Chrysler Fifth Avenue
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Fifth Avenue was a name used by Chrysler Corporation on its largest models from 1979 to 1993.
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-70s, was still V8 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 New Yorker was downsized again for 1982, to a smaller but still rear wheel drive, V8 platform, and the Fifth Avenue option was still available. It was adapted from the 1977-1981 Chrysler LeBaron, itself based on the Dodge Aspen, but with a distinctive vinyl roof, opera lamps, and rear end design.
For 1983, the New Yorker and the Fifth Avenue diverged. The New Yorker was downsized yet again, and became a front wheel drive V6 package. The previous car continued under the Fifth Avenue badge, and so for the first time Fifth Avenue was a model in its own right. This car ran for six successful years and would prove to be the last V8, rear-drive Chrysler until the Chrysler 300 was revived in that configuration for 2004. The Fifth Avenue gained a driver's side airbag in mid-1988. All Fifth Avenues during this time were powered by a 5.2L V8 and mated to a Torqueflite automatic transmission. Interiors featured button-tufted, pillowy seats covered in either "Kimberley" velvet or "Corinthian" leather.
1990 saw the previous relation between New Yorker and Fifth Avenue return, as the latter became a model of the former. There was some substantive difference, however, as the New Yorker Fifth Avenue used a slightly longer chassis than the standard car, and was available with a 3.8L V6 unavailable in the standard New Yorker. In this it resembled the newly-revived Chrysler Imperial. This arrangement lasted four years, and the Fifth Avenue name expired at the end of the 1993 model year.
External links
- Rear-drive Fifth Avenues page (http://www.angelfire.com/ca/mikesspot/frames.html)
- Front-drive Fifth Avenues page (http://www.allpar.com/model/fifth-avenue/door.html)