2.5 Liter 4 Popper/3-Speed Automatic/Hidden Headlights

1987 Chrysler LeBaron Coupe Additional Info:

1987 Chrysler LeBaron Coupe
In 1987, Chrysler released an all-new coupé and convertible model to replace the dated design of the second generation K-body LeBaron coupé and convertible. The result was the aerodynamic, and more modern, J-body LeBaron Coupé. Car and Driver dismissed it as yet another thinly-disguised K-car knockoff, even going so far as to have its main road test picture with the car parked in front of a Burger King restaurant. Their main point was, just like a whopper sandwich, no matter how much you dressed it up on top, it was still the same old hamburger meat underneath.
For consignment, the car that would become ubiquitous to the retirement community parking lot, the Chrysler LeBaron Coupe this example from 1987. Adored by the mature crowd it offered sportiness yet had an air of distinction. It was not a huge car, so it was easy to navigate especially for those with less than 2020 eyesight or depth perception. This one has survived all that and has emerged as a fine example with good paint, no rust and nice chrome.
Exterior
Maroon paint adorns this LeBaron with its straight steel and hidden headlights, 2 door coupe. In front the grille puts out an air of distinction with its chromed surround and a Chrysler star badge in the center ( Hey big spender?). A chrome topped and wide black vinyl trimming virtually wraps the car and presents at the perfect height to avoid damage from parking lot pylons, other car doors, road signs, mailboxes, and the sides of a garage. A large wrap-around rear glass provides a panoramic view of what's behind, although it is also assumed you have the ability to actually turn around to the point where you can look through it (sometimes my buddy arthur gets in the way...arthur-itis!). Aero tail lighting melts into the rear deck and all neoprene bumpers are looking good on this car with no fade on their fillers between the bumpers and the body. Nice cast alloy "snowflake" wheels are wrapped in well preserved rubber. Overall, a few scratches and scrapes which managed to avoid the protection of the wrap around trimming, and some paint chop off is noted on the drivers door.
Interior
Appointed with all the finery Chrysler had to offer in 1987, we see a padded red tweed broadcloth panel dancing with molded maroon plastic to form the armrest, door pull and a large star badged panel. The actuator, power lock button and side view mirror adjuster are within a black panel strategically oriented well within reach of the driver. About 6 months of muscle training and the driver should be easily able to reach it without taking eyes off the road. Inside sporty red and maroon high back buckets that have shiny vinyl bolsters and more of the red tweed broadcloth covering them face the dash. In the center is a console with glovebox, tall shifter, and power window toggles. Some nice burl wood appliqué surrounds these panels on the console and dash which is mostly bathed in tones of maroon. There is a digital factory radio installed which can dial in AM and FM, and just above a push button climate control center. On top is a message center that will flash a particular light when your gas is low, doors are not closed and certain lights are not working. Above is a trip odometer so the occupants can be assured they are getting at least the sticker stated EPA mileage. More burl appliqué surrounds all these panels and the instrument cluster. In the back you can pile 2 of your friends into the bench/bucket setup and there is plenty of room to get in and out through the magical push of the seat backs forward for even better access. Red carpeting floods the floors and above is a maroon headliner. No Arthur please for this rear seat access and egress.
Drivetrain
Under the hood in an unrestored engine bay is a 2.5 liter 4 cylinder engine which sports EFI and an A413 3 speed automatic. Out front is a 3.02 final drive.
Undercarriage
Nicely patina surfaces abound underneath, and no rust is noted of significance. Power disc brakes are up front and power drums on back.
Drive-Ability
I entered and immediately I'm enveloped with a smell of some mustiness, and the distant smell of a dirty diaper. The car ran well and handled nicely. The headlight doors do not open and the brake pedal goes to the floor. Test drive over!
A sporty classy example of the mature set, in this Chrysler LeBaron Coupe for 1987. What else can I say?
VIN DECODE
3C3CJ41K0HT730978
3-Mexico
3-Chrysler
3-Passenger Car
C-Automatic Seat Belts
J-Lebaron
4-High Price Class
1-2 Door Coupe
K-2.5L 4 Cylinder EFI
0-Check Digit
H-1987
T-Toluca, Mexico Assy Plant
730978-Sequential Unit Number