First Generation 1977–1981 M-body Mid-size LeBaron sedan, coupé, and wagon
Although the LeBaron name had been used before on Imperials, this was the first time the name was used on its own. The cars used the Dodge Aspen platform, but with a different body shell known as the M-body, and their primary purpose was as a more upmarket version of the Aspen/Volare. Initial 1977 models comprised coupes and sedans, with a Town & Country station wagon appearing for 1978 (using the nameplate formerly carried by full-sized C-body Chrysler wagons). Engines consisted of the 225-cid Slant Six, the 318 V8, and the 360 V8. Most were equipped with the 3-speed Torqueflite automatic transmission, but a four-speed manual gearbox was offered with the two smaller engines until 1981.
In 1980, the LeBaron was reskinned to gain more crisp sheet metal, gaining a waterfall grille, new headlight fascias, and more angular taillamps. The rear roofline was also made shorter and steeper. The 2-door coupe received new smooth rear sheetmetal, that replaced the old curved rear panels. On the inside, enhancements were made to the interior to make it more luxurious. For 1981, a limited edition "Fifth Avenue" package was available; only 654 LeBarons were produced with this package. Also a police package was offered for that year. Station wagons remained unchanged from the doors back.
The LeBaron model name was moved to the new front-wheel drive K-platform for the 1982 model year. The former M-body LeBaron sedan became the Chrysler New Yorker; it could still be equipped with the Fifth Avenue package. The M-body wagons and coupes were discontinued after 1981. Chrysler's M-body sedan was ultimately renamed Fifth Avenue for 1983 and it was produced through 1989 little changed from the 1980,vintage LeBaron sedan.
Source: wikipedia.org
Chrysler LeBaron threads:
Chrysler LeBaron (1st gen) 1977-1981
Chrysler LeBaron (2nd gen) 1982-1988
Chrysler LeBaron GTS 1984-1989
Chrysler LeBaron (3rd gen) Coupe/Convertible 1986-1995
Chrysler LeBaron (3rd gen) Sedan 1989-1994