Chrysler LeBaron

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Chrysler LeBaron
Chrysler Sebring
for convertible (1996)

The Chrysler LeBaron, also known as the Imperial LeBaron, is a line of automobiles built by Chrysler from 1931 to 1941 and from 1955 to 1995. The model was introduced in 1931, with a body manufactured by LeBaron, and competed with other luxury cars of the era such as Lincoln and Packard. After purchasing LeBaron with its parent Briggs Manufacturing Company, Chrysler introduced the luxury make Imperial in 1955, and sold automobiles under the name Imperial LeBaron until 1975. Chrysler discontinued the Imperial brand in 1975, and reintroduced the Chrysler LeBaron in 1977 to what was then Chrysler's lowest priced model.

The "LeBaron" name has since been applied to five different cars built by the Chrysler Division:

  • 1977–1981
    mid-size) LeBaron sedan, coupe
    , and wagon
  • 1982–1988 K-body (mid-size) LeBaron sedan, coupe, convertible, and wagon
  • 1985–1989 H-body (mid-size) LeBaron GTS hatchback
  • 1987–1995
    personal luxury
    ) LeBaron coupe and convertible
  • 1990–1994 AA-body (mid-size) LeBaron sedan

The last Chrysler LeBaron was produced in 1995, to be replaced with the Cirrus and Sebring. The LeBaron was one of Chrysler's longest running brands.

The LeBaron background

Main article: LeBaron Incorporated
1941 Chrysler LeBaron Newport
1941 Chrysler Thunderbolt

LeBaron was one of the many prominent coachbuilders in the 1920s and 1930s 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, the major manufacturer of bodies for Ford, Chrysler, Hudson, Packard and others, and operated as a Briggs specialist 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

Tucker of 1948.[1][2][3][4]

Chrysler purchased Briggs Manufacturing Company in 1953.[4] 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.[1][2][3][4]

Classic generation (1931–1941)

Main article: Chrysler Imperial § 1931–1933
Classic generation
FR layout
PlatformChrysler
RelatedChrysler
Chrysler Imperial
Powertrain
Engine385 cuin (6.3L) Imperial 8 I8[5]
and others
Transmission3-speed manual
4-speed manual

The LeBarons started in the 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.[3][4]

LeBaron's last projects for Chrysler were two concept cars: the

Tucker of 1948. Only 6 of each were made.[1][3]

Imperial generation (1955–1975)

See also: Imperial (automobile) § Second generation (1956–1966)

For 1955, Chrysler Corporation spun off Imperial as its flagship luxury brand, taking its name from the original Chrysler Imperial series. Intended as a direct competitor for Cadillac, Lincoln, and Packard, Imperial was a completely distinct vehicle that did not use the Chrysler nameplate.

Through the existence of the division, Imperial used two nameplates alongside a nameless base model (Imperial Custom, from 1960-1963). Its mid-range line was the Imperial Crown, with the flagship line branded as the Imperial LeBaron (in deference to the coachbuilder); Southampton was a sub-designation applied for pillarless hardtop bodystyles.

In June 1975, Chrysler retired the Imperial brand in response to declining sales of the marque; the Imperial LeBaron was repackaged for 1976 as the Chrysler New Yorker Brougham.

Imperial generation
Unibody
Related
Powertrain
Engine
  • 392 cu in (6.4 L) V8
  • 413 cu in (6.8 L) V8
  • 440 cu in (7.2 L) V8
Transmission3-speed automatic
  • 1960 Imperial LeBaron
    1960 Imperial LeBaron
  • 1964 Imperial LeBaron
    1964 Imperial LeBaron
  • 1967 Imperial LeBaron
    1967 Imperial LeBaron
  • 1972 Imperial LeBaron
    1972 Imperial LeBaron
  • 1974 Imperial LeBaron
    1974 Imperial LeBaron

First generation (1977–1981)

First generation
Chrysler New Yorker Fifth Avenue
Chrysler Fifth Avenue
1977 Chrysler LeBaron coupe
1978 Chrysler LeBaron sedan
1980 LeBaron 5th Avenue Limited Edition; one of 654 produced
1980-1981 Chrysler LeBaron coupe

For 1977, the LeBaron returned, moving from Imperial to Chrysler. Introduced as a late model-year response to the Cadillac Seville and Lincoln Versailles, the Chrysler LeBaron was the first compact Chrysler ever produced. Effectively a new generation of the Dodge Aspen/Plymouth Volaré, the LeBaron was the inaugural model of the M platform (alongside the Dodge Diplomat). In contrast to the Seville and Versailles, the LeBaron was offered as both a two-door coupe and a four-door sedan, with a Town & Country five-door station wagon added for 1978.

Though the LeBaron sedan and station wagon was visibly similar to the Volaré (which shared a common 112.7-inch wheelbase), the vehicles did not share hoods, trunk lids, and front and rear header panels.

Torqueflite
automatic transmission was offered with all three engines, though a 4-speed manual overdrive transmission was offered with the 225 and 318 engines through 1981.

For 1980, the LeBaron underwent an mid-cycle facelift. The exterior was styled with sharper-edged sheetmetal and restyled with a waterfall grille (similar to the 1974-1975 Imperial); the sedan roofline underwent aerodynamic revisions (no longer shared with the Volaré). The two-door moved to the shorter F-body wheelbase, also receiving aerodynamic enhancements to its rear sheetmetal. The interior underwent design upgrades to make the model line more luxurious. Chrysler introduced a limited-edition "Fifth Avenue" option package for the 1980 LeBaron four-door sedan. A conversion by American Sunroof Corporation, the Fifth Avenue featured a padded vinyl roof that covered the quarter glass of the rear doors, along with interior trim upgrades.

Following the discontinuation of the Volaré for 1981, Chrysler introduced a police-equipment option package (keeping Chrysler-Plymouth dealers in competition for law enforcement fleet contracts); for 1982, the Plymouth Gran Fury was downsized to the M-body, directly replacing the Volaré. After the LeBaron was moved to the K platform for 1982, the M-platform remained in use until the end of the 1980s, supporting several Chrysler-brand nameplates (alongside the Dodge Diplomat and Plymouth Gran Fury).

Production Figures:

(For 1979 and 1981, coupe and sedan production figures are not separated)

Chrysler LeBaron Production Figures[10]
Coupe Sedan Wagon Yearly Total
1977 7,280 12,600 - 19,880
1978 47,313 59,575 21,504 128,392
1979 96,400 17,463 113,863
1980 24,530 31,010 7,939 63,479
1981 37,010 6,123 43,133
Total 53,029 368,747

Second generation (1982–1988)

Second generation
A470 automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase100.3 in (2,548 mm)
Length179.2 in (4,552 mm)
Width68 in (1,727 mm)
Height52.9 in (1,344 mm)

For 1982, the LeBaron moved to the

convertible version, bringing to the market the first factory-built 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 until 1986 with a 1,105 total produced, which like the wagon featured simulated wood paneling that made it resemble the original 1940s

Town and Country
. This model was part of the well-equipped Mark Cross option package for the latter years.

Despite being mechanically similar to the Aries and Reliant, its fascias closely resembled those of the larger

Electronic Voice Alert
, a computerized voice which warned drivers about various conditions with phrases such as "A door is ajar" or "Your engine oil pressure is low".

The LeBaron was facelifted for 1986 receiving rounder front and rear ends to improve aerodynamics. The sedan's full vinyl roof was replaced by a landau padded top. The instrumentation cluster was revised from a rectangle speedometer and fuel gauge with a message center to round gauges similar to the Reliant/Aries but with an argent surround for a more upscale appearance. 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 new digital dashboard replaced the analog gauges for a more modern appearance. A larger LeBaron sedan based on the Dodge Spirit and Plymouth Acclaim would arrive for the 1990 model year.

  • 1985 Chrysler LeBaron convertible
    1985 Chrysler LeBaron convertible
  • 1985 Chrysler LeBaron Town & Country station wagon
    1985 Chrysler LeBaron Town & Country station wagon
  • 1986 Chrysler LeBaron coupe
    1986 Chrysler LeBaron coupe
  • 1986 Chrysler LeBaron Town & Country convertible
    1986 Chrysler LeBaron Town & Country convertible
  • 1987 Chrysler LeBaron sedan
    1987 Chrysler LeBaron sedan

1985–1989 LeBaron GTS

LeBaron GTS/LeBaron
K I4
Transmission5-speed Getrag A520 manual
5-speed Getrag A555 manual
3-speed A413 automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase103.1 in (2,619 mm)
Length180.4 in (4,582 mm)
Width68.3 in (1,735 mm)
Height53 in (1,346 mm)

The 1985 LeBaron GTS was a somewhat different car than the standard LeBaron and was based on the

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 after 1988.

Trim levels

  • High Line - 1985–1989
  • Premium - 1985–1988
  • GTS - 1989 (replaced "Premium" after the "GTS" was dropped from the name of the car)
  • "Pacifica" 1986 (replaced by Shelby Lancer in 1987) Limited 500 run

Production Figures:

Chrysler LeBaron Production Figures[10]
Coupe Sedan Wagon Convertible GTS Yearly Total
1982 27,151 42,534 7,809 12,825 - 90,319
1983 18,331 30,869 10,994 9,891 - 70,085
1984 24,963 47,664 11,578 16,208 - 100,413
1985 24,970 43,659 7,711 16,475 60,783 153,598
1986 24,761 40,116 19,684 19,684 73,557 177,802
1987 - 54,678 5,880 - 39,050 99,608
1988 - 24,452 2,136 - 14,211 40,799
Total 120,176 283,972 65,792 75,083 187,601 732,624

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 moderate.

Third generation coupe/convertible (1987–1995)

Third generation (coupe/convertible)
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
    • 5-speed Getrag A555 manual
    • 3-speed A413 automatic
    • 3.0 L V6 engine:
    • 5-speed Getrag A543 manual
    • 5-speed Getrag A568 manual
    • 3-speed A670 automatic
    • 4-speed A604 automatic
    Dimensions
    Wheelbase100.5 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)
    Length184.8 in (4,694 mm)
    Width69.2 in (1,758 mm) (1992–95)
    68.5 in (1,740 mm) (1987–1991)
    Height51.2 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 coupe and convertible in 1986, Chrysler released a new LeBaron for 1987, built on the

    Dodge Spirit R/T
    .

    1989 interior

    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 boxy 1987-89 interior style, making it more in tune with the "aero" revolution of the early 1990s. The 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.[11]

    1993 Facelift

    1993–1995 Chrysler LeBaron convertible
    1994 interior (aftermarket radio)
    1993-1995 Chrysler LeBaron convertible, rear styling

    In 1992 for the 1993 model year, the LeBaron received a slight facelift. The

    hidden headlamps of the 1987-1992 models were deleted in favor of less costly flush-mounted replaceable-bulb headlamps, new wheel styles were made available, and all models got the amber rear turn signals
    introduced on the deluxe 1992 models. For 1994, a passenger side airbag became standard on all models. Also new for 1994 was the "Bright LX" decor package which included a "bright" chrome grille, "bright" chrome badging, and "bright" chrome molding inserts, as opposed to being body-colored on the GTC.

    The available engines were a naturally aspirated 2.5 L and a turbocharged 2.2 and 2.5 L versions of Chrysler's

    convertibles
    , for 1995 and 1996 respectively.

    Trim levels: 1987–1995

    Throughout its lifetime, the LeBaron convertible/coupe 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.

    • 1987: Highline, Premium
    • 1988: Highline, Premium, GT
    • 1989: GTS Turbo, 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: GTC, GTC Turbo, Highline, Highline Turbo, LX
    • 1993: GTC, Highline, LX
    • 1994: GTC, LX
    • 1995: GTC, LX

    Export

    The LeBaron coupe/convertible was part of Chrysler's export push and was regularly available across Europe. Springs and shocks were somewhat firmer on European-market cars.[12] The initial European lineup was made up of the naturally aspirated 2.5 and the turbocharged 2.2; both were offered with a 5-speed manual or a 3-speed automatic. Power is 98 and 148 PS (72 and 109 kW; 97 and 146 hp) respectively. In mid-1988, the turbocharged 2.2 was partially replaced by the 2.5 Turbo, with power slightly lower at 146 PS (107 kW; 144 hp). The 2.2 Turbo received an intercooler, which boosted maximum power to 177 PS (130 kW; 175 hp). Called the LeBaron GTC, it was not offered with the automatic. Both turbo versions were discontinued during 1989; the 2.5 Turbo returned (only with the five-speed manual transmission) some time during 1990. The new version produces 155 PS (114 kW; 153 hp) at 4700 rpm, but it was discontinued yet again in 1991. The 3.0-liter Mitsubishi V6 engine was introduced to European buyers in mid-1989, and was only available with the four-speed automatic. It produces somewhat less power than the American models; 136 PS (100 kW; 134 hp) at 5200 rpm. The top speed was 182 km/h (113 mph) and the 0–100 km/h (62 mph) sprint took 10.8 seconds.[12] After the 2.5 Turbo was discontinued in 1991, the V6 remained the only regular option until the LeBaron Coupé/Convertible ended European sales in mid-1994.

    Racing

    Several ARCA (one tier down from NASCAR cup racing) teams built LeBaron based race cars (supported by a revitalized Chrysler Direct Connection performance parts division) and ran them from 1988 until 1998.

    Production Figures:

    Chrysler LeBaron Production Figures[10]
    Coupe Convertible Yearly Total
    1987 75,415 8,025 83,440
    1988 48,671 38,197 86,868
    1989 53,504 37,489 90,993
    1990 20,106 38,928 59,034
    1991 10,771 29,074 39,845
    1992 5,656 40,284 45,940
    1993 6,007 26,776 32,783
    1994 - 37,052 37,052
    1995 - 35,760 35,760
    Total 220,130 291,585 511,715

    Third generation sedan (1990–1994)

    1992 Chrysler LeBaron LE
    Third generation (sedan)
    Curb weight
    		2,971 lb (1,348 kg)
    Chronology
    SuccessorChrysler Cirrus
    Interior

    The last LeBaron sedan was built on the

    front wheel drive AA platform, another K derivative, as junior level sedan to the more upscale New Yorker. It offered rebadged versions under the Dodge Spirit and Plymouth Acclaim nameplates, and the three differed mostly in detail and trim choices, as well as the European Chrysler Saratoga
    .

    Theoretically, as historically was the case in this era versus its Dodge and Plymouth corporate siblings, the LeBaron was marketed as the luxury version, reflecting the Chrysler brand's flagship status. In reality, however, there was considerable overlap amongst the three in available trim, equipment and features. Launched in a single trim, the top-line LeBaron Landau model offered a padded vinyl half-roof with smaller "formal" backlight, as well as unique button-tufted bench seats. All LeBaron sedans came with a standard driver's side airbag, and could seat up to six passengers.

    Due to Chrysler's efforts both to refocus the Plymouth brand solely at the value end and to expand the Chrysler brand's sales, for 1992 the Plymouth Acclaim would lose its mid-range LE and top-line LX trims, and they would be added to the LeBaron lineup as the base and LX trims, below the former standard trim, now called Landau. The LX, which retained the Acclaim's taillights instead of the LeBaron's full-width treatment was available for 1992 only, and now the only model to feature the V6 as standard. For 1993, the LeBaron sedan received new rear lights, which incorporated the reversing lamps previously located in the bumper fascia. Trim levels were reduced to just the base model, renamed LE, and the luxury Landau. The LeBaron sedan was discontinued on May 18, 1994, while the Dodge Spirit and Plymouth Acclaim continued production until December 21, 1994. The Chrysler LeBaron was replaced by the "Cloud Car" Chrysler Cirrus.

    Safety

    In 1994, the U.S.

    which?] a 4 out of 5 for driver side and a 3 out of 5 for passenger side frontal impact occupant protection.[citation needed
    ]

    Trim levels

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

    Production Figures:

    Chrysler LeBaron Production Figures[10]
    Yearly Production
    1990 27,312
    1991 17,752
    1992 33,862
    1993 26,474
    1994 35,760
    Total 141,160

    Mexican market

    M and K-platform cars were assembled in the

    Toluca, Mexico
    facility. The M-platform LeBaron was sold in Mexico from the 1977 to the 1982 model years. The K-car LeBaron was also produced in Toluca and was sold for the 1983 through 1987 model years. There were no K-platform convertibles offered from the factory.

    Chrysler 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 Chrysler's top-of-the-line model in Mexico and generally sold with a higher

    trim level than their United States counterparts; the Phantom was also only ever available with the more powerful, turbocharged engines.[13] Chrysler Phantoms were marketed from 1987 until 1994, with the first cars delivered in December 1986.[14] A more powerful R/T version (similar to the American LeBaron GTC but using a higher-tuned turbo engine) was also available in 1992 and 1993. The Phantom R/T originally received the 2.5-liter 175 hp (130 kW) Turbo II engine, coupled to a three-speed automatic, but this was quickly changed to the 224 hp (167 kW) Turbo III engine with a five-speed Getrag manual transmission.[13]

    The Mexican AA-body Chrysler LeBaron 4-door sedan was called the New Yorker (all of them with Landau roof), and the "K" body (slightly shorter) was reserved for the 4-door LeBaron's, which were sold in two trim levels, one with Landau roof and leather, and the other one without those two options.

    References

    1. ^ a b c d "Chrysler LeBaron History". Webspace.webring.com. Archived from the original on 2011-08-25. Retrieved 2010-10-04.
    2. ^ a b c "1985 Chrysler LeBaron Images, Information and History (LeBaron Town & Country, LeBaron Mark Cross Convertible, T&C, LeBaron GTS, LS Sedan)". conceptcarz.com. Archived from the original on 2011-06-13. Retrieved 2010-10-04.
    3. ^ a b c d e "LeBaron Carrossiers - LeBaron Inc. - LeBaron-Detroit". coachbuilt.com. Archived from the original on 2010-08-02. Retrieved 2010-10-04.
    4. ^ a b c d e "Briggs Body Company, Brggs Mfg, Co., Walter O. Briggs, LeBaron, Briggs Detroit, John Tjaarda". coachbuilt.com. Archived from the original on 2010-09-01. Retrieved 2010-10-04.
    5. ^ "1931 Chrysler Imperial Close Coupled Sedan". imperialclub.com. 1930-07-14. Archived from the original on 2010-06-29. Retrieved 2010-10-04.
    6. ^ "Special Built Cars Hint Tomorrow's Designs". Popular Mechanics. Vol. 75, no. 1. January 1941. p. 32. Retrieved 10 May 2022 – via Google Books.
    7. ISBN 9780806974248
      .
    8. ^ "1978 Chrysler LeBaron (VE)". dkarros.com. Archived from the original on 2011-07-10. Retrieved 2010-10-04.
    9. ^ "1977 Chrysler Brochure". oldcarbrochures.com. Retrieved 10 May 2022.
    10. ^
      OCLC 43301709
      .
    11. ^ 1992 Chrysler LeBaron Factory Sales Brouchure
    12. ^ a b Borglund, Staffan (1991-05-30). "Röde baronen priskrigar" [The Red Baron's price war]. Teknikens Värld (in Swedish). Vol. 43, no. 10. Stockholm, Sweden: Specialtidningsförlaget AB. p. 9.
    13. ^ a b Stopford, William (2016-12-12). "Mexican Mopars, Part 4: 1987-94 Chrysler Phantom – The Camargue of Mexican Chryslers". Curbside Classics. Archived from the original on 2020-11-29.
    14. ISBN 0910589007.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: ignored ISBN errors (link
      )

    Sources

    External links

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