Chrysler_fifth_avenue

Chrysler Fifth Avenue
Manufacturer	Chrysler Corporation
Production	1983–1993
Assembly	Belvidere, Illinois St. Louis, Missouri (M-body platform) Kenosha, Wisconsin (1987-89)
Predecessor	Chrysler LeBaron (M-body version)
Successor	Chrysler Concorde
Class	Mid-size (1983-89) Full-size (1990-93)
Body style(s)	4-door sedan

First generation
Production	1983–1989
Layout	FR layout
Platform	Chrysler M platform
Engine(s)	5.2 L LA V8
Transmission(s)	3-speed A727 automatic 3-speed A904 automatic
Wheelbase	112.7 in (2863 mm)
Length	206.7 in (5250 mm)
Width	72.4 in (1839 mm)
Height	55.1 in (1400 mm)
Related	Dodge Diplomat Plymouth Gran Fury

Second generation
Production	1990–1993
Layout	FF layout
Platform	Chrysler Y platform
Engine(s)	3.3 L EGA V6 3.8 L EGH V6
Transmission(s)	4-speed A604 automatic
Wheelbase	109.6 in (2784 mm)
Length	198.6 in (5044 mm) (1990-91) 201.3 in (5113 mm) (1992-93)
Width	68.9 in (1750 mm)
Height	55.1 in (1400 mm)
Related	Chrysler Imperial Chrysler New Yorker

Fifth Avenue was a name used by Chrysler Corporation on its largest models from 1979 to 1993.

Origin

The name first appeared as a special, upmarket sub-model of the Chrysler New Yorker sedan in 1979. This generation of Chrysler, although already smaller than its maximum size in the mid 1970s, was still V8-powered and rear wheel drive. Ordering the New Yorker Fifth Avenue Edition package got the buyer a car finished in two-tone beige with matching leather interior. There was a standard landau vinyl roof, and somewhat unusual opera windows which opened with the rear doors. The package was so thoroughly color-keyed that even the bumper rub strips were beige. This body ran for three years, although additional Fifth Avenue colors were added for 1980 and 1981.

The M-body years

In 1980, a Fifth Avenue package was created by ASC (American Sunroof Corporation) for the Chrysler LeBaron, which shared its platform with the Dodge Diplomat. This rare option package, produced on 654 LeBarons for the year, included many of the exterior features found on the New Yorker Fifth Avenue in a smaller, more sensible package.

With the R-body out of production and the LeBaron name transferred to the Chrysler K platform, the New Yorker was downsized again for 1982, becoming a mid-size model. The Fifth Avenue option was still available as a $1,244. option package. It was adapted from the earlier LeBaron\'s package, with a distinctive vinyl roof, elecro-lumanescent opera lamps, and a rear fascia adapted from the Dodge Diplomat, albeit modified. Interiors featured button-tufted, pillowy seats covered in either "Kimberley velvet" or "Corinthian leather", choices that would continue unchanged throughout the car\'s run, the Fifth Avenue option also included illumenated entry, AM/FM stereo with a rear amplifer, power door locks, power 6-way driver\'s seat, power antenna, remote trunk release, dual side mirrors, full undercoating, passenger vanity mirror, tape stripes, locking wire wheel covers, as well as a standard V-8 engine (318). 1982 would be the first year M-body coupes and wagon would no longer be made, and the New Yorker\'s interior would have more chrome trim and thicker carpets than the previous LeBaron.

For 1983, the New Yorker and the Fifth Avenue diverged. The New Yorker was downsized yet again, and became a front-wheel drive car equipped with a four-cylinder engine. The previous car was now called New Yorker Fifth Avenue, this would be the last year M-bodies were made in Canada and the last year for the optional "Chronometer" glovebox mounted clock, 1983 was also the last year the 225 Slant-six engine was offered, as well as analog tuned radios and chrome trim pedals. The optional 8-Track player and CB radio were no longer offered.

For 1984 it was simply called Fifth Avenue. The rear-wheel drive Fifth Avenue would continue for six successful years and would prove to be the last V8-powered, rear wheel drive Chrysler until the Chrysler 300 was revived in that configuration for 2005. All Fifth Avenues from 1984 to 1989 were powered by a 5.2 L (318 in³) V8 engine mated to Chrysler\'s well-known Torqueflite automatic transmission.

Although it takes a trained eye to catch changes in the M-body Fifth Avenue, there were a few during its six-year run:

• 1984 - New Yorker badge replaced by Fifth Avenue badge on trunklid; "Fifth Avenue Edition" badge continues on the rear doors, a new steering wheel was added. The regular Pentastar was replaced a crystal one and was now used on the hood ordiment and steering wheel this would continue though the end. Wiper arms were now black (insted of silver) Engine blocks were also now painted black (pervious ones were painted light blue) Optional 10 spoke "Road Wheels" were replaced with new "Snowflake" wheels.
• 1985 - New black gearshift knob introduced (1982 to 1984 models have chromed knobs). Turn signal lever is now also black (1984 and below models were interior color keyed) with the exception of models with two-tone paint
• 1986 - New-style ignition key and center high-mounted stop lamp (the latter a federal mandate) introduced. Models with two-two paint had lower roof lines.
• 1987 - New steering wheel, last year "Snowflake" alloy wheels, two-tone paint, and rear amplifier were offered.
• 1988 - Vinyl roof restyled; lower edge of sail panel covering extended below chrome window sill moldings. "Fifth Avenue Edition" badge replaced by a crystal Pentastar surrounded by a gold wreath. 17-ounce deep-pile carpeting was no more as was most chrome trim. Driver\'s side seat now had a manual recliner (previous models had 6-way power adjusters, but no recliner). Front headrests were more cushioned. Door panels are restyled and power mirrors are standard. Overhead console became available. Driver\'s side airbag became optional in May of that year
• 1989 - Driver\'s side airbag is standard. At the time the Fifth Avenue (as well as its M body twins) was one of the only cars that offerd an airbag with a tilt steering wheel.

The final Fifth Avenues

1990 saw the previous relation between New Yorker and Fifth Avenue return, as the Fifth Avenue became a model of the New Yorker. The new Fifth Avenue was also classified as a full-size model this time; despite being smaller than the previous generation. There was some substantive difference, however, as the New Yorker Fifth Avenue used a slightly longer chassis than the standard car.

The Fifth Avenue\'s famous seats, long noted for their button-tufted appearance and sofa-like comfort, continued to be offered with the customer\'s choice of velvet or leather, with the former "Corinthian leather" replaced by that of the Mark Cross company. Leather-equipped cars bore the Mark Cross logo on the seats and, externally, on an emblem attached to the brushed aluminum band ahead of the rear door opera windows.

In this form, it resembled the newly-revived Chrysler Imperial, although some much-needed distinction was provided between the cars when the Fifth Avenue (along with its New Yorker Salon linemate) received restyled, rounded-off front and rear ends for the 1992 model year, while the Imperial continued in its original crisply-lined form.

The Fifth Avenue name was discontinued at the end of the 1993 model year when the New Yorker was replaced, first by the Chrysler Concorde and then the redesigned, longer, and more aerodynamic 1994 New Yorker.

Fifth Avenue base prices

First generation

• 1983 • $12,487 USD
• 1984 • $13,990
• 1985 • $13,978
• 1986 • $14,910
• 1987 • $15,422
• 1988 • $17,243
• 1989 • $18,345

Second generation

• 1990 • $21,020 USD
• 1991 • $20,875
• 1992 • $21,874
• 1993 • $22,048

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to:

Chrysler Fifth Avenue

• Rear wheel drive Fifth Avenue page
• Front wheel drive Fifth Avenue page

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