On the Fence...

"Boxer_4" (Boxer_4) 02/16/2016 at 21:16 • Filed to: None

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Is a 200 hp 2.2L turbocharged engine with a 16 valve Cosworth head and Mahle pistons, backed by a Getrag 5-speed manual enough to redeem the Chrysler TC by Maserati?

I’m undecided. On the one hand, the unusual K-car turbo engine give the TC an even weirder history, which intrigues me. On the other hand, it’s still basically a LeBaron.

Find this fancy LeBaron for sale !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! .

ranwhenparked > Boxer_4 02/16/2016 at 21:23

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It looks a lot like a LeBaron, but doesn’t actually share any sheet metal with it, which kind of makes you think Chrysler massively overspent on the development. I mean, that’s 1980s GM-level redundancy right there - develop two different cars that look exactly alike, but actually aren’t.

I don’t know what to make of the TC. It was a terrible buy when it was new, but as a used car, it might make some sense - if it wasn’t for the fact that everyone selling one has an inflated opinion of what they’re worth.

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > Boxer_4 02/16/2016 at 21:26

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I like the Reatta & Allante more

Your boy, BJR > Boxer_4 02/16/2016 at 21:30

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No. The outside still looks like a LeBaron and the inside looks like an orgy at a nursing home.

Boxer_4 > ranwhenparked 02/16/2016 at 21:31

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The TC and the LeBaron do actually share a windshield, but I was having fun with the “in” joke...

But yeah, the similar styling didn’t help. I consider the height of GM design redundancy to be the early ‘90s with the original Saturn S and the Cutlass Supreme. The TC and LeBaron were at least a bit better than that, but not by much.

Boxer_4 > Your boy, BJR 02/16/2016 at 21:32

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So, the perfect ‘80s luxury car...

/sarcasm...

Boxer_4 > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 02/16/2016 at 21:36

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Those are nice, but I’m strangely drawn to the Chrysler between the three. That might have something to do with the fact that my grandfather was a Chrysler guy back in the ‘80s/’90s.

Birddog > Boxer_4 02/16/2016 at 21:42

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The only thing that car is good for is it’s drivetrain. Swap it into a Sundance/Shadow or if you’re nuts enough an L body and you’re guaranteed a fun time.

That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms > Boxer_4 02/16/2016 at 22:05

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Nah, the weight of the TC kinda ruins the fun of the 2.2 Turbo III engine. Also the looks of it. If I want that engine, I'll take it in a Spirit RT.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > ranwhenparked 02/16/2016 at 22:12

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We’re talking about Chrysler here, the same company that makes a round little Jeep and a square little Jeep. Which are functionally the same exact vehicle.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Boxer_4 02/16/2016 at 22:13

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I don’t think a 200HP engine is really enough to redeem anything.

Busslayer > Boxer_4 02/16/2016 at 22:23

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I was going to say, “sure, why not?” It is different so kinda cool, the 2.2s have a bit of a following if you want to turn up the wick.

Then I saw the asking price. No way for those dollars. I assumed a nice one of these could be had for $4k or so. For $10k it better be show quality and owned by someone that really has a thing for these.

Boxer_4 > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms 02/16/2016 at 22:25

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I keep forgetting about the Spirit R/T. It got the much better 224 hp Turbo III, too.

Boxer_4 > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 02/16/2016 at 22:28

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Hey, 200 hp out of a 4 cylinder was a big deal in the late ‘80s.

It doesn’t seem that impressive now, however.

That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms > Boxer_4 02/16/2016 at 22:32

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Yup, so did the Daytona IROC RT. For what it’s worth, you may as well get a LeBaron with a Turbo 2 and a stick...174hp and a less fiddly 8v head.

Roadster Man > Boxer_4 02/16/2016 at 22:40

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The answer is “no.”

Boxer_4 > Roadster Man 02/16/2016 at 22:41

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Noted.

CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) > Boxer_4 02/16/2016 at 22:45

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The only difference with this and the Lebaron is the body panel gaps. Lebaron takes the crown

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Boxer_4 02/16/2016 at 22:51

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Also, I’ve visited the NCAR Mesa lab in the background.

Boxer_4 > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms 02/16/2016 at 22:57

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If I was going ‘80s Chrysler turbo, I think I’d go Daytona

Boxer_4 > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 02/16/2016 at 22:58

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I didn’t even notice it. I’ve been there, too.

Boxer_4 > Busslayer 02/16/2016 at 23:05

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The issue is that because the TC was a bit rare (the 5-speed especially so), people think that they are valuable. They are, to an extent, but I don’t see them worth what they are asking for them.

$4k gets you a 160 hp version with the 3-speed automatic.

PorkchoPlissken > Boxer_4 02/16/2016 at 23:17

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Very cool and in amazing shape. But for 10k it should come with a reach around from Mrs. TheBaron.

The World of Vee > Boxer_4 02/17/2016 at 00:03

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I think the TC is a super cool car. Mainly because I think the decadent 80s interior matches with the subtle looks is a nice pairing.

If only they didn’t make the Lebaron and instead only made TCs in coupe/vert/sedan they’d have had a true hit.

Spoon II > Boxer_4 02/17/2016 at 00:48

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Those seats.... Same with the Maserati Biturbo. They’re like drivable LazyBoys

That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms > Boxer_4 02/17/2016 at 07:03

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That’s probably the right choice, I had a bunch of turbo Dodges when I was a kid, including 86, 88, and 90 Daytonas. 86 was a Turbo I, 88 was a Turbo II, 90 was a Shelby with the Turbo IV...basically the T2 with a VNT turbo, mine never worked right. Best turbo Dodge I had though was a Rampage that my grandfather swapped the drivetrain and suspension from a Shelby Charger into. That was a cool little car-truck.