Dodge Diplomat, Plymouth Gran Fury / Caravelle,
and Chrysler LeBaron, New Yorker and Fifth
This page is currently being rewritten. There are currently some factual errors which are being addressed. We expect full resolution in June 2017.
based on a story by Frank Billington
The Dodge Diplomat and Chrysler LeBaron were launched in mid-1977; sold in high trim, with luxury looks, they were very similar under the skin to the company's cheapest domestic cars.
The entry-level Dodge Aspen/Plymouth Volare "F bodies" were just about a year old, and the two sets of cars shared their architecture, wheelbase, drive train, and many other components. One can even trade the front doors or windshield of a 1976 Dodge Aspen with a 1989 Chrysler Fifth Avenue; but the interiors were unmistakeably different.
Chrysler tradition would have given the cars the same "F" body designation; perhaps leaders wanted to be sure nobody called the Diplomat or New Yorker "a high-trim Volare." Admittedly, the coupes had a longer wheelbase than Volare coupes - staying with the sedans' 112.7 inches, rather than being dropped to 108.7 inches - but the measurements that defined a platform were the same for F and M.
GM was also platform-sharing, putting the Chevrolet Nova and Cadillac Seville onto the same dimensions, and the Ford Grenada was the basis for the Mercury Monarch and Lincoln Versailles. Top M-bodies were compared with the Seville and Versailles.
There was no Plymouth version in the United States, at first, but a Dodge Diplomat clone was sold in Canada as the Plymouth Caravelle - a name made up by Canadian leaders, based on the old sailing-ship hood ornaments and logos.
"Diplomat" had been used by Dodge in the 1950s, and by DeSoto export cars. LeBaron had been an Imperial model.
The 1977 Diplomat and LeBaron came with a three-speed automatic and 318 cubic inch V8 (sources differ; a two-barrel slant six may have been standard on the Diplomat from the start). The Diplomat came in two and four door versions; the two door had a Charger-ish sculpted look, and a fancy shaped trunk lid, while the four door was more formal. Regardless, the look was far more upscale than the Dodge Aspen, and buyers could get (optional) plush leather seats, which were more frequently ordered on the Chrysler.
Both Chrysler and Dodge had base and Medallian trims; weight was quoted at 3,300 - 3,600 pounds for the Dodge, and 3,500-3,650 pounds for the Chrysler (the difference might be due to using the slant six on the base Dodge and a V8 on the Chrysler). Going to the Medallion cost around $158, on top of the $4,943 (two-door) or $5,101 (four-door) base. In contrast, a base LeBaron coupe cost $3,582; and an Aspen Special Edition started at $4,317. The Diplomat cost more than the bigger Dodge Monaco or Monaco Brougham; buyers could even get a full size Royal Monaco Brougham for about the same price.
As late arrivals, neither car appeared in the 1977 full-line brochures, but got their own "introductory" brochures.
The front suspension was an easily adjusted torsion bar design, in transverse form; the rear suspension used four-leaf springs. Tires were initially FR78-15 radials (the later metric designation was 205/75R15). Options included semi-automatic temperature control, tilt wheel, LED warning lights backing up the gauges, illuminated entry, intermittent wipers, rear defroster, cruise control, remote trunk release, power windows, a bigger battery, and a large variety of radios. The Chrysler had unique clear tail-lamp lenses, with red reflectors.
The 1978 LeBaron gained a two door and wagon (LeBaron Town & Country, continuing a long-standing wagon name); while the Diplomat gained a four door and a wagon. Both Diplomat and LeBaron wagon buyers could get (plastic) woodgrain trim on the side, a fairly popular option. The Diplomat's was a vinyl appliqué, while the LeBaron Town & County used a more complex simulation of light ash framing (grained fiberglass) against a darker woodgrain vinyl appliqué. The effect (when new) was highly realistic, but it would fade to a yellow-tone in bright sun without maintenance.
Engine options were expanded for the 1978 cars; the slant six was now the base engine in the LeBaron as well as the Diplomat. The 318 V8 was still optional, and joined by a more powerful 360 cubic inch V8. To make the LeBaron more attractive to buyers, a new S model was launched, with less trim and a $200 savings - an odd move, since the Chrysler version was already outselling the Dodge. Diplomat buyers could get a slant six with a four speed manual transmission to achieve an EPA rating of 18 city, 28 highway (by post-2008 standards, it would likely be around 3 mpg lower).
The 1979 Diplomats were available in base trim, Salon (a midline trim), and Medallion. The front grille was changed somewhat, and a crest hood ornament was added. Padded vinyl roofs were standard on the Salon and Medallion, with a changed Landau vinyl roof optional on the two door cars; and "T-top" roofs hit the option list. A four-barrel 318 was available in California, to make up for added emissions equipment; and a 360 cubic inch V8 made the options list, in two and four barrel versions.
To clarify, buyers in all 50 states could get a 1979 Diplomat with a one or two barrel slant six, two-barrel 318 or 360 V8, or a four-barrel, heavy duty 30 with dual exhaust. California buyers were restricted to the single-barrel slant six, or a four-barrel 318 or 360 - with the option of a heavy duty dual-exhaust 360. The standard, but somewhat unwise, Diplomat engine was the single-barrel slant six.
The most familiar M-body design appeared with the 1980 Dodge Diplomat, as the Dodge grille seemed to expand to the parking lights (a trick of textures). This style, with some changes that made it appear somewhat less upscale, would remain on all future M-bodies; it was coupled with another theme that was to become familiar in the future. The roofline was altered to look more formal, as well; and a Special Sport Coupe, with two-tone paint, different wheel covers, and such, was added, with a base single-barrel slant six engine (a contemporary brochure shows no V8 option, but that may be wrong).
The 1980 Diplomat introduced a new tail and trunk-lid treatment; reminiscient of the 1970s Valiants, it was likely cheaper to build than the extravagant styling of past Diplomats, assuming the original tooling was worn out by this time. Chrysler buyers had larger, dual-level tail-lights, at least for a while. Power on both Diplomat and LeBaron was now down to a single barrel slant six, or a two-barrel 318 - except in California and high-altitude regions, where a four barrel was used.
The 1981 Diplomats had a new grille which would see it through to the end, with heavy vertical elements that continued onto the parking lights; and the plainer, cheaper tail was now standard on all the trim levels.
The Chrysler LeBaron continued mostly unchanged, with a clear gap between grille head light assemblies, and parking lights above the headlights instead of below them. The two-door Diplomat and LeBaron both went to a shorter wheelbase (108.7 inches) while sedans and wagons stayed at 112.7 inches - still matching the Aspen and Volare. Sales fell, either because it was simply a bad sales year (it was) or because buyers did not react well to the changes, or both.
There were no 1977-1980 Dodge Diplomat police cars; fleet buyers were expected to get a Dodge St. Regis or Plymouth Gran Fury, or, if they must have a smaller car, a Plymouth Volare or Dodge Aspen. However, there was no 1981 Volare or Aspen, so police and fleet buyers could get a somewhat decontented Diplomat instead. The 1981 Diplomats also debuted a factory-engineered, factory-produced propane system, aimed at fleet buyers.
The base 1981 two-door was the Sport Coupe, and had extra cosmetic touches such as bright moldings, stripes, and two-tone paint with a landau effect. The slant six gained hydraulic valve lifters at long last, cutting maintenance; and the company switched to thicker primers and used more galvanized steel to avoid corrosion, in a largely successful effort.
There were no 1982 Diplomat or LeBaron two-doors or wagons; both slow-selling models were dropped, along with the base models (Salon and Medallion remained). Instead, USA buyers found a new 1982 Plymouth Gran Fury twin of the Diplomat.
The Gran Fury name had been around for many years, starting on the company's largest platform (C-body). The name had been dropped down to the somewhat smaller R-body for the 1980 model-year; but the R-bodies were killed off due to lack of sales after the 1981 models. The Gran Fury name moved onto the 1982 M-bodies - now the corporation's largest cars. Visually, there were definite links between the generations, particularly from the rear.
The Gran Fury looked almost the same as the Dodge; for all practical purposes, the cars were clones. The question for civilian buyers remained, "Why get a Plymouth when I can have a higher-status Dodge? And why a Dodge when I can get a Chrysler?"
For police cars, there was an opposite appeal: taxpayers dislike paying for the police to drive luxury cars, so the Plymouth name made more sense. The Standard Catalog of Chrysler claimed that 11,787 police packages were built - nearly half of production.
The 1982 Plymouth brochure boasted of "traditional big car room, ride, and comfort in a truly affordable package... this year, Gran Fury is not only priced to fit most budgets, it's trimmer and lighter, too, than last year's model [the R-body]." The car had a slant six with an optional small V8, but the automatic transmission, power steering and brakes, and halogen headlights were standard. Inside it had the high-end Dodge/Chrysler dashboard. Air conditioning, tilt steering, cruise, and a sunroof were among the options. New for this year was a lockup torque converter for the transmission (V8s only, and optional on police cars).
* Measured under a very forgiving system; the EPA estimates today's ratings would be 14/18.
The Plymouth weighed in at 3,364 pounds, with the slant six; like the Dodge, it was 206.7 inches long and 74 inches wide. The company claimed a 15.6 cubic foot trunk. Standard tires were P195/75R15 radials; all three of the M-bodies used power disc brakes in front and power drums in back.
Like Plymouth, Chrysler moved the name of its big car, the New Yorker, from its R-body down to the M-body when the bigger car was dropped. Unlike Plymouth, Chrysler already had an M-body in the US; so the LeBaron name was bumped down to a higher-trim version of the little Plymouth Reliant. Like the Gran Fury, the New Yorker had started out on Chrysler's biggest body, been shifted into the R series (for the 1979s), and was now on the M.
There were some exterior differences between the Chrysler, Dodge, and Plymouth, but they were clearly the same car underneath. The Plymouth had silver trim; the Dodge and Chrysler used black and chrome. The landau roof cap was unique to the New Yorker and Fifth Avenue.
The New Yorker's premium version, the New Yorker Fifth Avenue, was outfitted with a splendid interior, including plush leather seats; the exterior was chrome-laden and dressed up, with a crystal pentastar hood ornament. It also had dual remote mirrors, tinted glass, and extra sound insulation.
Underneath all that luxurious appearance and sound insulation, at least in 1982 and 1983, was a slant six or a 318 V8 (which had lost a good deal of power since 1970), pushing over 3,500 pounds. The luxurious appearance and luxury name sat atop the old Volare architecture, so the car did not ride nearly as smoothly as the 1981 or prior New Yorkers. Sales were quite good, with over 50,000 sold at high prices - but the new front drive LeBaron beat it, with 82,510 made, setting the tone for the future.
Chrysler leaders could pat themselves on the back; they had only made 3,622 New Yorkers the year before. What's more, total Chrysler production, including Cordoba and Imperial, had been just 80,821. Going to half-again that number for 1982 wasn't bad at all.
The 1984 Diplomats, Gran Furys, and Fifth Avenues came without a slant six; the slow-selling engine, not really suited to moving upscale cars, had been dropped entirely after a 23-year run. The 318 V8 was now the only choice, giving buyers 130 hp and 235 pound-feet of torque with a two-barrel carburetor.
The 1984 New Yorker was now a front wheel drive K-car; the Chrysler version was always a Fifth Avenue from now until the end.
The 1984s had optional 60/40 cloth seats (standard on the Chrysler), a digital clock added to the AM radio, and black velvet finish bezel overlays to match the new corporate radios.
The 1985 cars benefited from updates to the 318 V8 engine, which got roller cams, a compression boost to 9:1, and a ten-horsepower boost to 140 hp (with 265 lb-ft of torque); and from a standard 400-amp battery and new urethane coatings on the lower body to prevent paint chips. Huntsville's new electronic tuned stereo was also added.
The Diplomat Medallion was replaced by the Luxury SE, which had a cross in the grille, vinyl roof, velour seats, a lighting packages, and other trim improvements. The changes appear to have worked, or perhaps a newly invigorated Dodge lineup helped: production went up to 39,165, of which 14,834 were for the police (who got a 318 cubic inch engine rated at 175 hp and 250 pound-feet of torque, according to the Standard Catalog of Chrysler).
The 1986 Diplomat and Gran Fury propane system was upgraded from the 1981-85 systems. Police production was 10,372.
Dodge gently acknowledged the aging Diplomat with its 1987 brochure copy (Diplomat SE pictured): "It's reassuring to know that some proven traditions carry on...like the 1987 Dodge Diplomat. Its V8 engine and rear wheel drive configuration preserve time-honored driving values: durability, reliability, steady performance, and smooth ride. What is more, years of engineering refinement have elevated Diplomat's level of quality."
Chrysler had built over 100,000 Fifth Avenues in 1986; production fell to 70,000 in 1987 and 40,000 in 1988. The public was turning from rear wheel drive sedans, aside from low-volume German imports. Retail buyers were seeing their expensive luxury cars, with different badges, driven by the police, which detracted somewhat from their status.
https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/zGWiDI4-YSg?rel=0
The 1988 Diplomat line was similar, but with additions to the standard equipment for various levels. Three states of tune were available - civilian, police, and police without lockup torque converter. That carried on to 1989 with few, if any, changes.
The Diplomats, Fifth Avenues, and Gran Furys were sturdy and long-lasting, but their cornering and gas mileage were well below competing front wheel drive cars which had nearly as much interior space; and now you could get a plusher ride in a cheaper FWD car. The V8 engines were responsive, but not powerful enough for the weight. Gas mileage had fallen, to an estimated 16/22 mpg on the civilian model (around 15/20 with today's standards) - 14/18 with the police model and lockup torque converter (around 13/17 if measured today).
After the 1989 model year, Chrysler dropped the Diplomat and Gran Fury, and buyers turned to the Dodge Dynasty and a new, front wheel drive Chrysler Fifth Avenue. Around 80% of police departments were using Diplomats or Gran Furys; most of them moved on to the Chevrolet Caprice.
Why didn't they sell more?
The Chrysler cars were the biggest sellers. For one thing, the price was moderate for a Chrysler, but high for a Dodge; and Chrysler still held more status. Once the R-bodies were dropped and Chrysler made police packages for the Dodge (and later Plymouth), those were purchased mainly by police and taxi fleets.
Rear wheel drive had an increasingly negative image in the 1980s, as the newest, most exciting popular cars were almost always front wheel drive. Newer cars had more space in a smaller footprint; their lighter weight helped acceleration and fuel economy even with less power. A Plymouth Reliant K-car was almost as large inside as an expensive Gran Fury, almost as fast, and handled better, while getting double the gas mileage and costing less. The pricey rear drive cars were increasingly purchased by older customers and fleets.
The tough nature of the M-bodies was appreciated by taxi drivers and cops, and they overwhelmingly chose it; but the more lucrative retail sales whent almost entirely to front wheel drive in those times.
Chassis and suspension
Majority of this section modified from Ed Hennessy's Aspen/Volare page.
The front suspension was a newer design from the F body Dodge Aspen and Plymouth Volare, using a transverse torsion bar, which placed the bar anchor near the control arm on the opposite side. The bar on each side was roughly L-shaped, and ran across the front of the car just ahead of the K-frame. This was first tried out on the F body to give the compact cars a "big car" ride and make room for emissions equipment. The rest of the front suspension was similar to that of the A body (Valiant and Dart), with upper A-arms and lower control arms. A front sway bar was standard.
The rear suspension was carried forward from the F body, with leaf springs attached to the frame via "Iso-Clamp," basically a rubber donut sandwiched between the spring perch and the frame to prevent vibrations from going into the cabin.
Chrysler furnished the M bodies with 11 inch front disk brakes and 10 inch rear drums (11 inch drums for taxi and police applications). Power steering and power brakes were initially both optional. Wheel diameter was 15 inches for all models, with stock tires (at first) FR78-15 and wheel sizes 5-1/2JJ, 6JJ.
With just the carbureted 318 (two-barrel) available in 1988, gas mileage was estimated by the EPA at 17 city, 23 highway. The compression ratio was a high 9.1:1, and horsepower figures were below the 2.2 turbo (though torque was higher, and achieved at a lower speed): 140 hp at 3,600 rpm, and 265 lb-ft of torque at 2,000 rpm.
Quality
There were no serious quality issues after the first year of M body cars; since nearly all of the car was a reshaped F body, the major quality issues had already been addressed.
Derivatives
Three cars dubbed J-bodies, the Dodge Mirada, Chrysler Cordoba, and 1981-83 Chrysler Imperial, were built off a similar platform from 1980 to 1983; essentially two-door M body cars with different sheet metal exteriors and interior furnishings, they were largely parts-interchangeable with the Diplomat, Gran Fury, and LeBaron/New Yorker/Fifth Avenue. The new body code was legitimate, since it was technically a new platform based on certain dimension changes (including the much sharper rake of the windshield).
Parts sharing between the Imperial and Cordoba extended to the doors and front fenders. However, the Imperial, once built in Windsor, was test driven and extensively quality-checked; and it had far more in the way of creature comforts.
There were rumors that a light pickup was based on the Diplomat frame, drivetrain and suspension, but regardless of the truth of that, none made it to production.
Fleets
The lasting legacy of the Diplomat was visible for many years after production ended. Diplomat taxis remained commonplace into the late 1990s, a testimony to the durability of the design; many old Diplomat and Gran Fury police cars were handed down to Fire Departments and City Services, serving despite many years of abuse and brutal working conditions.
The Volare and Aspen had not caught on as police cruisers because of their interior space, with the police still driving much larger cars. By the time the Diplomat cruiser was created, law enforcement had begun to recognize the advantages of a nimble mid-sized squad which could more easily navigate city streets and fit into tight situations.
Government agencies already sold on the Diplomat squads started picking up rental returns and lease returns through auction services, and funneled those Diplomats into service as motor pool cars and other light-duty fleet jobs. The author's own 1979 Diplomat came into his possession through such a chain of ownership via surplus auction, one of three owned by the family.
Drivetrain and Model Choices by Year
Much of this section adapted from Ed Hennessy's Aspen/Volare page.
Body styles
Slant Six (single barrel)
and Chrysler LeBaron, New Yorker and Fifth
This page is currently being rewritten. There are currently some factual errors which are being addressed. We expect full resolution in June 2017.
based on a story by Frank Billington
The Dodge Diplomat and Chrysler LeBaron were launched in mid-1977; sold in high trim, with luxury looks, they were very similar under the skin to the company's cheapest domestic cars.
The entry-level Dodge Aspen/Plymouth Volare "F bodies" were just about a year old, and the two sets of cars shared their architecture, wheelbase, drive train, and many other components. One can even trade the front doors or windshield of a 1976 Dodge Aspen with a 1989 Chrysler Fifth Avenue; but the interiors were unmistakeably different.
GM was also platform-sharing, putting the Chevrolet Nova and Cadillac Seville onto the same dimensions, and the Ford Grenada was the basis for the Mercury Monarch and Lincoln Versailles. Top M-bodies were compared with the Seville and Versailles.
There was no Plymouth version in the United States, at first, but a Dodge Diplomat clone was sold in Canada as the Plymouth Caravelle - a name made up by Canadian leaders, based on the old sailing-ship hood ornaments and logos.
"Diplomat" had been used by Dodge in the 1950s, and by DeSoto export cars. LeBaron had been an Imperial model.
The 1977 Diplomat and LeBaron came with a three-speed automatic and 318 cubic inch V8 (sources differ; a two-barrel slant six may have been standard on the Diplomat from the start). The Diplomat came in two and four door versions; the two door had a Charger-ish sculpted look, and a fancy shaped trunk lid, while the four door was more formal. Regardless, the look was far more upscale than the Dodge Aspen, and buyers could get (optional) plush leather seats, which were more frequently ordered on the Chrysler.
Both Chrysler and Dodge had base and Medallian trims; weight was quoted at 3,300 - 3,600 pounds for the Dodge, and 3,500-3,650 pounds for the Chrysler (the difference might be due to using the slant six on the base Dodge and a V8 on the Chrysler). Going to the Medallion cost around $158, on top of the $4,943 (two-door) or $5,101 (four-door) base. In contrast, a base LeBaron coupe cost $3,582; and an Aspen Special Edition started at $4,317. The Diplomat cost more than the bigger Dodge Monaco or Monaco Brougham; buyers could even get a full size Royal Monaco Brougham for about the same price.
As late arrivals, neither car appeared in the 1977 full-line brochures, but got their own "introductory" brochures.
The front suspension was an easily adjusted torsion bar design, in transverse form; the rear suspension used four-leaf springs. Tires were initially FR78-15 radials (the later metric designation was 205/75R15). Options included semi-automatic temperature control, tilt wheel, LED warning lights backing up the gauges, illuminated entry, intermittent wipers, rear defroster, cruise control, remote trunk release, power windows, a bigger battery, and a large variety of radios. The Chrysler had unique clear tail-lamp lenses, with red reflectors.
The 1978 LeBaron gained a two door and wagon (LeBaron Town & Country, continuing a long-standing wagon name); while the Diplomat gained a four door and a wagon. Both Diplomat and LeBaron wagon buyers could get (plastic) woodgrain trim on the side, a fairly popular option. The Diplomat's was a vinyl appliqué, while the LeBaron Town & County used a more complex simulation of light ash framing (grained fiberglass) against a darker woodgrain vinyl appliqué. The effect (when new) was highly realistic, but it would fade to a yellow-tone in bright sun without maintenance.
Engine options were expanded for the 1978 cars; the slant six was now the base engine in the LeBaron as well as the Diplomat. The 318 V8 was still optional, and joined by a more powerful 360 cubic inch V8. To make the LeBaron more attractive to buyers, a new S model was launched, with less trim and a $200 savings - an odd move, since the Chrysler version was already outselling the Dodge. Diplomat buyers could get a slant six with a four speed manual transmission to achieve an EPA rating of 18 city, 28 highway (by post-2008 standards, it would likely be around 3 mpg lower).
The 1979 Diplomats were available in base trim, Salon (a midline trim), and Medallion. The front grille was changed somewhat, and a crest hood ornament was added. Padded vinyl roofs were standard on the Salon and Medallion, with a changed Landau vinyl roof optional on the two door cars; and "T-top" roofs hit the option list. A four-barrel 318 was available in California, to make up for added emissions equipment; and a 360 cubic inch V8 made the options list, in two and four barrel versions.
To clarify, buyers in all 50 states could get a 1979 Diplomat with a one or two barrel slant six, two-barrel 318 or 360 V8, or a four-barrel, heavy duty 30 with dual exhaust. California buyers were restricted to the single-barrel slant six, or a four-barrel 318 or 360 - with the option of a heavy duty dual-exhaust 360. The standard, but somewhat unwise, Diplomat engine was the single-barrel slant six.
The most familiar M-body design appeared with the 1980 Dodge Diplomat, as the Dodge grille seemed to expand to the parking lights (a trick of textures). This style, with some changes that made it appear somewhat less upscale, would remain on all future M-bodies; it was coupled with another theme that was to become familiar in the future. The roofline was altered to look more formal, as well; and a Special Sport Coupe, with two-tone paint, different wheel covers, and such, was added, with a base single-barrel slant six engine (a contemporary brochure shows no V8 option, but that may be wrong).
The 1980 Diplomat introduced a new tail and trunk-lid treatment; reminiscient of the 1970s Valiants, it was likely cheaper to build than the extravagant styling of past Diplomats, assuming the original tooling was worn out by this time. Chrysler buyers had larger, dual-level tail-lights, at least for a while. Power on both Diplomat and LeBaron was now down to a single barrel slant six, or a two-barrel 318 - except in California and high-altitude regions, where a four barrel was used.
The 1981 Diplomats had a new grille which would see it through to the end, with heavy vertical elements that continued onto the parking lights; and the plainer, cheaper tail was now standard on all the trim levels.
The Chrysler LeBaron continued mostly unchanged, with a clear gap between grille head light assemblies, and parking lights above the headlights instead of below them. The two-door Diplomat and LeBaron both went to a shorter wheelbase (108.7 inches) while sedans and wagons stayed at 112.7 inches - still matching the Aspen and Volare. Sales fell, either because it was simply a bad sales year (it was) or because buyers did not react well to the changes, or both.
There were no 1977-1980 Dodge Diplomat police cars; fleet buyers were expected to get a Dodge St. Regis or Plymouth Gran Fury, or, if they must have a smaller car, a Plymouth Volare or Dodge Aspen. However, there was no 1981 Volare or Aspen, so police and fleet buyers could get a somewhat decontented Diplomat instead. The 1981 Diplomats also debuted a factory-engineered, factory-produced propane system, aimed at fleet buyers.
The base 1981 two-door was the Sport Coupe, and had extra cosmetic touches such as bright moldings, stripes, and two-tone paint with a landau effect. The slant six gained hydraulic valve lifters at long last, cutting maintenance; and the company switched to thicker primers and used more galvanized steel to avoid corrosion, in a largely successful effort.
There were no 1982 Diplomat or LeBaron two-doors or wagons; both slow-selling models were dropped, along with the base models (Salon and Medallion remained). Instead, USA buyers found a new 1982 Plymouth Gran Fury twin of the Diplomat.
The Gran Fury name had been around for many years, starting on the company's largest platform (C-body). The name had been dropped down to the somewhat smaller R-body for the 1980 model-year; but the R-bodies were killed off due to lack of sales after the 1981 models. The Gran Fury name moved onto the 1982 M-bodies - now the corporation's largest cars. Visually, there were definite links between the generations, particularly from the rear.
The Gran Fury looked almost the same as the Dodge; for all practical purposes, the cars were clones. The question for civilian buyers remained, "Why get a Plymouth when I can have a higher-status Dodge? And why a Dodge when I can get a Chrysler?"
For police cars, there was an opposite appeal: taxpayers dislike paying for the police to drive luxury cars, so the Plymouth name made more sense. The Standard Catalog of Chrysler claimed that 11,787 police packages were built - nearly half of production.
The 1982 Plymouth brochure boasted of "traditional big car room, ride, and comfort in a truly affordable package... this year, Gran Fury is not only priced to fit most budgets, it's trimmer and lighter, too, than last year's model [the R-body]." The car had a slant six with an optional small V8, but the automatic transmission, power steering and brakes, and halogen headlights were standard. Inside it had the high-end Dodge/Chrysler dashboard. Air conditioning, tilt steering, cruise, and a sunroof were among the options. New for this year was a lockup torque converter for the transmission (V8s only, and optional on police cars).
1982 | Slant Six | 318 V8 |
Power | 90 @ 3,600 | 130 @ 4,000 |
Torque | 160 @ 1,600 | 165 @ 4,000 |
MPG | 17/25* |
* Measured under a very forgiving system; the EPA estimates today's ratings would be 14/18.
The Plymouth weighed in at 3,364 pounds, with the slant six; like the Dodge, it was 206.7 inches long and 74 inches wide. The company claimed a 15.6 cubic foot trunk. Standard tires were P195/75R15 radials; all three of the M-bodies used power disc brakes in front and power drums in back.
Like Plymouth, Chrysler moved the name of its big car, the New Yorker, from its R-body down to the M-body when the bigger car was dropped. Unlike Plymouth, Chrysler already had an M-body in the US; so the LeBaron name was bumped down to a higher-trim version of the little Plymouth Reliant. Like the Gran Fury, the New Yorker had started out on Chrysler's biggest body, been shifted into the R series (for the 1979s), and was now on the M.
There were some exterior differences between the Chrysler, Dodge, and Plymouth, but they were clearly the same car underneath. The Plymouth had silver trim; the Dodge and Chrysler used black and chrome. The landau roof cap was unique to the New Yorker and Fifth Avenue.
The New Yorker's premium version, the New Yorker Fifth Avenue, was outfitted with a splendid interior, including plush leather seats; the exterior was chrome-laden and dressed up, with a crystal pentastar hood ornament. It also had dual remote mirrors, tinted glass, and extra sound insulation.
Underneath all that luxurious appearance and sound insulation, at least in 1982 and 1983, was a slant six or a 318 V8 (which had lost a good deal of power since 1970), pushing over 3,500 pounds. The luxurious appearance and luxury name sat atop the old Volare architecture, so the car did not ride nearly as smoothly as the 1981 or prior New Yorkers. Sales were quite good, with over 50,000 sold at high prices - but the new front drive LeBaron beat it, with 82,510 made, setting the tone for the future.
Chrysler leaders could pat themselves on the back; they had only made 3,622 New Yorkers the year before. What's more, total Chrysler production, including Cordoba and Imperial, had been just 80,821. Going to half-again that number for 1982 wasn't bad at all.
The 1984 Diplomats, Gran Furys, and Fifth Avenues came without a slant six; the slow-selling engine, not really suited to moving upscale cars, had been dropped entirely after a 23-year run. The 318 V8 was now the only choice, giving buyers 130 hp and 235 pound-feet of torque with a two-barrel carburetor.
The 1984 New Yorker was now a front wheel drive K-car; the Chrysler version was always a Fifth Avenue from now until the end.
The 1984s had optional 60/40 cloth seats (standard on the Chrysler), a digital clock added to the AM radio, and black velvet finish bezel overlays to match the new corporate radios.
The 1985 cars benefited from updates to the 318 V8 engine, which got roller cams, a compression boost to 9:1, and a ten-horsepower boost to 140 hp (with 265 lb-ft of torque); and from a standard 400-amp battery and new urethane coatings on the lower body to prevent paint chips. Huntsville's new electronic tuned stereo was also added.
The Diplomat Medallion was replaced by the Luxury SE, which had a cross in the grille, vinyl roof, velour seats, a lighting packages, and other trim improvements. The changes appear to have worked, or perhaps a newly invigorated Dodge lineup helped: production went up to 39,165, of which 14,834 were for the police (who got a 318 cubic inch engine rated at 175 hp and 250 pound-feet of torque, according to the Standard Catalog of Chrysler).
The 1986 Diplomat and Gran Fury propane system was upgraded from the 1981-85 systems. Police production was 10,372.
Dodge gently acknowledged the aging Diplomat with its 1987 brochure copy (Diplomat SE pictured): "It's reassuring to know that some proven traditions carry on...like the 1987 Dodge Diplomat. Its V8 engine and rear wheel drive configuration preserve time-honored driving values: durability, reliability, steady performance, and smooth ride. What is more, years of engineering refinement have elevated Diplomat's level of quality."
Chrysler had built over 100,000 Fifth Avenues in 1986; production fell to 70,000 in 1987 and 40,000 in 1988. The public was turning from rear wheel drive sedans, aside from low-volume German imports. Retail buyers were seeing their expensive luxury cars, with different badges, driven by the police, which detracted somewhat from their status.
https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/zGWiDI4-YSg?rel=0
The 1988 Diplomat line was similar, but with additions to the standard equipment for various levels. Three states of tune were available - civilian, police, and police without lockup torque converter. That carried on to 1989 with few, if any, changes.
The Diplomats, Fifth Avenues, and Gran Furys were sturdy and long-lasting, but their cornering and gas mileage were well below competing front wheel drive cars which had nearly as much interior space; and now you could get a plusher ride in a cheaper FWD car. The V8 engines were responsive, but not powerful enough for the weight. Gas mileage had fallen, to an estimated 16/22 mpg on the civilian model (around 15/20 with today's standards) - 14/18 with the police model and lockup torque converter (around 13/17 if measured today).
After the 1989 model year, Chrysler dropped the Diplomat and Gran Fury, and buyers turned to the Dodge Dynasty and a new, front wheel drive Chrysler Fifth Avenue. Around 80% of police departments were using Diplomats or Gran Furys; most of them moved on to the Chevrolet Caprice.
Why didn't they sell more?
The Chrysler cars were the biggest sellers. For one thing, the price was moderate for a Chrysler, but high for a Dodge; and Chrysler still held more status. Once the R-bodies were dropped and Chrysler made police packages for the Dodge (and later Plymouth), those were purchased mainly by police and taxi fleets.
Rear wheel drive had an increasingly negative image in the 1980s, as the newest, most exciting popular cars were almost always front wheel drive. Newer cars had more space in a smaller footprint; their lighter weight helped acceleration and fuel economy even with less power. A Plymouth Reliant K-car was almost as large inside as an expensive Gran Fury, almost as fast, and handled better, while getting double the gas mileage and costing less. The pricey rear drive cars were increasingly purchased by older customers and fleets.
The tough nature of the M-bodies was appreciated by taxi drivers and cops, and they overwhelmingly chose it; but the more lucrative retail sales whent almost entirely to front wheel drive in those times.
Chassis and suspension
Majority of this section modified from Ed Hennessy's Aspen/Volare page.
The front suspension was a newer design from the F body Dodge Aspen and Plymouth Volare, using a transverse torsion bar, which placed the bar anchor near the control arm on the opposite side. The bar on each side was roughly L-shaped, and ran across the front of the car just ahead of the K-frame. This was first tried out on the F body to give the compact cars a "big car" ride and make room for emissions equipment. The rest of the front suspension was similar to that of the A body (Valiant and Dart), with upper A-arms and lower control arms. A front sway bar was standard.
The rear suspension was carried forward from the F body, with leaf springs attached to the frame via "Iso-Clamp," basically a rubber donut sandwiched between the spring perch and the frame to prevent vibrations from going into the cabin.
Chrysler furnished the M bodies with 11 inch front disk brakes and 10 inch rear drums (11 inch drums for taxi and police applications). Power steering and power brakes were initially both optional. Wheel diameter was 15 inches for all models, with stock tires (at first) FR78-15 and wheel sizes 5-1/2JJ, 6JJ.
With just the carbureted 318 (two-barrel) available in 1988, gas mileage was estimated by the EPA at 17 city, 23 highway. The compression ratio was a high 9.1:1, and horsepower figures were below the 2.2 turbo (though torque was higher, and achieved at a lower speed): 140 hp at 3,600 rpm, and 265 lb-ft of torque at 2,000 rpm.
Quality
There were no serious quality issues after the first year of M body cars; since nearly all of the car was a reshaped F body, the major quality issues had already been addressed.
Derivatives
Three cars dubbed J-bodies, the Dodge Mirada, Chrysler Cordoba, and 1981-83 Chrysler Imperial, were built off a similar platform from 1980 to 1983; essentially two-door M body cars with different sheet metal exteriors and interior furnishings, they were largely parts-interchangeable with the Diplomat, Gran Fury, and LeBaron/New Yorker/Fifth Avenue. The new body code was legitimate, since it was technically a new platform based on certain dimension changes (including the much sharper rake of the windshield).
Parts sharing between the Imperial and Cordoba extended to the doors and front fenders. However, the Imperial, once built in Windsor, was test driven and extensively quality-checked; and it had far more in the way of creature comforts.
There were rumors that a light pickup was based on the Diplomat frame, drivetrain and suspension, but regardless of the truth of that, none made it to production.
Fleets
A 1979 Diplomat rental car-turned Washington State Motor Pool car, after being sold with two surplus pickups to the author's father in 1986. |
The lasting legacy of the Diplomat was visible for many years after production ended. Diplomat taxis remained commonplace into the late 1990s, a testimony to the durability of the design; many old Diplomat and Gran Fury police cars were handed down to Fire Departments and City Services, serving despite many years of abuse and brutal working conditions.
The Volare and Aspen had not caught on as police cruisers because of their interior space, with the police still driving much larger cars. By the time the Diplomat cruiser was created, law enforcement had begun to recognize the advantages of a nimble mid-sized squad which could more easily navigate city streets and fit into tight situations.
Government agencies already sold on the Diplomat squads started picking up rental returns and lease returns through auction services, and funneled those Diplomats into service as motor pool cars and other light-duty fleet jobs. The author's own 1979 Diplomat came into his possession through such a chain of ownership via surplus auction, one of three owned by the family.
Drivetrain and Model Choices by Year
Much of this section adapted from Ed Hennessy's Aspen/Volare page.
Body styles
1977-79 | Dodge Diplomat 4 Door, 2 Door, Wagon (1978-79). Chrysler LeBaron 4 Door, 2 Door, Wagon (1978-79). Chrysler Town and Country Wagon. Plymouth Caravelle (Canada) 4 Door, 2 Door, Wagon (1978-79). |
1980-81 | Added: Plymouth Gran Fury 4 Door, Wagon. |
1982-83 | Four door only. Wagons dropped. Dodge Diplomat, Plymouth Gran Fury, Plymouth Caravelle (Canada). Additions: Chrysler New Yorker (1982), Chrysler New Yorker Fifth Avenue (1983). |
1984-89 | Dodge Diplomat, Chrysler Fifth Avenue, Plymouth Gran Fury, Plymouth Caravelle (Canada). |
Slant Six (single barrel)
1977-78 | 1979 | 1980-83 | 1977-78 (CA) | 1979 (CA) | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
HP | 100 @ 3600 | 100 @ 3600 | 90 @ 3600 | 90 @ 3600 | 90 @ 3600 |