1985 Chrysler Fifth Avenue

The Chrysler Fifth Avenue was named after a major thoroughfare in the borough of Manhattan in New York City, consistently ranked among the most expensive shopping streets in the world. During the early 20th century, it was nicknamed 'Millionaire's Row' due to its high concentration of mansions. Borrowing its allure and exclusivity, the Chrysler Fifth Avenue began life as a top-trim option on the upscale New Yorker. It was positioned to compete with the best from Lincoln and Cadillac.

The 1985 Chrysler Fifth Avenue was part of the 'Series FS,' introduced in 1982 and produced through 1989. The M-body replaced the previous R-body platform, and the 360 cubic-inch V8 engine was no longer available, leaving a standard 255 cubic-inch Slant Straight-6 and an optional 318 CID V8 (the 318 CID V8 powered all Fifth Avenues from 1984 to 1989). Its size was smaller, with the previous 118.5-inch wheelbase now measuring 112.7 inches and the previous length of 221.5 inches now measuring 206.7 inches. Styling elements included a distinctive vinyl roof and electro-luminescent opera lamps. At the same time, the interior had thicker carpeting, more chrome trim, and button-tufted, pillow-soft seats covered in either 'Kimberley velvet' or 'Corinthian leather.' Nearly every amenity was standard, including remote trunk release, dual side mirrors, power antenna, power 6-way driver's seat, power door locks, illuminated entry, an AM/FM stereo with a rear amplifier, a passenger vanity mirror, locking wire wheel covers, and full undercoating.

The 1985 Chrysler Fifth Avenue four-door sedan was priced at $14,000, approximately $1,000 higher than the New Yorker sedan and $5,000 higher than the LeBaron GTS. It came equipped with a 318 cubic-inch, 90-degree V8 engine with overhead valves, a cast-iron block and head, five main bearings, hydraulic valve lifters, a two-barrel carburetor, and 140 horsepower at 3,600 RPM and 265 lb-ft of torque at 1,600 RPM. Updates to this year's engine included higher compression and roller tappets which increased horsepower by ten. It used a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission, front disc and rear drum brakes, and a rear-wheel-drive configuration. The styling was identical to the previous year's appearance, with vertical bars within its grille devoid of horizontal dividers and subtle side trim. The rear styling, however, was updated, with the trim panel between the taillamps gaining a darker appearance. It continued to have the formal landau padded vinyl roofline that extended into the rear of the back door. Ahead of the landau roofline was up-and-over molding that complimented the chrome molding around the windows and the windshield.

The Luxury Equipment Package, priced at approximately $1,780 to $1,915, added an AM/FM stereo radio with a power antenna, illuminated entry, power door locks, decklid release, and intermittent wipers.

The 1985 Chrysler Fifth Avenue exterior could be finished in Radiant Silver, Nightwatch Blue, Crimson Red, Gold Dust, white or Black Crystal Coat, and Gunmetal Blue or Mink Brown Pearl Coat.

Chrysler built 109,971 examples of the 1985 Fifth Avenue, which greatly surpassed the 60,700 examples of the New Yorker and the previous year's 79,441 examples of the Fifth Avenue.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2022