Chrysler LeBaron

LeBaron was one of the many prominent coachbuilders in the 1920s and 1930s to provide bodies for luxury cars. It was founded in Bridgeport, Connecticut, in 1920 by Thomas L. Hibbard and Raymond H. Dietrich. It was later purchased by Briggs Manufacturing Company of Detroit in 1926, the major manufacturer of bodies for Ford, Chrysler, Hudson, Packard, and others, and operated as a Briggs specialist subsidiary. LeBaron supplied exquisite custom bodies for various car companies such as Chrysler's luxury Imperial line, Duesenberg, and Cadillac. LeBaron's last projects for Chrysler were the Chrysler Newport Phaeton, a super-streamlined dual cowl phaeton with an aluminum body, and the remarkable 1941 Chrysler Thunderbolt, a sleek roadster with concealed headlights (like the 1936 Cord 810/812) and a retractable metal hardtop styled by Alex Tremulis, who would later style the legendary Tucker of 1948. Chrysler purchased Briggs Manufacturing Company in 1953. Two years after the Chrysler Corporation introduced the Imperial as a separate luxury division, LeBaron was designated the top-of-the-line Imperial models in 1957 through 1975. ==Classic generation (1931–1941)==

The LeBarons started in the 1930s during the automobile's Classic era and competed directly with the luxury brands of its day, such as Lincoln, Cadillac, and Packard. In the mid-1930s, Chrysler added a radical new "Art Deco" design shape, known as the Airflow Imperials, to the Chrysler line. LeBaron supplied the high-end CW series. The design features were considered advanced and perhaps ahead of their time. However, the shape was too radical for buyer's tastes, and non-Airflow models outsold Airflows by about 3 to 1. Raymond Dietrich, co-founder and former stylist at LeBaron, was hired in 1932 to be Chrysler's in-house stylist. Dietrich restyled the Airflow line and moved Chryslers to more mainstream styles. As a result of the poor Airflow sales, Chrysler's designs became quite conservative for the next two decades. Auto manufacturers continued to build up their in-house styling departments and bodyworks. LeBaron thus became less important to most of its customers for design ideas and bodies. Toward the late 1930s, LeBaron/Briggs built more bodies for Chrysler and fewer for Ford. Chrysler became their biggest customer, with additional bodies built for Packard, Hudson, and Graham-Paige. During the late 1930s and early 1940s, the LeBaron name and division became less critical for Briggs, although it remained a division of Briggs until the Chrysler buy-out in 1953. a sleek roadster with concealed headlights and a retractable metal hardtop styled by Alex Tremulis, who went on to later style part of the legendary Tucker of 1948. Only 6 of each were made. ==Imperial generation (1955–1975)==

For the 1955 model year, Chrysler Corporation spun off Imperial as a separate make and division, its flagship luxury brand, taking its name from the original Chrysler Imperial series. Intended as a direct competitor for Cadillac, Lincoln, and Packard, Imperial was a completely distinct vehicle make/brand that did not use the Chrysler nameplate. Through the existence of the division, Imperial used two nameplates alongside a nameless base model (Imperial Custom, from 1960–1963). Its mid-range line was the Imperial Crown, with the flagship line branded as the Imperial LeBaron (in deference to the coachbuilder); Southampton was a sub-designation applied for pillarless hardtop bodystyles. In June 1975, Chrysler retired the Imperial brand in response to declining sales of the marque; the Imperial LeBaron was repackaged for 1976 as the Chrysler New Yorker Brougham. File:1960 Imperial LeBaron (7615387292).jpg|1960 Imperial LeBaron File:Imperial Front.jpg|1964 Imperial LeBaron File:1967 Chrysler Imperial Le Baron photo-6.JPG|1967 Imperial LeBaron File:1972 Chrysler Imperial Le Baron photo-4.JPG|1972 Imperial LeBaron File:1974 Imperial LeBaron 4dr Hardtop sedan (YM43).jpg|1974 Imperial LeBaron ==First generation (1977–1981)==

For 1977, the LeBaron model nameplate made its return after a year's hiatus. Released in response to the Cadillac Seville and Lincoln Versailles, the 1977 Chrysler LeBaron was the smallest vehicle ever marketed under the Chrysler brand at the time. While Cadillac and Lincoln offered its mid-size lines solely as four-door sedans, Chrysler also offered a two-door LeBaron coupe; for 1978, the Town & Country station wagon joined the model line. Sharing its body with the Dodge Diplomat and Plymouth Caravelle, the LeBaron used the Chrysler M platform on a wheelbase. A new generation of the F platform introduced by the Dodge Aspen/Plymouth Volaré, the LeBaron sedan and wagon shared much of its roofline with the Aspen/Volaré; sharing its wheelbase with the sedan, the LeBaron coupe was fitted with a sleeker roofline than its Volaré counterpart. While visibly similar, the LeBaron was fitted with its own hood, trunklid, and front and rear fascia panels. Both platforms shared a common powertrain lineup, with a standard Slant Six; or V8 engines are optional. A three-speed Torqueflite automatic transmission was offered with all three engines, though a four-speed manual overdrive transmission was offered with the 225 and 318 engines. 1980 model update For 1980, the LeBaron underwent a mid-cycle revision. The exterior underwent several aerodynamic enhancements, featuring sharper-edged front corners, and a narrower radiator-style grille (similar to the 1975 Imperial, debuting a design used by Chrysler into the early 1990s). The roofline of the sedan was revised for aerodynamic upgrades; a squared-off look ended its design commonality with the Aspen/Volaré; the coupe adopted a more formal profile. To position the model line upmarket, Chrysler introduced the limited-edition "Fifth Avenue" option package for the four-door sedan. A conversion by American Sunroof Corporation, the Fifth Avenue featured a padded vinyl roof covering the quarter glass of the rear doors and interior trim upgrades. In response to the discontinuation of the Volaré after 1980, Chrysler introduced a police-equipment option package for the LeBaron for 1981, sold alongside the Chrysler Newport and R-platform Plymouth Gran Fury. For 1982, Chrysler replaced all three vehicles as it moved the Gran Fury to the M platform (joining the Dodge Diplomat), offering the option for the Diplomat and Gran Fury until Chrysler ended production of the M platform after 1989. Production Figures: (For 1979 and 1981, coupe and sedan production figures are not separated) ==Second generation (1982–1988)==

For 1982, the LeBaron moved to the front-wheel drive Chrysler K platform, where it was the upscale brand's lowest-priced offering. It was initially available in just sedan and coupe versions. In early 1982, it was released in a convertible version, bringing to the market the first factory-built open-topped domestic vehicle since the 1976 Cadillac Eldorado. A station wagon version called the Town and Country was also added. A unique Town and Country convertible was also made from 1983 until 1986 with a 1,105 total produced, which, like the wagon, featured simulated wood paneling that made it resemble the original 1940s Town and Country. This model also offered the well-equipped Mark Cross option package for the latter years. Despite being mechanically similar to the Aries and Reliant, its fascias closely resembled the larger E-body sedans. This generation featured Chrysler's Electronic Voice Alert, a computerized voice that warned drivers about various conditions with phrases such as "A door is ajar" or "Your engine oil pressure is low". The LeBaron was facelifted for 1986, receiving rounder front and rear ends to improve aerodynamics. A landau padded top replaced the sedan's full vinyl roof. The instrumentation cluster was revised from a rectangle speedometer and fuel gauge with a message center to round gauges similar to the Reliant/Aries but with an argent surround for a more upscale appearance. Coupes and convertibles were dropped for 1987, replaced by the all-new J-body LeBaron released that year. The sedan and wagon continued with minor changes until 1988. A new digital dashboard replaced the analog gauges for a more modern appearance. A larger LeBaron sedan based on the Dodge Spirit and Plymouth Acclaim would arrive for the 1990 model year. File:1985 Chrysler LeBaron Convertible, front right, 06-04-2023.jpg|1985 Chrysler LeBaron convertible File:1985 Chrysler Town & Country Station Wagon (9470723132).jpg|1985 Chrysler LeBaron Town & Country station wagon File:1986 chrysler lebaron coupe.jpg|1986 Chrysler LeBaron coupe File:1986 Chrysler LeBaron Town & Country Conv. (KCP27) fL, Lime Rock.jpg|1986 Chrysler LeBaron Town & Country convertible File:1986-1988 Chrysler LeBaron sedan.jpg|1987 Chrysler LeBaron sedan 1985–1989 LeBaron GTS }} The 1985 LeBaron GTS was a somewhat different car than the standard LeBaron and was based on the Chrysler H platform. It was available at the same time as the Cadillac Cimarron as a luxury-brand model while offering a similar level of equipment to the small Cadillac. As a 5-door hatchback still derived from the K-car, the GTS (and the similar Dodge Lancer) was more of a performance vehicle than the softer-tuned K-car LeBaron sedan. In base configuration, the car was powered by Chrysler's 2.2 liter inline-4 engine, later replaced by a 2.5 L TBI version generating . A turbocharged 2.2 L engine producing was also available. The GTS moniker was dropped for 1989, the final year of this vehicle's production, after the K-based LeBaron sedan was discontinued after 1988. Trim levels • High Line - 1985–1989 • Premium - 1985–1988 • GTS - 1989 (replaced "Premium" after the "GTS" was dropped from the name of the car) • "Pacifica" 1986 (replaced by Shelby Lancer in 1987) Limited 500 run Production Figures: European market - the Chrysler GTS After some years of absence, Chrysler officially started offering some models under its brand on the European market from April 1988. One of them was the "Chrysler GTS", which was a rebadged version of the Dodge Lancer ES. Sales figures were moderate. == Third generation coupe/convertible (1987–1995) ==

| 2.2 and 2.5 L engines: | 5-speed Getrag A520 manual | 5-speed Getrag A523 manual | 5-speed Getrag A555 manual | 3-speed A413 automatic | 3.0 L V6 engine: | 5-speed Getrag A543 manual | 5-speed Getrag A568 manual | 3-speed A670 automatic | 4-speed A604 automatic }} }} After discontinuing the first generation LeBaron coupe and convertible in 1986, Chrysler released a new LeBaron for 1987, built on the J platform (a K platform derivative) and available as a coupe or convertible. The all-new LeBaron looked modern and aerodynamic compared to its boxy predecessor and was quite stylish for its day, featuring headlights hidden behind retractable metal covers and a waterfall grille, steeply raked windshield, full-width taillight lenses though only the edges lit up, and curved (Coke bottle) style rocker panels. The LeBaron was equipped with a trip and fuel economy computer as well as full instrumentation. In Mexico, these models were marketed as the Chrysler Phantom. The available engines were the stock 2.2-liter and 2.5-liter, naturally aspirated or turbocharged, and for the 1990 model year, a 3.0-liter Mitsubishi V6 became available, although the Mexican Chrysler Phantom R/T DOHC 16V also offered the same 2.2-liter turbo engine as used in the U.S. market Dodge Spirit R/T. For 1990, the LeBaron's interior was refreshed, featuring an all new dashboard, gauge cluster, door panels, and center console design. All of the new components were designed to be smoother and more flowing than the comparatively boxy 1987-89 interior style, making it more in tune with the "aero" revolution of the early 1990s. The 1992 LeBaron coupes and convertibles could be ordered with a new "sport package", which featured a monochrome appearance including body-colored grille, accent stripe, and decklid logo. The package also included 14-inch "lace" style wheelcovers and a black strip below the taillights in place of chrome, with special blacked-out window moldings on coupe models. 1993 Facelift In 1992 for the 1993 model year, the LeBaron received a slight facelift. The hidden headlamps of the 1987-1992 models were deleted in favor of less costly flush-mounted replaceable-bulb headlamps, new wheel styles were made available, and all models got the amber rear turn signals introduced on the deluxe 1992 models. For 1994, a passenger side airbag became standard on all models. Also new for 1994 was the "Bright LX" decor package which included a "bright" chrome grille, "bright" chrome badging, and "bright" chrome molding inserts, as opposed to being body-colored on the GTC. The available engines were a naturally aspirated 2.5 L and a turbocharged 2.2 and 2.5 L versions of Chrysler's inline-four, and the 3.0 L Mitsubishi V6 making a in this application. The turbocharged engines were dropped from the lineup in 1992 for the 1993 model year. The coupe was discontinued after 1993. For the last two model years, the 3.0 was the only available engine. The convertible was discontinued after 1995, to make way for the new Chrysler Sebring coupes and convertibles, for 1995 and 1996 respectively. Trim levels: 1987–1995 Throughout its lifetime, the LeBaron convertible/coupe was available in a number of trim levels. For its first year, the LeBaron was available in Highline and Premium, typical Chrysler trims at the time. The number of trims grew, peaking in 1990, with six available. After that, the number decreased until just two trim levels remained for 1995. • 1987: Highline, Premium • 1988: Highline, Premium, GT • 1989: GTS Turbo, GT Turbo, GTC Turbo, Highline, Premium • 1990: GT, GT Turbo, GTC Turbo, Highline, Highline Turbo, Premium • 1991: GTC, GTC Turbo, Highline, Highline Turbo, Premium LX • 1992: GTC, GTC Turbo, Highline, Highline Turbo, LX • 1993: GTC, Highline, LX • 1994: GTC, LX • 1995: GTC, LX Export The LeBaron coupe/convertible was part of Chrysler's export push and was regularly available across Europe. Springs and shocks were somewhat firmer on European-market cars. The initial European lineup was made up of the naturally aspirated 2.5 and the turbocharged 2.2; both were offered with a 5-speed manual or a 3-speed automatic. Power is respectively. In mid-1988, the turbocharged 2.2 was partially replaced by the 2.5 Turbo, with power slightly lower at . The 2.2 Turbo received an intercooler, which boosted maximum power to . Called the LeBaron GTC, it was not offered with the automatic. Both turbo versions were discontinued during 1989; the 2.5 Turbo returned (only with the five-speed manual transmission) some time during 1990. The new version produces at 4700 rpm, but it was discontinued yet again in 1991. The 3.0-liter Mitsubishi V6 engine was introduced to European buyers in mid-1989, and was only available with the four-speed automatic. It produces somewhat less power than the American models; at 5200 rpm. The top speed was and the sprint took 10.8 seconds. After the 2.5 Turbo was discontinued in 1991, the V6 remained the only regular option until the LeBaron Coupé/Convertible ended European sales in mid-1994. Racing Several ARCA (one tier down from NASCAR cup racing) teams built LeBaron based race cars (supported by a revitalized Chrysler Direct Connection performance parts division) and ran them from 1988 until 1998. Production Figures: == Third generation sedan (1990–1994)==

| 2.5 L engines: | 5-speed Getrag A523 manual | 3-speed A413 automatic | 3 L engines: | 5-speed Getrag A543 manual | 5-speed Getrag A555 manual | 5-speed Getrag A568 manual | 3-speed A670 automatic | 4-speed A604 automatic }} }} The last LeBaron sedan was built on the front wheel drive AA platform, another K derivative, as junior level sedan to the more upscale New Yorker. It offered rebadged versions under the Dodge Spirit and Plymouth Acclaim nameplates, and the three differed mostly in detail and trim choices, as well as the European Chrysler Saratoga and Chrysler New Yorker in Mexico (1990-1994). Theoretically, as historically was the case in this era versus its Dodge and Plymouth corporate siblings, the LeBaron was marketed as the luxury version, reflecting the Chrysler brand's flagship status. In reality, however, there was considerable overlap amongst the three in available trim, equipment and features. Launched in a single trim, the top-line LeBaron Landau model offered a padded vinyl half-roof with smaller "formal" backlight, as well as unique button-tufted bench seats. All LeBaron sedans came with a standard driver's side airbag, and could seat up to six passengers. Due to Chrysler's efforts to refocus the Plymouth brand at the value end and to expand the Chrysler brand's sales, for 1992 the Plymouth Acclaim would lose its mid-range LE and top-line LX trims. They were instead added to the LeBaron lineup as the base and LX trims, below the former standard trim, which was now called Landau. The LX, which retained the Acclaim's taillights instead of the LeBaron's full-width treatment was available for 1992 only, and now the only model to feature the V6 as standard. For 1993, the LeBaron sedan received new rear lights, which incorporated the reversing lamps previously located in the bumper fascia. Trim levels were reduced to just the base model, renamed LE, and the luxury Landau. The LeBaron sedan was discontinued on May 18, 1994, while the Dodge Spirit and Plymouth Acclaim continued production until December 21, 1994. The Chrysler LeBaron was replaced by the "Cloud Car" Chrysler Cirrus. Safety In 1994, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration rated the LeBaron a 4 out of 5 for driver side and a 3 out of 5 for passenger side frontal impact occupant protection. Trim levels • base - 1990–1992 • LX - 1992 • Landau - 1992–1994 • LE - 1993–1994 Production Figures: ==Mexican market==

M and K-platform cars were assembled in the Toluca, Mexico facility. The M-platform LeBaron was sold in Mexico from the 1977 to the 1982 model years. The K-car LeBaron was also produced in Toluca and was sold for the 1983 through 1987 model years. There were no K-platform convertibles offered from the factory. Chrysler Phantom was the Mexican-market version of the J-Body LeBaron Coupe. There were no convertibles of the J-body 2-door for the Mexican market. Phantoms were Chrysler's top-of-the-line model in Mexico and generally sold with a higher trim level than their United States counterparts; the Phantom was also only ever available with the more powerful, turbocharged engines. Chrysler Phantoms were marketed from 1987 until 1994, with the first cars delivered in December 1986. A more powerful R/T version (similar to the American LeBaron GTC but using a higher-tuned turbo engine) was also available in 1992 and 1993. The Phantom R/T originally received the 2.5-liter Turbo II engine, coupled to a three-speed automatic, but this was quickly changed to the Turbo III engine with a five-speed Getrag manual transmission. The Mexican AA-body Chrysler LeBaron 4-door sedan was called the New Yorker (all of them with Landau roof), and the "K" body (slightly shorter) was reserved for the 4-door LeBaron's, which were sold in two trim levels, one with Landau roof and leather, and the other one without those two options. == References ==