28k Original Miles: 1987 Chrysler Fifth Avenue
Everyone deserves an opportunity to spoil themselves, and classic car enthusiasts are no exception. While some focus on performance vehicles, others prefer to live life at a more sedate pace. If you fall into the latter category, this 1987 Chrysler Fifth Avenue deserves a close look. It is a two-owner survivor with a genuine 28,000 miles showing on its odometer. Its sheltered existence has left it in exceptional condition, meaning it is ready to turn heads and provide a comfortable motoring experience. The seller has listed the Chrysler here on eBay in Toledo, Ohio. Bidding currently sits below the reserve at $3,600.
The seller recently purchased this Fifth Avenue, becoming its second owner after it had been part of the same family since rolling off the showroom floor. It carries the hallmarks of a car that has always been treated respectfully, with no glaring faults or shortcomings. The first owners teamed Radiant Silver paint with a matching Landau-style vinyl top and contrasting pinstripes. It creates a classy look that is accentuated by the wire covers for the 15″ wheels. Silver paint has a nasty tendency to become patchy with age, but there are no such problems with this Chrysler. It retains a deep shine, and any imperfections are insignificant. The vinyl is in as-new condition, the panels are laser-straight, and there are no rust problems. The paint is complemented by chrome which is equally impressive, and the glass is clear.
The “Gray” theme continues inside this Chrysler, with its interior trimmed in vinyl and Kimberley cloth. Once again, there is little justifying criticism. The seller recently splashed $1,800 on a new headliner and other interior trim items, and the results justify the expense. There is no significant wear or evidence of abuse. The sun hasn’t exacted a high toll on the plastic, and the bright trim is in good order. It is also quite lavishly equipped by the standards of the day, with the buyer receiving air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power front seats, cruise control, a tilt wheel, and an AM/FM radio/cassette player.
Chrysler adopted a “one size fits all” approach to the 1987 Fifth Avenue’s mechanical specifications. Buyers received a 318ci V8, a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission, and power assistance for the steering and brakes. The 318 generates 150hp and 265 ft/lbs of torque, making the Chrysler relatively energetic by the standards of the day. However, this classic had been laid low for a few years due to an identified mechanical issue. The seller traced the problem to the fuel pump and has returned this classic to active service. They say that it starts, runs, and drives like a new car. They don’t mention verifying evidence for the odometer reading, although the car’s ownership history means that it might exist. Otherwise, this is a classic that the winning bidder can enjoy immediately.
Finding anything to criticize about this 1987 Chrysler Fifth Avenue is challenging, which helps to explain why it has attracted twenty-four bids. The current bid figure sits at around the market average, but if the odometer reading is verifiable, the price could climb significantly. I found a recent successful sale for a similar vehicle with a lower reading for $15,000, but I don’t believe this Chrysler will reach that level. What do you feel would be a fair price for this classic?
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Comments
Beautiful cars. Great model the 5th Avenue. One of the best bang for the buck in luxury, reliability. 🇺🇸
This looks like a sweet ride. I had two of these mid sized Mopars, 78 LeBaron and 87 5th Ave. Two of the nicest and most dependable cars I ever Owned. If I wasn’t chest deep in cars now, I’d be tempted.
Replaced a power window motor in one years ago.
Got the door apart, and the original motor housing had the embossed Chrysler Plymouth Dodge DeSoto logo on it.
I never rode in one, but I did sit in one of these, and the pillow-top seat was a pleasure. These used to be everywhere. I would enjoy one, I hope it finds a good home.
Had an 85 like this for 41/2 years. Paid $400 for it (no, it wasn’t quite this nice). That said it was always reliable, extremely comfortable, and despite being less than cosmetically perfect, attracted lots of positive comments. It even handled pretty well for its intended purpose. You could hustle it easily if you had the nerve. The “Ghetto Sled” / “The Mighty 5A” / “Pimp Mobile” made way for something less, well, old, when our youngest needed a college car. We still miss it, still comes up regularly on conversation. Her high school classmates circa 2013 loved the dang thing. If you have the extra money, pounce on this one.
I drove a Plymouth version of this, not as fancy – mine had crank windows and no A/C. Caravelle up here, In the States they called it a Gran Fury.
Super reliable, safe, roomy. Big trunk. It was my first car and bought from a government agency. We nicknamed it Bill Maxwell because it looked identical to a Dodge Diplomat driven by the FBI guy in the Greatest American Hero TV show.
How they managed to drive Plymouth out of business when they made cars that solid I don’t know.
This 5th Avenue is a cherry and alas, too far for me.
Right on Johnny. Love the Caravelle model. That was the beauty of these 5th avenues too. You could load em up w the HD cop car parts if the mood strikes.
My 83 and 85 Fifth Avenues (both exactly like this) easily held their own with other upscale vehicles I have owned, including Town Cars and RWD FLEETWOODS. Indestructible 318 gave plenty of power and reasonable gas mileage. The formal roof and overall styling combined with the plush velvet interior felt like driving a rolling Barkalounger. I often regret selling the 85. At the asking price, it is clearly a Bon Marche. 😲.Do I hear OHIO calling?
IMO this was the best evolutions of an existing platform.
🎯 💯 Rick good call
Is there 1 blinker & 1 parking light above each headlight – or 2 of each?
What about those below the headlights on the ’58 impala & ’59-’60 cadillac?
It’s been a while, but I think that the lights closest to the grille were parking lights before headlights were used. The outer ones were turn signals. As to Cadillac and Impala, I can’t say.
Too bad the 76 Volare I bought new wasn’t more like this. That car was just about the absolute worst! Soured me on Chrysler for many years.