Actually, it was a pretty good idea at the time.

Nobody and I mean nobody was producing any kind of an exciting convertible. It's purpose was to put some sexy Italian spark into the brand. It did that. But was perceived, correctly, as a marketing ploy.

A few of these had five speed Getrags in them and with the Turbo there was some spirit to the 2.2 litre engine. Sadly the advantages of a manual doesn't translate all that well to a front wheel drive. I think there are only about 500 with the Getrag so there is some value for collectors. It is not a performance car but if you have one, you have something more unique than a Crossfire, even an SRT.

Having owned an '82 Mark Cross version, I liked the TC and wanted one, but at the time my perked up little Lebaron just wouldn't die. So I had to keep it for 200K miles. Last I heard it was still running and on it's fourth owner.

Yeah, they were lousy cars.


roadster with a stick