Chrysler LeBaron Coupe and Convertible
by Rich Hutchinson
The J-body Chrysler Lebaron Coupe and Convertible debuted in 1987, filling the spot left by the loss of the Chrysler Laser and Lebaron. The cars had common roots in the old Plymouth Reliant "K cars," but carried an extended wheelbase, an updated suspension, and new styling (inside and out).
The design was quite unlike anything else offered by Chrysler at the time; even today, they turn heads. It's not surprising that Chrysler chose the LeBaron for ARCA racing when they entered in 1989 - using their LA-family 355 V8. The classy yet sporty styling also helped it to sell in Germany with a $35,000 sticker price, according to a 1991 Business Week article.
We now have a photo essay showing the construction of the last St. Louis-made Chrysler Lebaron Convertible in 1991 and some photos of pre-production Lebarons.
The base engine was a 2.5 liter four-cylinder through 1993; also available, at various times, were a 2.2L turbocharged four-cylinder, two versions of the similar 2.5 Turbo (one with higher boost and torque - neither had an intercooler), and a Mitsubishi 3.0L V6. Each engine was available with either an automatic or a stick-shift.
The interior was virtually the same as the Chrysler Laser (Daytona-based and completely different from the Plymouth Laser) - as were the engine choices.
The 1994 Lebaron was only available with the Mitsu 3.0 V6. A passenger side airbag was added, and the only trim level was "fully loaded," but Lebaron was still one of the best selling convertibles. The 1995 was the last, with just a few color changes to mark the end of the series.
<a name="german"></a>German Edition
In the 1990s, Business Week ran an article on Germans buying American cars, complete with a photograph of a LeBaron Coupe in Germany. In the land of Mercedes and BMW, people were paying $35,000 for Chryslers that, at the time, were generally disregarded on their home turf.
Michael Knigge filled us in on the LeBaron GTC and, in particular, the German variety:
Boise edition
I bought my 1992 Lebaron Convertible 3 years ago from the original owner. It is Aqua Pearl (turqoise), 3.0 liter V6 with a 5 speed manual transmission. I LOVE this car. It had 37,000 miles on it when I got it and was still on manufacturer's warranty to 70,000. Of course, it has over 110,000 now.
I've had to replace the valve seals at 90,000, the rear right window motor and a new top. It always runs great and I use it every day for a round trip ride to work - 70 miles. The top stays down almost all summer and the front wheel drive makes the snow totally harmless. Did I mention? I LOVE this car! - Teresa Edington, Boise, Idaho
Quick comparison
Ed Campbell wrote that he has both a 1992 V6 with the Sport Package and a 1992 turbo model. "The handling is like night and day between the two 92s, but each is pleasant in its own way. Also the turbo transmission is a much nicer shifting more substantial feeling unit. Clutch effort on the turbo is quite heavy; V6 is like a Honda's for effort. Turbo engine is noisy as advertised, but with all the low RPM torque, it's like driving a big block V8 car, where gear shifting is largely unneeded, just gas it and it pulls away at almost any speed, even in 5th gear."
Sport Package
Teresa Edington's LeBaron with 1992-only Sport Package and five-speed V6
Ed Campbell wrote about the Sport Package on Teresa Edington's car: The sport package existed only in 1992 (I believe) and basically gave a GTC look to a few of the base cars. I believe it is a fairly rare option, but really improved the overall appearance by getting rid of the wide black side rub strip, substituting a unique narrow body colored rub strip in it's place. Like Teresa, I have a 92 V6 5 speed sport package car, but mine is what Chrysler called Radiant Red clearcoat. The package consisted basically of color-keyed grill and fascias, and black trim under taillight bar, on both fascias and around coupe windows. Every one I've seen had the very common lace wheelcovers, (white on white cars). Colors are the same as GTC, Aqua, Red, Black, and White. I have seen one 93 GTC V6 Convertible, 5 speed with 16" wheels and sport handling package, probably the ultimate usage of that drivetrain.
Specifications (inches unless otherwise specified)
by Rich Hutchinson
The J-body Chrysler Lebaron Coupe and Convertible debuted in 1987, filling the spot left by the loss of the Chrysler Laser and Lebaron. The cars had common roots in the old Plymouth Reliant "K cars," but carried an extended wheelbase, an updated suspension, and new styling (inside and out).
The design was quite unlike anything else offered by Chrysler at the time; even today, they turn heads. It's not surprising that Chrysler chose the LeBaron for ARCA racing when they entered in 1989 - using their LA-family 355 V8. The classy yet sporty styling also helped it to sell in Germany with a $35,000 sticker price, according to a 1991 Business Week article.
We now have a photo essay showing the construction of the last St. Louis-made Chrysler Lebaron Convertible in 1991 and some photos of pre-production Lebarons.
The base engine was a 2.5 liter four-cylinder through 1993; also available, at various times, were a 2.2L turbocharged four-cylinder, two versions of the similar 2.5 Turbo (one with higher boost and torque - neither had an intercooler), and a Mitsubishi 3.0L V6. Each engine was available with either an automatic or a stick-shift.
The interior was virtually the same as the Chrysler Laser (Daytona-based and completely different from the Plymouth Laser) - as were the engine choices.
- The 1989 LeBaron came with a driver's side airbag, one of the first available in a mass-market car. Two turbos were available: the 2.2 and 2.5. The GTC five-speed came with the intercooled "Turbo II" engine.
- The 1990 Lebaron and Daytona both gained interior updates and upgraded content; even the oddly named Highline (the base model) came with power windows and power heated mirrors [but not power locks, according to Rusty Shepherd]. The 2.5 turbo had a slight increase in horsepower and extra torque. The four speed automatic replaced the three-speed.
The most exciting change was adding the Turbo IV engine, with a variable nozzle system (developed by Chrysler and the supplier) that boosted power, with better mileage. - 1991 LeBaron buyers wanting a 2.2 turbo would be disappointed; it wasn't available.
- The 1993 LeBaron had a facelift, dropping the headlamp covers and updating the tail lamps. This was the last year for the coupe, but the convertible continued.
The 1994 Lebaron was only available with the Mitsu 3.0 V6. A passenger side airbag was added, and the only trim level was "fully loaded," but Lebaron was still one of the best selling convertibles. The 1995 was the last, with just a few color changes to mark the end of the series.
<a name="german"></a>German Edition
In the 1990s, Business Week ran an article on Germans buying American cars, complete with a photograph of a LeBaron Coupe in Germany. In the land of Mercedes and BMW, people were paying $35,000 for Chryslers that, at the time, were generally disregarded on their home turf.
Michael Knigge filled us in on the LeBaron GTC and, in particular, the German variety:
Boise edition
I bought my 1992 Lebaron Convertible 3 years ago from the original owner. It is Aqua Pearl (turqoise), 3.0 liter V6 with a 5 speed manual transmission. I LOVE this car. It had 37,000 miles on it when I got it and was still on manufacturer's warranty to 70,000. Of course, it has over 110,000 now.
I've had to replace the valve seals at 90,000, the rear right window motor and a new top. It always runs great and I use it every day for a round trip ride to work - 70 miles. The top stays down almost all summer and the front wheel drive makes the snow totally harmless. Did I mention? I LOVE this car! - Teresa Edington, Boise, Idaho
Quick comparison
Ed Campbell wrote that he has both a 1992 V6 with the Sport Package and a 1992 turbo model. "The handling is like night and day between the two 92s, but each is pleasant in its own way. Also the turbo transmission is a much nicer shifting more substantial feeling unit. Clutch effort on the turbo is quite heavy; V6 is like a Honda's for effort. Turbo engine is noisy as advertised, but with all the low RPM torque, it's like driving a big block V8 car, where gear shifting is largely unneeded, just gas it and it pulls away at almost any speed, even in 5th gear."
Sport Package
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Ed Campbell wrote about the Sport Package on Teresa Edington's car: The sport package existed only in 1992 (I believe) and basically gave a GTC look to a few of the base cars. I believe it is a fairly rare option, but really improved the overall appearance by getting rid of the wide black side rub strip, substituting a unique narrow body colored rub strip in it's place. Like Teresa, I have a 92 V6 5 speed sport package car, but mine is what Chrysler called Radiant Red clearcoat. The package consisted basically of color-keyed grill and fascias, and black trim under taillight bar, on both fascias and around coupe windows. Every one I've seen had the very common lace wheelcovers, (white on white cars). Colors are the same as GTC, Aqua, Red, Black, and White. I have seen one 93 GTC V6 Convertible, 5 speed with 16" wheels and sport handling package, probably the ultimate usage of that drivetrain.
Specifications (inches unless otherwise specified)
1987-95 Lebaron | Coupe | Convertible | Year | Trims | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wheelbase | 100.3 - .5 | 100.6 | 1987 | Highline, Premium | |
Track (front/rear) | 57.5/57.6 | 1988 | Highline, Premium, GT |