Last updated on March 5, 2025
Today’s car is a 1985 Chrysler LeBaron Mark Cross Town & Country Convertible. This street spot was spotted on the streets in Westchester, CA. The car is finished in black crystal coat with well aged in what would have been simulated white ash moldings and high gloss marine teak appliqué on bodysides accompanied with rear deck lid luggage rack. The interior is tan with a matching boot and convertible top. It is powered by a 146 hp 2.2 liter, 4-Cylinder OHC with Turbocharged EFI, mated to a front wheel drive combination mated to 3-Speed Automatic Transaxle with a 3.02:1 final drive gear ratio. Slowing this beauty down are power-assisted dual reservoir front disc brakes with drums at the rear. The front independent suspension is a dual-path Iso-Struts and a linkless sway bar. The rear suspension is a beam axle with trailing arms and coil springs.
Chrysler Corporation was on the brink of financial disaster during the late 1970s when former Ford Motor Co. Vice President Lee Iacocca was appointed as Chrysler’s new president and engineered one of the most remarkable automotive corporate turnarounds in history. Iacocca spearheaded a new-product development project, resulting in the revolutionary front wheel drive K-car. It arriving during the 1981 model year. They were the right cars at the right time and spawned a succession of companion models that saved Chrysler and revolutionized America’s auto industry. The automobile industry had been concerned about government regulations that may have outlaw the manufacture of convertibles. They voluntarily ended the production of convertibles in 1976 with the last being the Cadillac Eldorado.
Lee Iacocca reunited America with the convertible in 1982 with the LeBaron and the car was an immediate success. In retro-style bringing back Chrysler’s Town and Country ‘Woody’ convertibles and station wagons of the 1940s. Designer Mark Cross designed an upgraded version named the Mark Cross Package. This top of the line LeBaron Town & Country Convertibles were highly optioned that included specially branded leather upholstery, power seats, and digital instruments.
The Chrysler LeBaron second generation was built from 1982–1988 (K-body) with a total of 732,624 units of which 153,598 units were built in 1985, of which 16,475 were convertibles. of which 595 were Mark Cross Town & Country Convertibles. The MSRP was $17,000.00. The published top speed of 109 MPH with a 0-60 mph time of 10.1 Seconds.
While I never thought that the K-cars were very stylish, they did save the auto industry during some very turbulent times. This is an iconic car that marks an automotive era in time, definitely needs of some TLC. Even in its present condition this rare 1985 Chrysler LeBaron will draw a nice group of people at Mopar shows and Cars and Coffee events. Thank you for riding along. Frank
