury
Powertrain
Engine	(225 SLANT6 3.1L ) 318 in³ LA V8 360 in³ LA V8
Transmission	3-speed A727 automatic 3-speed A904 automatic

1977–1979 Chrysler LeBaron sedan

Although the LeBaron name had been used before on Imperials, this was the first time the name was used on its own. This first Chrysler LeBaron was a rear-wheel drive M-body, a rebadged Dodge Diplomat with deluxe trim and equipment sold from 1977 to 1981. LeBarons were available in coupes, sedans and station wagons. A Police version was available in 1981 only. The wagons arrived in 1978. All wagons had the Town & Country wood panelling until a plain base wagon was added in 1980-81.

1981 LeBaron 5th Avenue Limited Edition; one of 654 produced

The car received a major refreshening for 1980, with new front and rear fascias giving it a more upscale appearance. The rear roofline was also made shorter and steeper. The 2-door coupe received new smooth rear sheetmetal, that replaced the old curved rear panels. On the inside, enhancements were made to the interior to make it more luxurious. For 1981, a limited edition "Fifth Avenue" package was available; only 654 LeBarons were produced with this package.

The LeBaron model name was moved to the new front-wheel drive K-platform for the 1982 model year. The former M-body LeBaron sedan became the Chrysler New Yorker; it could still be equipped with the Fifth Avenue package. The M-body wagons and coupes were discontinued after 1981. Chrysler's M-body sedan was ultimately renamed Fifth Avenue for 1983 and it was produced through 1989 little changed from the vintage-1980 LeBaron sedan.

See Town & Country and Fifth Avenue sections for more info.

1982–1988

Second generation
Overview
Production	1982–1988
Assembly	Newark, Delaware, United States St. Louis, Missouri, United States, Toluca, Mexico
Body and chassis
Class	Compact
Body style	2-door convertible 2-door coupe 4-door sedan 4-door wagon
Layout	FF layout
Platform	K-body
Related	Chrysler Town & Country Dodge 400 Dodge Aries Plymouth Reliant
Powertrain
Engine	2.2 L K I4 2.2 L Turbo I I4 2.5 L K I4 2.6 L Mitsubishi G54B I4
Transmission	5-speed Getrag A525 manual 3-speed A413 automatic 3-speed A470 automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	100.3 in (2,548 mm)
Length	179.2 in (4,552 mm)
Width	68 in (1,727 mm)
Height	52.9 in (1,344 mm)

For 1982, the LeBaron moved to the front-wheel drive Chrysler K platform, where it became an upscale version of the Dodge Aries and Plymouth Reliant. It was available in sedan, coupe versions. In 1982, it was released in a convertible version, bringing to the market the first open-topped domestic vehicle since the 1976 Cadillac Eldorado. A station wagon version called the Town and Country was added as well. A special Town and Country convertible was also made from 1983 to 1986 in limited quantities (1,105 total), which like the wagon featured simulated wood paneling that made it resemble the original 1940s Town and Country.

Despite being mechanically identical to the Aries and Reliant, its fascias looked much more like those of the larger E-body sedans. This generation featured Chrysler's Electronic Voice Alert, a computerized voice which admonished drivers with phrases.

1986 Chrysler LeBaron Coupe

1985 Chrysler LeBaron Convertible

The LeBaron was facelifted for 1986 receiving rounder front and rear ends to improve aerodynamics. Coupes and convertibles were dropped for 1987, being replaced by the all-new J-body LeBaron released that year. The sedan and wagon continued with minor change until 1988. A larger LeBaron sedan based on the Dodge Spirit and Plymouth Acclaim would arrive for the 1990 model year.

A modified 1986 Town and Country convertible was prominently featured in the 1987 film Planes, Trains and Automobiles. A 1983 Town and Country convertible was also famously featured in various episodes of the sitcom Seinfeld; George Costanza purchased it because he believed it previously had been owned by Jon Voight.

1985–1989 LeBaron GTS

LeBaron GTS/LeBaron
Overview
Production	1985–1989
Assembly	Sterling Heights, Michigan, United States
Body and chassis
Class	Mid-size
Body style	5-door hatchback
Layout	FF layout
Platform	H-body
Related	Dodge Lancer Shelby Lancer
Powertrain
Engine	2.2 L K I4 2.2 L Turbo I I4 2.2 L Turbo II I4 2.5 L K I4
Transmission	5-speed Getrag A520 manual 5-speed Getrag A555 manual 3-speed A413 automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	103.1 in (2,619 mm)
Length	180.4 in (4,582 mm)
Width	68.3 in (1,735 mm)
Height	53 in (1,346 mm)

The 1985 LeBaron GTS was a somewhat different car than the standard LeBaron and was based on the Chrysler H platform. As a 5-door hatchback still derived from the K-car, the GTS (and the similar Dodge Lancer) was more of a performance vehicle, than the softer-tuned K-car LeBaron sedan. In base configuration, the car was powered by Chrysler's 2.2 liter inline-4 engine, later replaced by a 2.5 L TBI version generating 100 hp (75 kW). A turbocharged 2.2 L engine producing 146 hp (109 kW), was also available. The GTS moniker was dropped for 1989, the final year of this vehicle's production, after the K-based LeBaron sedan was discontinued.

Trim levels

• Highline - 1985–1989
• Premium - 1985–1988
• GTS - 1989 (replaced "Premium" after the "GTS" was dropped from the name of the car)

European market - the Chrysler GTS

After some years of absence, Chrysler officially started offering some models under its own brand on the European market from April 1988 on. One of them was the "Chrysler GTS", which in fact was a rebadged version of the Dodge Lancer ES. Sales figures were extremely moderate.

1987–1995 coupé/convertible

Third generation (coupe/convertible)
Overview
Also called	Chrysler Phantom (Mexico)
Production	1987–1995
Assembly	Newark, Delaware, United States St. Louis, Missouri, United States Toluca, Mexico
Body and chassis
Class	Personal luxury
Body style	2-door convertible 2-door coupe (produced until 1993)
Layout	FF layout
Platform	J-body
Powertrain
Engine	2.2 L Turbo I I4 2.2 L Turbo II I4 2.2 L Turbo III (only for Mexican market) I4 2.5 L K I4 2.5 L Turbo I4 3.0 L Mitsubishi 6G72 V6
Transmission	2.2 and 2.5 L engines 5-speed Getrag A520 manual 5-speed Getrag A523 manual 3-speed A413 automatic 3.0 L V6 engine 5-speed Getrag A543 manual 5-speed Getrag A555 manual 5-speed Getrag ass. A568 manual 3-speed A670 automatic 4-speed A604 automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	100.5 in (2,553 mm) (1992–95 coupe) 100.6 in (2,555 mm) (1992–95 convertible) 100.3 in (2,548 mm) (1987–1991 coupe) 100.4 in (2,550 mm) (1987–1991 convertible)
Length	184.8 in (4,694 mm)
Width	69.2 in (1,758 mm) (1992–95) 68.5 in (1,740 mm) (1987–1991)
Height	51.2 in (1,300 mm) (1992–95) 50.9 in (1,293 mm) (1987–1991)

1987–1992 LeBaron Coupe (headlight covers open)

After discontinuing the first generation LeBaron coupé and convertible in 1986, Chrysler released a new LeBaron in 1987, built on the J platform (a K platform derivative) and available as a coupé or convertible. The all-new LeBaron looked modern and aerodynamic compared to its boxy predecessor. It featured headlights hidden behind retractable metal covers, a waterfall grille, steeply raked windshield, full-width taillight lenses (though only the edges actually lit up), and curved (Coke bottle) style rocker panels. In Mexico, these models were marketed as the Chrysler Phantom.

Available engines were the stock 2.2 liter and 2.5 liter, naturally aspirated or turbocharged, and for the 1990 model year a 3.0 liter Mitsubishi V6 became available, although the Mexican Chrysler Phantom R/T DOHC 16V also offered the same 2.2 liter turbo engine as used in the US market Dodge Spirit R/T.

The LeBaron was equipped with a trip & fuel economy computer and full instrumentation. For 1990, the LeBaron's interior was refreshed, featuring an all new dashboard, gauge cluster, door panels, and center console design. All of the new components were designed to be smoother and more flowing than the comparatively blocky 1987-89 interior style, making it more in tune with the "aero" revolution of the early 1990s.

1992 LeBaron coupes and convertibles could be ordered with a new "sport package", which featured a monochrome appearance including body-colored grille, accent stripe, and decklid logo. The package also included 14-inch "lace" style wheelcovers and a black strip below the taillights in place of chrome, with special blacked-out window moldings on coupe models.

Racing

Several ARCA (one tier down from NASCAR cup racing) teams built LeBaron based cars (support by a revitalized Chrysler Direct Connection performance parts division) and ran them from 1988 to 1994. The cars were very competitive and won several races during those years.

1993 restyle

1993–1995 Chrysler LeBaron convertible

In 1993, the LeBaron's exterior was slightly restyled. The hidden headlamps of the 1987-1992 models were deleted in favour of less costly aerodynamic replaceable-bulb headlamps, new wheel styles were made available, and all models got the amber rear turn signals introduced on the deluxe 1992 models. New for 1994, was the "Bright LX" decor package. It included a "bright" chrome grille, "bright" chrome badging, and "bright" chrome molding inserts, as opposed to being body-colored on the GTC. Available engines were naturally aspirated 2.5 L and turbocharged 2.2 and 2.5 L versions of Chrysler's I4, and the 3.0 L Mitsubishi V6 making a 141 hp (105 kW) in this application. The coupé was discontinued after 1993, and the convertible after 1995, to make way for the new Chrysler Sebring coupés and convertibles, for 1995 and 1996 respectively.

Trim levels: 1987–1995

Throughout its lifetime, the LeBaron convertible/coupé was available in many trim levels. For its first year, the LeBaron was available in Highline and Premium, typical Chrysler trims at the time. The number of trims grew, peaking in 1990, with six available. After that, the number decreased until just two trim levels remained for 1995.

1989 interior

1994 interior (aftermarket radio)

• 1987
  • Highline
  • Premium
• 1988
  • Highline
  • Premium
  • GT
• 1989
  • GT Turbo
  • GTC Turbo
  • Highline
  • Premium
• 1990
  • GT
  • GT Turbo
  • GTC Turbo
  • Highline
  • Highline Turbo
  • Premium
• 1991
  • GTC
  • GTC Turbo
  • Highline
  • Highline Turbo
  • Premium LX
• 1992
  • base
  • Turbo
  • GTC
  • GTC Turbo
  • LX
• 1993
  • base
  • GTC
  • LX
• 1994
  • GTC
  • Bright LX
• 1995
  • GTC
  • LX

1990–1994 sedan

Third generation (sedan)
Overview
Also called	Chrysler New Yorker (Mexico)
Production	1990–1994
Assembly	Newark, Delaware, United States Toluca, Mexico
Body and chassis
Class	Mid-size
Body style	4-door sedan
Layout	FF layout
Platform	AA-body
Related	Dodge Spirit Plymouth Acclaim Chrysler Saratoga (Export only)
Powertrain
Engine	2.5 L Chrysler I4 3.0 L Mitsubishi 6G72 V6
Transmission	2.5 l engines 5-speed Getrag A523 manual 3-speed A413 automatic 3 Litres engines 5-speed Getrag A543 manual 5-speed Getrag A555 manual 5-speed Getrag ass. A568 manual 3-speed A670 automatic 4-speed A604 automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	103.5 in (2,629 mm)
Length	182.7 in (4,641 mm)
Width	68.1 in (1,730 mm)
Height	53.7 in (1,364 mm)
Curb weight	2,971 lb (1,348 kg)

The last LeBaron sedan was built on the front wheel drive AA platform, another K derivative, as an upmarket mid-size sedan. It differed from the Dodge Spirit and Plymouth Acclaim, as well as the European Chrysler Saratoga mostly in detail and trim choices. Theoretically, as historically was the case in this era whenever Chrysler, Dodge, and Plymouth shared direct model variants, the Acclaim was supposed to be the more mainstream version, while the Spirit was the sportier version, and the LeBaron was the luxury version. In reality, however, there was considerable overlap amongst the three in available trim, equipment and features. The top-line LeBaron Landau model offered a padded vinyl half-roof with smaller "formal" backlight. All LeBaron sedans came with a standard driver's side airbag, could seat up to six passengers, and had a relatively large trunk. In 1993 the LeBaron sedan received new rear lights, which incorporated the reversing lamps previously located in the bumper fascia. The LeBaron sedan was discontinued after the 1994 model year, and was replaced in 1995 by the "Cloud Car" Chrysler Cirrus.

1994 Chrysler LeBaron LE

Trim levels

• base - 1990–1992
• LX - 1992
• Landau - 1992–1994
• LE - 1993–1994

Mexican market

M and K-platform cars were assembled in the Toluca, Mexico facility. The M-platform LeBaron was sold in Mexico from the 1978 to the 1982 model years. The K-car LeBaron was also produced in Toluca and was sold for the 1983-86 model years. There were no K-platform convertibles, at least none right from the factory.

Phantom was the Mexican-market version of the J-Body LeBaron Coupe. There were no convertibles of the J-body 2-door for the Mexican-market. Phantoms were sold with the same options as the LeBarons in the U.S., and frequently at a higher trim level. Note: the difference between Turbo I and Turbo II engines is that all Turbo II engines had an intercooler and all Mexican J-bodies carried the Turbo II engine; in Mexico, the 4 door AA-body Lebaron 4-door sedan was called the New Yorker as well as LeBaron. Main versions of the 1987-94 Chrysler Phantom include:

1987–1988 Sporty Version: 2.2 Turbo II engine, Speaking module, leather seats & interiors, analog instrument cluster, five-speed manual transaxle, 15-inch aluminium road wheels, only offered for 1987 and 1988. Dropped for the 1989 model year.

1987–1989 Luxury Version: 2.2 Turbo II engine, Speaking module, leather seats & interiors, digital dashboard cluster, premium Chrysler sound system. Overhead console with compass standard. Torqueflite three-speed automatic transaxle, 14-inch aluminium road wheels.

1990–1993 Luxury Version: 2.5 Turbo II Engine, leather seats & interior, Chrysler Premium sound system or a six-speaker Infinity sound system also available with cassette or compact disc player. Overhead console with compass. Electronically controlled Ultradrive four-speed automatic transaxle for 1991 and 1992, hydromechanical Torqueflite three-speed automatic transaxle for 1990 and 1993.

1992–1993 R/T DOHC Limited Special-Order Limited Edition: 2.2 Turbo III DOHC 16-valve engine rated at 224 hp (167 kW) & Getrag-geared 5-speed manual transmission. Offered with 15-inch "Tear Drop" aluminium wheels for 1992 and 16-inch "Spiralcast" aluminium wheels for 1993. 205/55VR16 high performance tires for 1993 model year. The Mexican Phantom R/T was the only edition of the J-body LeBaron in the world to use this Turbo III engine and heavy-duty Getrag-geared A568 5-speed manual transmission, which was used on the U.S.-market Dodge Spirit R/T and IROC R/T.

1992–1994 R/T: 2.5 Turbo II Intercooled SOHC Engine & three-speed Torqueflite A413 transaxle. Leather power driver seat, analog dashboard cluster, automatic climate control, roof console with compass & temperature display and power sunroof were available for 1994. Driver airbag and ABS were optional, and 15-inch aluminium road wheels were standard.

1993 Luxury: 2.5 Turbo II Intercooled SOHC Engine & A413 three-speed automatic transaxle. Leather power driver seat, digital dashboard cluster, automatic climate control, roof console with compass & temperature display. Driver airbag and ABS optional.

Safety

In 1994, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration rated the LeBaron a 4 out of 5 for driver side and a 3 out of 5 for passenger side frontal impact occupant protection.

In popular media

An '89 LeBaron convertible featured in the Seinfeld episode "The Mom and Pop Store", which aired in November 1994, the eighth episode of the sixth season. George Costanza bought the car in the mistaken belief that it belonged to Jon Voight.

References

• Coachbuilt: LeBaron Carrossiers - 1920-1925, LeBaron Inc. - 1925-1928, LeBaron-Detroit - 1928-1942
• Coachbuilt: Briggs Manufacturing Co. - 1909-1954
• Conceptcarz: Chrysler LeBaron news
• Allpar: LeBaron Coupe
• Consumer Guide: 1990-1995 LeBaron coupe/convertible reviews
• Consumer Guide: 1990-1994 LeBaron Sedan reviews
• Front-Runners.net - LeBaron Road Test (PDF)

External links

• Chrysler LeBaron History
• Chrysler Le Baron GTC
• MyLebaron
• LeBaron.de - German Forum, Gallery, KnowHow...
• Chrysler K-car Club