Chrysler Le Baron classic cars for sale

History of the Chrysler Le Baron

The Chrysler Le Baron made its debut in 1977 as a response to luxury midsize competitors like the Cadillac Seville and Lincoln Versailles. Emerging as part of a new platform family (the M-Platform), it shared its roots with the Dodge Aspen and Plymouth Volare, offering a premium alternative in the class. Initially launched as a saloon and later as a coupé, the Le Baron established itself with American flair and a touch of luxury without excessive extravagance. The name ties back to a coachbuilder of the pre-war era and had been used by Chrysler on luxury variants since the '50s. The model evolved to offer a blend of comfort, technical innovation, and broad appeal throughout its nearly two-decade production.

Model History and Generations

The Le Baron went through three main generations:

• First Generation (1977–1981): Saloon and coupé body styles, with classic rear-wheel drive.
• Second Generation (1981–1988): Expanded to include estate, convertible, saloon, and coupé. Closely related to the Dodge 400, more than 538,000 units of this generation were produced, with outputs from 63 to 112 kW. Notably, the iconic 'Town and Country' was a rare special edition with distinctive wood panelling and luxury features.
• Third Generation (1986–1995): Focused on coupé and convertible bodies with clean, modern lines and pop-up headlights. A Mitsubishi-sourced 3.0-litre V6 was available, particularly popular in later years. The third generation coupe and cabriolet were updated in 1993 with a refreshed dashboard. Production ceased in 1995 after 221,000 coupés and 346,000 cabriolets, while the saloon model—based on the Dodge Spirit/Plymouth Acclaim—saw about 131,000 units.

Highlights and Special Features

• Convertible focus: The Le Baron is best known in Europe as a convertible (Cabriolet) with both electric and manual tops, including triple-layer soft tops with heated rear glass.
• Digital tech: Early on, digital instrument clusters with brushed aluminium bezels were available, a nod to the '80s penchant for innovation.
• Standout engines: The range included robust Chrysler and Mitsubishi four-cylinder engines (up to 2.7 litres—among the largest in the world for a four-cylinder at the time), lively 2.5-litre turbo units, and a refined 3.0-litre V6.
• Interior comfort: Electric seats with lumbar and 'wings' adjustment, premium Mark Cross leather upholstery, and all-electric amenities from windows to central locking and cruise control (depending on year and spec).
• Safety and usability: Airbags on later models, galvanised rust-resistant bodies, and reliable drivetrains give the Le Baron a reputation for everyday usability.
• Rare special models: The 'Town and Country' convertible, with faux wood panelling, is one of the rarest 1980s drop-tops.
• Aftermarket support: Parts and spares are widely available, especially from the USA.

Statistics: According to Classic Trader supply and demand data, the Le Baron accounts for 100% of Chrysler listings and views. This means it is currently the centre of attention among Chrysler classics in the database, with every Chrysler listing and viewing involving a Le Baron.

Technical Data

Special Editions and Collectible Models

• Town and Country Convertible (1983): This ultra-rare version of the Le Baron featured faux wood panelling and premium interior trim, capturing the spirit of classic American luxury wagons in open-top form. Its scarcity makes it a standout amid standard convertibles.
• Mark Cross Edition: Known for its luxurious leather upholstery and upgraded interior features. Distinguished by the 'Mark Cross' badging and select equipment, these versions emphasise comfort and exclusivity.

Engine, Performance and Handling

Engine choices include the dependable 2.5-litre turbocharged inline-four—offering brisk acceleration and substantial mid-range torque. The 3.0-litre V6, supplied by Mitsubishi, impresses with its smoothness and subdued power delivery, making the Le Baron a relaxed grand tourer. The manual transmissions, though rare, transmit mechanical feel, while the automatics are well-known for their reliability and easy maintenance. Standard front-wheel drive and relatively soft suspension tuning provide stable, comfortable cruising, though handling is comfort-focused rather than sporty. Later models benefit from improved insulation, digital dashes, and cruise control, adding to the driving comfort. - Le Baron Convertible 2.5 Turbo: Popular for the blend of open-air experience and punchy performance.

• Le Baron Mark Cross Edition 3.0 V6: Known for luxury, comfort, and smooth cruising.

Design, Interior and Special Equipment

The Le Baron’s design traces a clear American lineage, especially visible in the later '80s and '90s with crisp lines, retractable headlights and balanced proportions for both coupé and convertible. Interiors are often equipped with plush leather (especially in Mark Cross trims), electrically adjustable seats offering lumbar adjustment and 'wing' settings, and digital dashboard displays (especially noteworthy in early '90s versions with a brushed aluminium finish). Body colours ranged from conservative silvers and blacks to striking reds and whites. Tonneau covers and optional alloy wheels (up to 16 inches) underline the premium aspiration. Convertible models feature triple-insulated, heated soft tops (depending on year and spec), and accessories like DAB radios and hands-free kits can be retrofitted.

Other Notable Features

Noteworthy: the Le Baron’s galvanized and rust-resistant bodywork, excellent spare parts supply—especially from the US—plus adaptable features like electric boot release and immobiliser systems in later models. Many cars imported as original European deliveries (not just grey imports); thus, specific features like German market tail lights and number plate illumination are present on relevant examples.

Summary

The Chrysler Le Baron is the classic US convertible or coupé for those wanting character, comfort, and daily reliability wrapped in a distinctive package. Its technical strength, availability of spares, and unmistakably American flavour make it a unique offering—whether you are interested in a plush Mark Cross edition or the rare and collectible Town and Country. All variants represent the central pillar of Chrysler classic motoring on the European scene, as evidenced by current supply and demand figures.