Chrysler 5th Avenues

About Chrysler 5th Avenues

A photo group of the Chrysler 5th Aves. 1982 - 1989 models, plus the Ultra Rare 1980 LeBaron 5th Avenue Limited Edition.

These cars represented a period in time where these plush leather and chrome beasts ruled the highways. These were actually "downsized" models! The heritage of this body goes way back. The last year, 1989, these were classified as "Large" size cars. When introduced as the 1980 LeBaron, it was a "Mid-size" car. And you can go back to the Valiant days when this body was a "Compact" car!

These cars were "Old School" designs. Mostly V8s, rear wheel drive, Torsion bar front suspension, Leaf springs and drum brakes in the rear. Square corners, vinyl tops and chrome bumpers ruled the road. Cars still had hood ornaments and Whitewall tires!

When the public saw the mid year 1980 LeBaron body with the 5th Avenue package, it was a BIG hit! The formal roof line and glitzy trim really had that "Luxury" look to it. Chrysler execs knew they had a replacement for the bigger gas guzzling Newyorker. So they quietly pulled the LeBaron 5th Aves out of production and shelved that package until they could replace the big Newyorker next year.

But in 1981, the Fleet buyers cried that they needed the bigger cars for Police and Taxi use. So if Plymouth and Dodge had to keep the Grand Fury and St.Regis longer, then the big Newyorkers stayed too. So the 81 LeBaron carried over as well, but without the 5th ave package.

1981 was a bad year for Chrysler. The big R-bodied Newyorker/Fury/St.Regis/Newports didn't sell well at all. The all-new front drive LeBaron was ready for 1982. This was the right time to dump the big R-body Newyorker and reintroduce the old LeBaron body as the replacement for the Newyorker. The 5th Ave roof package was resurected. The car was a hit! By 1984 they were selling over 100,000 a year! By 1989 sales had dropped and a newer Newyorker was in production, so the 5th Ave was quietly dropped.

But there was a time when this was the car of choice for many retirees! It was priced much less than a Cadillac or Lincoln. But gave you a luxury look and feel. Plus it really impressed the neighbors.

So enjoy a look at the dinosaurs. Feel free to add your pics. Chose your best ones. I'm trying to keep it limited to a variety of colors. No need for ten all-white 5th aves. Please, only two pics per person at first until we see how much space this is going to take up. Thanks! David