Chrysler Fifth Avenue

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Chrysler Fifth Avenue
First generation Chrysler Fifth Avenue
Manufacturer Chrysler Corporation
Production 1983–1993
Predecessor Chrysler LeBaron (M-body version)
Successor Chrysler Concorde
Class Full-size
Body style(s) 4-door sedan
First generation
1983 Chrysler New Yorker Fifth Avenue
Production 1983–1989
Assembly Belvidere, Illinois
St. Louis, Missouri (M-body platform)
Kenosha, Wisconsin (1987-89)
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
1992-93 Chrysler New Yorker
Production 1990–1993
Assembly Belvidere, Illinois
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.

Contents

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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 carpets were thicker, and the interor had more chrome trim. The Fifth Avenue option also included illuminated 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 would be the last year for the optional AM/FM 8-track stereo, and AM/FM stereo with integrated CB. The exterior of a Fifth Avenue Edition New Yorker can be indentified from a regular New Yorker by the following: opera lights, hood stripes, and Fifth Avenue Edition badges on roof.

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 all analog tuned radios and chrome trim pedals.

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.

Production Figures by Year:
1983 83,501
1984 79,441
1985 109,971
1986 104,744
1987 70,579
1988 43,486
1989 26,883
Grand Total 518,605

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 through the end. Wiper arms were now black (instead of silver) Engine blocks were also now painted black (pervious ones were painted light blue) Optional 10 spoke alloy "Road Wheels" were replaced with new optional "Snowflake" alloy 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. Hood badge/decal changed from chrome Chrysler star to clear plastic Chrysler Star.
  • 1987 - New steering wheel, last year alloy wheels, two-tone paint, and rear stereo amplifier were offered. Also the last year for 17-ounce deep-pile carpeting and the last year the radio, headlight switch and climate controls where silver.
  • 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. 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 new 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 offered an airbag with a tilt steering wheel.

[edit] 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 first 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.

[edit] Fifth Avenue base prices

[edit] First generation

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

[edit] Second generation

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

[edit] External links

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