Chrysler Le Baron Convertible
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The illustration above shows what a new-generation Chrysler LeBaron convertible could look like. Something based on the STLA Medium or STLA Large platform would be a great way to help relaunch the Chrysler brand in the US. Chrysler‘s CEO also recently mentioned that all future Chryslers will be inspired by the Halcion concept
It would be a fun homage to the Chrysler LeBaron Convertibles that used to be everywhere a few years ago. I’m not talking about the classic LeBarons from the 1930s or 1040s, or even the ones from the 1970s. But these affordable convertibles Lee Iacocca was pushing in the early 1980s.
These were based on the very humble K-Car platform. The K-Cars were available as a 4-door sedan, 2-door coupe, and wagon since 1980 at Plymouth and Dodge dealers. Chrysler got their own version in 1982 with a convertible model added to the lineup.
It had to be one of the cheesiest designs ever, trying very hard to squeeze giant 1970s American car styling into a car smaller than a current Honda Civic, complete with a big plastic chrome grille and whitewall tires. Some models even offered that fake wood paneling option. On a convertible.
No=o matter what, these were great fun. The way a cheap Vegas motel room is fun.
Later, the LeBaron convertible was totally redesigned and all of a sudden looked super sleek and modern. These were produced from 1987 to 1995 and were literary everywhere.
By 1995, Chrysler killed the LeBaron and replaced it with the Sebring. While the new coupe model was actually a Mitsubishi Eclipse with a Chrysler design, the convertible was a true LeBaron successor. And it was another hit, especially with rental companies.
Things were bad later when it was redesigned in 2008. By that time Chrysler was a different company. A much worse one…
While these cars went from being goofy overdone fun toys to really good-looking, they always stayed affordable, roomy, and again, were everywhere.
Of course, the Convertible market is not “what it used to be” as they say. However, the last ‘affordable” American convertible is the Ford Mustang. And it had its worst year in its long history in 2024…
I know it’s a long shot, but I think Chrysler should dig into its successful past to restart its brand under Stellantis.
Unless the suits have already decided to kill it…
A new LeBaron coupe/convertible could be a great “halo” car for the Chrysler brand if it were done right. The problem with former convertibles is they were done on the cheap. Better not do it unless everyone including the bean counters are committed to a quality product that hits all the requisite buttons. IMO these buttons would be true luxury, high quality control, competitive economical operation, and proper pricing for its market. Greed should be dispensed with in an effort to offer a product that buyers would aspire to own and enjoy. This would, imo, improve and stabilize Chrysler’s position as a viable brand in it’s perceived market niche.
I have to agree. I and my family have always owned Chrysler products. I am 81years old and have had some of the greatest performance cars on the road in NW florida. I have always spoken up for them. Like one of the old saying, try it, you’ll like it. I have convinced a lot to change brands over to Dodge and RAM. MOST that tried them said they had changed earlier.