The K-Car Executive - Including the Limousine
In 1984, Chrysler brought out unlikely luxury cars — the Chrysler Executive Sedan and Limousine, stretched-wheelbase K-cars with New Yorker styling up front and Reliant styling in back. The goal, according to Chrysler’s 1984 launch materials, was to attract “very affluent, status-oriented buyers seeking traditional limousine characteristics in a modern, efficient size.” No doubt they looked at the downsizing of the luxury market and made some quick projections of future trends.
These vehicles were unique, but Chrysler wrote that “they may be compared to luxury vehicles like the Cadillac Fleetwood Sedan and Limousine.” They also compared the pair favorably with the Lincoln Continental and Mercedes-Benz sedans, while noting its attractive pricing and “the advantages of Chrysler Corporation manufacturing, quality, warranty, and nationwide service.” They were all made at the St. Louis assembly plant, which was also making the LeBaron coupes and convertibles.
The Sedan was rated at five passengers, the Limousine at seven; both had a standard three-speed automatic and 2.6 liter Mitsubishi engine with carburetor, a drivetrain that would be their downfall. In 1984, Chrysler had no V6 or turbocharged four, and the smallest V8 — the 318 still used in the Fifth Avenue — was far too large for the engine bay. The 2.2 turbo finally appeared in the final year of the Limousine.
Standard features included air conditioning, cruise control, power brakes, front and rear cigarette lighters, front/rear divider and rear compartment with cabinet (Limousine), rear defroster, digital instrument panel, electronic voice alert, tinted glass on all windows, hood ornament, lights that went on with the dual horn, illuminated entry, a full lighting package inside, opera lights outside, dual power mirrors, power antenna, locks, windows, and driver's seat, FM stereo, "luxury cloth" seats, tilt steering, leather steering wheel, intermittent wipers, and padded landau roof. In short, they came well equipped for the time.
The sedan lasted two years, while the limousine lasted four. Bob Wilson noted that Bob Marcks presented the idea to Robert Lutz, who approved it. Details are at Bob's web site (see below). Bob Wilson noted:
They were discontinued because they were not “real” limos in the sense that you could not carry three people in the back seat and two more for the jump seats, despite the fact that they were rated by the EPA as a seven-passenger car. The jump seats had no seat belts.
The pair were both stretched coupes, and kept the opera windows in the C-pillar. Styling was essentially that of the extended-K platform LeBaron coupe and sedan. We have never seen one at a car show.
