Chrysler marked a significant milestone in March 2025, celebrating its 100 years in the automotive industry. While this American manufacturer has produced iconic vehicles over the decades, including the innovative Chrysler Turbine car and the powerful HEMI-equipped Chrysler 300C, several models from the 1980s have faded into obscurity. This article revisits five of these underappreciated Chrysler cars, exploring what made them unique and why they have been largely forgotten.
Chrysler TC by Maserati
One of the most intriguing models from this era is the Chrysler TC by Maserati, a collaboration aimed at creating a luxury sports convertible. Launched in 1989, the TC featured a range of engines, including a 2.2-liter inline-four and an optional Maserati-derived 16-valve engine, offering up to 200 horsepower. Despite its upscale appearance, which resembled the more affordable LeBaron convertible, the TC’s starting price of $33,000 (over $86,000 today) contributed to its lack of sales success. With only around 7,300 units produced during its three-year run, the TC remains a rare find, with even prime examples fetching less than $15,000 at auction.
Chrysler Executive Limousine
The Chrysler Executive Limousine is another notable but forgotten model, with only approximately 1,500 units produced. Built on the K-car platform, this limousine combined elements of the LeBaron Coupe and four-door models, creating a unique stretch vehicle with a 131-inch wheelbase. Introduced in 1983 at $21,900 (around $71,400 today), the Executive offered luxurious features such as a powered dividing partition and seating for up to seven passengers. Despite its initial appeal, the Executive Limousine’s underwhelming performance, powered by a Mitsubishi-sourced engine, meant it never captured significant market share. Today, these limousines can be found for about $10,000 in the second-hand market.
Chrysler Conquest
The Chrysler Conquest, produced under a joint venture with Mitsubishi, was essentially a rebranded Mitsubishi Starion. When equipped with the flagship TSi package, the Conquest offered a turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 176 horsepower, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a respectable 8.0 seconds. Despite its sporty design and features, including a widebody model introduced in 1986, the Conquest failed to capture the same popularity as its Japanese counterparts, such as the Toyota Supra and Nissan Z models. Auction prices for the Conquest range from $10,000 to $20,000 for well-preserved models.
Chrysler Laser Turbo
In a departure from its traditional designs, Chrysler introduced the Laser Turbo as its first sports car, albeit in hatchback form. Available with two engine options, the naturally aspirated 2.2-liter inline-four and a turbocharged variant producing 142 horsepower, the Laser offered notable interior features, including a digital dashboard and optional voice alert systems. Despite a production run of 147,396 units over three years, the Laser Turbo struggled against traditional sports cars and ultimately faded from Chrysler’s lineup. Today, it presents a unique chapter in Chrysler’s history, often overshadowed by the more popular Dodge Daytona.
Chrysler Fifth Avenue
The Chrysler Fifth Avenue epitomized luxury during its production, particularly in its twelfth generation throughout the 1980s. Though its stature diminished from earlier models, it remained a symbol of prestige with features such as button-tufted seats, shag carpets, and a vinyl roof. The optional Fifth Avenue package added further luxury for an additional $1,244. Built with a 5.2-liter V8 engine, the Fifth Avenue provided a smooth ride and comfort, making it a popular choice among buyers. While the model has become scarce on today’s roads, it remains an appealing option for classic car enthusiasts, with prices for well-maintained examples often falling under $10,000.
As Chrysler celebrates its centenary, these five models serve as a reminder of the brand’s diverse history and the interesting vehicles that have been left behind. With their unique features and often affordable price points, these underappreciated Chrysler cars from the 1980s deserve recognition in the automotive narrative.
