Engineering:Chrysler Fifth Avenue
| Chrysler Fifth Avenue | |
|---|---|
 1984 Chrysler Fifth Avenue | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Chrysler |
| Model years | 1982-1993 (as stand-alone model) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Full-size (1979–1981) Intermediate (1982–1989) Full-size (1990-1993) |
| Body style | 4-door sedan |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Chrysler New Yorker Brougham (R-body version) Chrysler LeBaron (M-body version) |
| Successor | Chrysler Imperial (for M-body) Chrysler New Yorker/LHS (for Y-body) |
Chrysler Fifth Avenue is a nameplate that was used by Chrysler on several of its larger sedans from 1979 to 1993. Serving in reference to the namesake prominent Manhattan street (two blocks west of the Chrysler Building), the nameplate was reserved for the highest-trim Chrysler vehicles (below only the Imperial). Initially offered as an option package and as a limited-edition vehicle, the Fifth Avenue eventually became a stand-alone model line, competing against the Lincoln Town Car and the Cadillac Fleetwood.
As a free-standing model line, the Chrysler Fifth Avenue was produced for two generations. From 1982 to 1989 (under several name changes), it was the Chrysler counterpart of the Dodge Diplomat, making it the final rear-wheel drive Chrysler sedan produced in the 20th century. From 1990 to 1993, the Fifth Avenue was a long-wheelbase version of the Chrysler New Yorker, sharing its body with the Chrysler Imperial.
After 1993, Chrysler retired the Fifth Avenue nameplate, replacing it with the LH platform Chrysler New Yorker and the Chrysler LHS.
First generation (R platform; 1979-1981)
| Series TP | |
|---|---|
 1979 Chrysler New Yorker Fifth Avenue | |
| Overview | |
| Model years | 1979–1981 |
| Assembly | Lynch Road Assembly, Detroit, Michigan, United States |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 4-door sedan |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Platform | R-body |
| Chassis | body-on-frame |
| Related | Chrysler New Yorker Chrysler Newport Dodge St. Regis Plymouth Gran Fury |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine |
|
| Transmission | |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 118.5 in (3,010 mm) |
| Length | 221.5 in (5,626 mm) |
| Width | 77.1 in (1,958 mm) |
| Height | 54.5 in (1,384 mm) |
| |uk|Kerb|Curb}} weight | 3,810 lb (1,730 kg) |
The Fifth Avenue name was first used in 1979, on an upmarket trim-level of the R‑body Chrysler New Yorker sedan. This generation of Chrysler, although already smaller than its maximum size of the previous 1978 Series CS, remained V8-powered and rear wheel drive. The R-body rode on a 118.5-inch (3,010 mm) wheelbase, which was similar to the downsized Cadillac and Lincoln competitors.[1]
For 1979, ordering the New Yorker Fifth Avenue Edition package got the buyer a car finished in only two-tone "Designer's Cream-on-Beige" exterior paint, with matching Champagne leather interior and lighter-toned "driftwood" woodgrain dash appliques and a unique "Pentastar" hood ornament.[1] There was a standard landau vinyl roof, and somewhat unusual fixed quarter windows which were integrated with the rear doors, while the body style was a "pillared hardtop", leaving the doors without metal frames around the windows. Added to the upper door frame surrounding the fixed quarter windows was a courtesy light above a leather door handle while an entry footlight was installed in the lower portion of the door.
To add to its exclusivity, Chrysler offered "Convenience and Appearance Options". The list offered Open Road Handling Package, Two-Tone Paint, interior lighting, air conditioning with an upgraded climate control feature, rear window defroster, cruise control, power adjustable front seat, power windows, power electric door locks, power trunk release, luxury appearance steering wheel with an extra cost leather wrapped feature, digital clock, locking gas cap, lighting and mirrors, halogen headlamps, cornering lamps, electric adjustable outside sideview mirrors, several AM/FM radio or separate stereo radio choices to include CB radio and 8-track cassette player, power electric extendable antenna, various vinyl side moldings and bumper guards, undercoating, color keyed seat belts, wheel covers, and aluminum wheels, all at extra cost.[1]
For 1980 a second exterior color was offered called "Black Walnut" metallic, a simulated alligator grained padded landau vinyl roof in matching Black Walnut with gold accent body side stripes while the interior color remained only as Champagne leather interior.[1]
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The underlying technology, consisting of engine, transmission chassis, suspension and drivetrain was shared with all full-sized R-body vehicles sold as Dodge and Plymouth products, while the exclusivity of the Chrysler name added sound insulation, color selections and more sound system choices. Overall production of the R-body New Yorkers was low (less than 75,000 from 1979 through 1981) and Fifth Avenue production was approximately 25% of them. 14 were stretched into limousines and several were provided for use during the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, NY. The others were loaned to Hollywood movie studios. During this time the Early 1980s recession in the United States began to take effect and impact sales.
North American luxury sedans began to experience competition from imported European manufacturers, like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series, and the Jaguar XJ which offered standard equipment like fuel injection and responsive engine performance as well as higher prestige and more modern design. Meanwhile, the Japanese marques introduced the Toyota Cressida and the Nissan Maxima, offering luxurious appearance, high levels of formerly optional equipment as standard, and fuel efficiency as well as markedly better reliability at a modest price.
ASC LeBaron Fifth Avenue (1980)
For 1980 only, a Fifth Avenue package was created by ASC (American Sunroof Corporation) for the Chrysler LeBaron, which shared its Chrysler M 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 on a shorter wheelbase.[1]
Second generation (M platform; 1982-1989)
| Series MBF | |
|---|---|
 Chrysler New Yorker Fifth Avenue (M-body) | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 1982–1989 |
| Assembly | Windsor Assembly (1982–1983) Saint Louis Assembly (1984–1986) Kenosha Assembly (Mid 1987–December 1988) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Platform | M-body |
| Related | Chrysler New Yorker Dodge Diplomat Plymouth Gran Fury (American Market Model) Plymouth Caravelle (Canadian Market Model) |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine |
|
| Transmission | 3-speed A727 automatic 3-speed A904 automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 112.7 in (2,863 mm) |
| Length | 206.7 in (5,250 mm) |
| Width | 72.4 in (1,839 mm) |
| Height | 55.1 in (1,400 mm) |
| |uk|Kerb|Curb}} weight | 3,655 lb (1,658 kg) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Chrysler Newport Chrysler New Yorker Brougham Chrysler LeBaron (1977-1981) |
| Successor | Chrysler Imperial (1990-1993) |
For the 1982 model year, the R-body line was discontinued and the New Yorker nameplate transferred to the smaller M-body line. Up to this point, the Chrysler M-body entry had been sold as LeBaron, but that name was moved to a new K-car based FWD line. Following the nameplate swap, the M-body line was consolidated and simplified. 360 V8 engines were gone, as were coupes and station wagons (the K-car LeBaron's coupe and wagon replaced them).
The colors offered were expanded from the previous generations' exclusivity, offering Goldenrod Crystal Coat, Nightwatch Blue, Charcoal Gray metallic, Formal Black, Morocco Red, Sterling Silver Crystal, Mahogany metallic, and Pearl White.[1]
1982 was 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 identified from a regular New Yorker by the following: opera lights, hood stripes, and Fifth Avenue Edition badges on the rear door window filler panels—New Yorkers bore "New Yorker" badges.
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In another confusing name swap, the New Yorker name was now used for another new extended K-car line in 1983, the E-body New Yorker. The larger M-body car was now called New Yorker Fifth Avenue to distinguish it from the E-body. 1983 was the last year M-bodies were made in Canada and the last year for the optional "Chronometer" glovebox-mounted clock, the 225 Slant-six six-cylinder engine, and all analog tuned radios and chrome-trimmed pedals.
For 1984, the car was simply called Fifth Avenue, setting the name that would continue for six successful years. The Fifth Avenue (and its Dodge and Plymouth siblings) would prove to be the last V8-powered, rear wheel drive Chrysler vehicles until the Chrysler 300 was revived in that configuration for 2005.
All Fifth Avenues from 1984 to 1989 were powered by a 318 cu in (5.2 L) V8 engine, mated to Chrysler's well-known Torqueflite three-speed automatic transmission. Front suspension featured transverse torsion bars with anti-sway bars. As this was the largest Chrysler model available, sales took off, especially during 1985–1986, when over 100,000 were made each year.
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Starting with the 1984 models, Fifth Avenue production was moved from Windsor, Ontario to St. Louis, Missouri. Beginning in mid-1987 through mid 1989 model year, they were manufactured at the American Motors plant in Kenosha, Wisconsin which had been purchased by Chrysler in 1987.
The Fifth Avenue also far outsold its Dodge Diplomat and Plymouth Gran Fury siblings, with a much greater proportion of sales going to private customers, despite its higher price tag.[2] Production peaked at 118,000 cars for 1986 and the Fifth Avenue stood out in a by-now K-car dominated lineup as Chrysler's lone concession to traditional RWD American sedans.
Some of the changes to the M-body Fifth Avenue through the years included:
- 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 by a crystal one and was now used on the hood ornament and steering wheel (this would continue through 1989). Wiper arms were now black (instead of silver). Engine blocks were also now painted black (previous ones were painted light blue) Optional 10-spoke alloy "Road Wheels" were replaced with new optional "Snowflake" alloy wheels. New upholstery, and new exterior colors (most in base/clear) appeared.
- 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. A revised 5.2 L V8 now had a roller camshaft, swirl-port heads, and a carburetor changed from a two-barrel Carter to a two-barrel Holley. This increased horsepower from 130 to 140 and torque was also increased to 265 lb-ft (from 230). California models now also came with the Holley 6280 2bbl carb.
- 1986 - New-style ignition key and center high-mounted stop lamp (the latter a federal mandate) introduced. Models with two-tone paint had lower roof lines.
- 1987 - New steering wheel; final year for optional 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 control panels were 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 which in 1990 would reappear on the Imperial. Driver's side seat now had a manual recliner (previous models had 6-way power adjusters, but no recliner). Front headrests were more cushioned. The piping around the seats was now stitched material rather than the plastic in previous years. New radios. Door panels are restyled and new power mirrors are standard. Passenger side dash vents were now interior color-keyed (instead of black with chrome trim). A new overhead console with map lamps, compass/temperature display and sunglasses storage became available. A driver SRS with padded knee bolster affixed below the instrument panel became optional in May.
- 1989 - Final year of production. 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. Many optional features were made standard.
During the years 1982 to 1988, approximately 60 of these cars were stretched into limousines by various coach companies.
Production Figures/Base Prices
Production figures for Fifth Avenue were as follows:
1982 - 50,509
1983 - 83,501
1984 - 79,441
1985 - 109,971
1986 - 104,744
1987 - 70,579
1988 - 43,486
1989 - 26,883
Total: 569,114
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Flammang, James (1999). Standard Catalog of American Cars 1976–1999 3rd Edition. Krause publications. ISBN 0-87341-755-0.
- ↑ "Dodge Diplomat, Plymouth Gran Fury, Chrysler Lebaron, Town & Country, New Yorker, Fifth Avenue, and Caravelle", allpar.com, retrieved on 2010-01-04.
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