THOSE '80s CARS     &

American Automotive Design Trends

Save 20%

on Paperbacks
Code: TENYEAR
Ends 05/18

Articles - Chrysler LeBaron Medallion Mark Cross Convertible 1982

 

What I Drive This is a 1982 Chrysler LeBaron Mark Cross Convertible. Chrysler led the industry in the return of the convertible when automakers abandoned that niche after 1976. The Mark Cross edition of the convertible comes fully loaded. There were only two no-cost options: 1) wire wheel covers or alloy wheels and 2) electronic stereo with or without cassette player. My car has the cassette player and the wire wheel covers. 9,780 Chrysler LeBaron convertibles were produced in 1982. Most were the standard and Medallion trim levels while fewer still had the Mark Cross package. The Mark Cross leather seats and Mark Cross embossed leather arm rest are super soft and comfortable. Interesting for this year was the lack of a power driver seat, which was introduced in the next year.     When I Bought It I purchased this car in August 2007 from a private seller in Indiana. The car had just 41,000 original miles. I drove the car home from Indianapolis to Charlotte, in 10 hours, through the country and mountains. The time flew as I just relaxed and enjoyed the views of the drive while getting acquainted with the car and it’s many features. Why I Bought It After spending a fun summer day with my friends, driving a '61 Lincoln Continental convertible through the mountains and lakes of North Carolina, I decided I had to have a convertible too. I believe everyone should own a convertible, if not at least once in their life. There’s a certain feeling of openness and freedom that no car with a sunroof can match.  One doesn’t buy a first generation Chrysler K-Car convertible for power. With the optional Mitsubishi 2.6 litre engine (standard on the Mark Cross package), horsepower is rated only at 92bhp with 131 lb/ft of torque. How I Restored and/or Modified It I’ve done very little to keep this car running and original. The most significant work was replacing the A/C compressor, drier, expansion valve and condenser after the original compressor just tore itself apart from the inside out. New tires, new battery and a complete brake overhaul are all else the car has needed mechanically. The rear curtain was in poor shape, but the convertible top was in good condition. But, I decided to replace them both. I learned quickly that if a window weather strip is out of place, the car will get lots of water on the floor well after a rain storm. After tracking down the issue, I have made sure that the weather strips won’t move again.     Where I Drive It Like many of my other cars, I take the car for the occasional Sunday drive, club events and tennis matches. You just can’t beat a convertible for a sexy ride.