1987 Chrysler LeBaron GTS

Description

In the late '80s and early '90s, domestic automakers rushed to build limited edition, luxury-brand sedans (both 2-door and 4-door) as halo vehicles. Cadillac had the Cimarron, Buick offered the Skyhawk, and in addition to the TC, Chrysler also beefed up their otherwise softly-tuned K-car LeBaron with the GTS edition. This particular 1987 Chrysler LeBaron GTS is a spirited 5-door hatchback that we're really excited to see on the secondary market, as it will hopefully help pave the way for these slick cars to become modern classics. With a snarky turbo-charged engine, a slick color combination, and only 24,163 actual miles on the clock, this is one that is already on its way.

With so few miles on the clock, this is one of the most original GTS models available anywhere on the market today. Looking wonderful in its original Maroon finish, it's an unusual car that seems to get curious and appreciative glances everywhere it goes, and many people aren't quite sure what it is, but want to find out. Up close, they see that bright Chrysler grille and the cool hatchback out back and know it's not a garden-variety car, and the exceptional preservation reminds them that this is something special that garnered this sort of care through the years. The original paint is nicely finished, and a thorough buff-and-polish would increase that upscale shine even further, but at the moment it's still very nice but not so over-the-top that you'll be scared to take it down the road at a moment's notice. The bright maroon paint emphasizes the LeBaron's lines, and despite what you may have heard about K-cars, this one is assembled extremely well. This car also manages to accomplish a rather rare feat: to look sporty as a 4-door hatch.

European design influence is most strongly seen inside, where acres of soft, fragrant Maroon leather have been stitched together. The bucket seats wrap around the passengers like overstuffed baseball mitts, with gathered leather on the door panels to add to the ambience. This is a roomy four-seater with a plush rear bench and beautiful carpeting, with plenty of storage space behind the rear seats, and even that area is artfully finished with maroon and plush carpets. The unique steering wheel is leather-wrapped, and it's mounted atop a tilt column, and the digital gauges just beyond it illuminate a uniquely '80s fashion. Options include factory A/C, cruise control, a power sunroof, and the original AM/FM/Cassette stereo in the center of the dash, and reliable Chrysler technology ensures that everything works as it should. The seats show almost no wear, and the carpets look like they've never seen anything more aggressive than a tennis shoe, and in fact, only the center console arm rest shows proper evidence that this car was actually driven for a scant 24K miles. Out back, the storage area has plenty of room for luggage, meaning this is a legitimate cross-country cruiser.

Chrysler's durable and surprisingly potent 2.2 liter inline-four with a big turbocharger delivers sprightly performance in the relatively light GTS, even when accompanied by the standard 3-speed automatic transmission. The engine bay is nicely maintained, and it has a very OEM look that is indicative of careful ownership over the years. This five-owner car was obviously owned by enthusiasts that knew this car was worth preserving from the beginning, and with miles that low it's obvious it was always a weekend ride. Further proof of its easy life is the completely rust-free chassis that even boasts an original exhaust system with a catalytic convertor and virtually zero corrosion. If you're a fan of authenticity, this car will certainly impress you. The factory wheels adorned with original hubcaps show no brake dust or curb rash, and there's a good set of 205/60/15 Yokohama radials so you can enjoy this car immediately.

Documented with all of its original owner's manuals and various maintenance records, this is perhaps the nicest LeBaron, let alone LeBaron GTS, on the market today. Don't let it get away, call today!