1986 Chrysler LeBaron Convertible

In the mid-1970s, the US auto industry discontinued convertible models, and many believed this might be the end for the domestically produced body style in the US. In 1982, Chrysler re-introduced North America to the convertible with the retro ragtop Town & Country. The 'K' car platform was modified to accept a convertible body style and Chrysler utilized the services of Cars and Concepts Inc. of Brighton, MI, to modify partially finished 'K' cars into convertibles.

These new, smaller convertibles were well received by the public. The Town & Country convertibles were introduced in mid-1983 and evoked the glamour of the fabled 1946-1948 convertibles of the same name. Nearly four decades separated these two nameplates, and much had changed; the injection-molded plastic imitation wood trim was replaced by hand-crafted ash of the original. Inside, the handcraftsmanship became very evident with the Town & Country's Mark Cross leather interior.

Powering this vehicle is a four-cylinder, overhead cam, turbocharged engine offering 146 horsepower. There is a Torqueflite three-speed automatic gearbox with disc brakes in the front and drums in the rear. In 1981, this vehicle had a base price of $6,350.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2011