Backyard Find: 1979 Chrysler LeBaron Medallion
The owner of this 1979 LeBaron Medallion calls his Chrysler a sitting behind a house for 30 years discovery, so while it’s not a barn find in the truest sense of the term, the M-Body did go through a long three-decade period of non-operation. But it’s up and running again with the seller telling us he sank a whole lot of dough into getting this one where it is now, so if you’re in the market for a luxurious sedan from the late seventies with a reasonable asking price of $3,500 it’s probably worth a look. The car is located in Mesa, Arizona, and can be seen here on Craigslist. Rocco B., thanks for your fun tip here!
Although we don’t find out for sure, I’m guessing that might still be the original paint outside, or if the exterior has gotten a respray it wasn’t recently as the finish does have a slightly drab appearance. But the body presents rather nicely and I’m not finding any obvious areas of corrosion or major damage on any of the panels, plus the seller confirms that the underside is completely free of rust. However, the vinyl top has now been taken off and the moisture trapped underneath caused some pitting on the roof.
Unfortunately, no engine compartment photos are provided so we don’t get to take a peek under the hood, although it sounds like a respectable amount of effort has been put into the original 318 to make it as good as can be short of a complete rebuild. In just the last year, the V8 is said to have received all new gaskets, belts, and hoses, along with a new water pump and double roller timing chain. Considerable attention was also given to the fuel system, including a cleaning of the gas tank and lines with the seller stopping short of rebuilding the carburetor, which he recommends doing at some point in the future.
Stepping inside, the dash pad and instrument cluster still look decent, with an aftermarket oil pressure gauge having been added to the column. But the steering wheel has some cracks and wear, though that could be replaced easily or just wrap a cover around it and be done. The seats could stand new upholstery and the door panels are showing their age, but if it’s just inexpensive transportation and a driver you’re going for the interior might be suitable as-is. I’m thinking $3,500 seems like a fair price for what we’re seeing here, how about you?
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Comments
There was a time when someone looking for a cheap but reliable commuter beater could find something like this and know it’d get them to home every day if they gave it a little attention sometimes.
This is darn good price for a car of that purpose, and pretty easy to find in the parking lot!
GLWTS
Nice car. Would love to get my hands on a set of those wheels. Had them on on my open trailer in the ’70s and they sure looked good.
Bobhess those Talley wheels are available aftermarket and used ones are all over fleabay
Those headlights are just dodge diplomats headlight turn signal assembly upside down and whala Chrysler
First apt out of college my roommate was a local police detective ( laterFBI) he was assigned a fully decked dodge diplomat as his detective vehicle. His had a 360 if I remember and it was a solid car not super fast but dependable
The LeBaron name speaks of Elegance. THIS LeBaron was a descendant of the Valiant Brougham and eventually transformed into 82 through 88 Fifth Avenues. I had 83 and 85 Fifth Avenues ( similarities can be easily seen). One of the best revisions ever. 🏆 Luxury, classic formal styling, comfortable and reliable. This 4 door could use the formal roof cap of Fifth Avenues. But true Luxury on a budget! 👍
Rick,not the Valiant, the Volare
The VOLARE 😉 FLEW out of my mind, but wasn’t VOLARE a second generation VALIANT? VALIANT to VOLARE to LEBARON to FIFTH AVENUE. 🤔 As I recall VOLARE means Fly. But it was no SUPER FLY!
Wow, those old cars from the 70s had battering rams for bumpers!
Absolutely! But we don’t even have CARS anymore. CRAPPY SUVS and crossovers with CRAPPY bumpers. 👎
Glad to see someone else ticked off that no one makes cars anymore!
Even worse is that people stopped buying cars. Being a slave to the wind tunnel didn’t help but manufacturers just stopped trying. The rolling box became their cash cow because it was easy. Modern times are almost worse than the malaise era.
Can’t help but look at that upside down headlamp cluster. Most distinctive feature in a sea of common looking Chryslers. My reservation is three decades behind the house and the night vision photography. If it’s nice make your move.
The Mike Ehrmantraut Special.
That will be sold quick.
I actually owned one of these in 1984. Bought it at a Chrysler dealer for $1,700 with 56k on the odometer. Nice car.
Rick, the Volare and Aspen were a new platform, F body that replaced the Valiant and Dart.
Thanks for the update. Friend had a Valiant Brougham. Nice car. VOLARE? FIFTH AVENUE 🏆.
Yes the 5 Ave of the 80’s was a Volare