1985 CHRYSLER LEBARON CONVERTIBLE

Details

By the late 1970s, the once-mighty Chrysler Corp. was on the ropes and on financial life support. When lesser men might have slipped off into a very enjoyable early retirement, former Ford Motor Co. Vice President Lido 'Lee' Iacocca stepped into the breech as Chrysler's new president and engineered one of the most stunning corporate turnarounds in history. Having successfully obtained loan guarantees from the U.S. government, Iacocca spearheaded an amazing new-product development drive,

resulting in the revolutionary 'K-Cars,' the Dodge Aries and Plymouth Reliant. First offered as 1981 models, they were the right cars at the right time and spawned a succession of companion models that saved Chrysler and revolutionized America's auto industry. Upscale versions included the 400, 600 and LeBaron, sharing Chrysler's front-drive, efficient K-Car packaging. Priced from nearly $17,000, the LeBaron Town & Country convertible was particularly glamorous, equipped with marine-grade vinyl faux-wood exterior trim evocative of Chrysler's 'Woody' convertibles of the late 1940s. A special model was inspired by designer Mark Cross, and 595 of them were finished by the Creative Group in Detroit. Logically dubbed the Mark Cross Package, the top-of-the-line LeBaron Town & Country convertibles included specially branded leather upholstery, plus power seats and digital instruments. This 1985 is powered by a turbocharged version of Chrysler's famed 2.2-liter Four and front-drive transaxle combination mated to an automatic transmission. In addition to miscellaneous receipts, it comes with excellent documentation, including the factory Broadcast Sheet, original invoice and owner's manual. From the Mile-High Collection.