THOSE '80s CARS     &

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Articles - Chrysler LeBaron Mark Cross Turbo Coupe 1985

 

What I Drive In the 1980’s Chrysler returned to financial health by contributions of its K-Cars. From the base transportation of the Aries/Reliant to the up-market trim versions of the LeBarons, the K-Cars proved to be very popular. The cars, while somewhat spacious inside and small outside, suffered from the power that Americans craved in their V8 sedans. Chrysler introduced the 2.2 turbo engine to meet that need. With 146bhp and 168lb/ft of torque, this LeBaron is spunky and has great acceleration from a stop, especially for a car weighing 2,533 pounds. When I Bought It I purchased this car in September 2006 from a private seller in Ohio. It’s truly that cliché story about a car owned by a little old lady. It had 41,882 miles when I purchased it. She had removed the ashtray in the car so her husband would not smoke in the car. That ashtray was lost. So, in that same spot, I added a center stack console that was used in the New Yorkers. I painted the side trim to match the dash and had the lock re-keyed to work. It looks factory correct (as it was in the New Yorker) and nobody knows it doesn’t belong in the LeBaron. It’s great having that extra storage space and the cup holders. Why I Bought It The main reason for purchasing the car was that I needed another driver. I had just recently acquired a brand new Jaguar as my daily car. Shortly thereafter, I was informed our office was relocating from the suburbs to downtown. I didn’t want to drive the Jag into downtown and the various parking garages where it would likely be dinged frequently. Therefore, I acquired this car to serve that duty. (Ironically, a couple of months after purchasing this car, I was informed that I could telecommute and not drive into the new downtown offices. But, I have no regrets in acquiring this LeBaron.) How I Restored and/or Modified It Aside from adding the center stack console, I installed an auto-dim rearview mirror with temp and compass readings. Also, I added new hubcaps from a 1994 LeBaron. They look great on this car and look as if they could be original. The previous wire wheel covers where a bit dinged from hitting many curbs. (That’s the down side to being a little old lady car.) Finally, like many cars of the 80’s era, I had to replace the sagging headliner.  Where I Drive It Besides my new Jag, I drive this car the most. I take it everywhere from errands to dinner on the town to visits to friends’ homes. Of my cars, this car has something that the others do not: the most comfortable seats! I absolutely love these Mark Cross seats and their soft leather cushions. If this car should ever get wrecked and totaled, I’m taking these seats and putting them in my family room. (It’s hard to see in this picture that that each seat is embossed with the Mark Cross logo.)