1984 Chrysler Fifth Avenue

The Fifth Avenue name first appeared on Chrysler vehicles as a trim-level option package for its larger sedans beginning in 1979. It added two-tone beige with a matching leather interior, landau vinyl roof, and opera-style windows, which opened with the rear doors. When the R-body line was discontinued after the 1981 model year, the New Yorker nameplate moved down-market to the smaller M-body line.

For 1984, the New Yorker became its own nameplate and would continue for the next six years. These would be the last V8-powered, rear-wheel-drive Chrysler vehicles until the introduction of the Chrysler 300 in 2005. It was a four-door sedan with a padded vinyl formal landau roof and had a base price of just under $14,000, with a total of 79,441 examples sold. Power was from an overhead valve V8 engine displacing 318 cubic inches and delivering 130 horsepower. It had front disc brakes, a TorqueFlite three-speed automatic, and a wheelbase that measured 112.7 inches. In the front was a grille with vertical bars; in the back were full-width wraparound taillamps. The Chrysler name in block letters was positioned between the taillamps, and the 'Chrysler' identification was on the driver's side mirror. The license plate was on the back bumper. It had Roof molding, and bodyside and decklid accent stripes. The chrome treatment continued to the interior, with chrome used on instrument panel overlays. The interior came in silver, dark blue, beige, or red in cloth/vinyl. The AM radio now had a digital readout and a digital clock. Exterior colors included Black, White, Radiant Silver, Nightwatch Blue, Charcoal Gray, Pearl Coat, Beige Crystal Coat, Sable Brown, or Crimson Red.

Although the Fifth Avenue was nicely equipped with many standard options, it could be ordered with a few extra amenities, including a power glass sunroof and new cast-aluminum wheels. A Luxury Equipment Package added an illuminated entry, tilt steering, opera lamps, automatic speed control, and a power driver's seat.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2019