Chrysler · 1982–1993

Chrysler Fifth Avenue

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.

Text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Predecessor: Chrysler New Yorker · Successor: Chrysler New Yorker Fifth Avenue|Chrysler LHS

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First generation (R platform; 1979-1981)

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. 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. 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. The package was so thoroughly color-keyed that even the bumper rub strips were beige. The R-body Fifth Avenues ran for three years, although additional Fifth Avenue colors were added for 1980 and 1981. The concealed headlights were a styling feature that carried over from the discontinued Imperial LeBaron and the Chrysler New Yorker Brougham that briefly replaced the marque. The listed retail price of the New Yorker was $8,631 ($33,726 in 2025 dollars) and the Fifth Avenue trim package added $1,500 extra ($5,861 in 2025 dollars). The front suspension continued to offer Chryslers signature, but antiquated, longitudinal front torsion bars, called Torsion-Aire, and anti-sway bar with a solid rear

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.

Second generation (M platform; 1982-1989)

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 Fifth Avenue option was still available as a $1,244 package ($4,150 in 2025 dollars ) to the listed retail price of $10,851 ($36,201 in 2025 dollars ). It was adapted from the earlier LeBaron's package, with a distinctive vinyl roof, electro-luminescent opera lamps, and a rear fascia adapted from the Dodge Diplomat, albeit modified. Interiors featured button-tufted, pillow-soft seats covered in either "Kimberley velvet" or "Corinthian leather", choices that would continue unchanged throughout the car's run. In addition, the carpet was thicker than that offered in the base New Yorker, Diplomat and Gran Fury/Caravelle Salon, and the interior had more chrome trim. The Fifth Avenue option also included illuminated entry, AM/FM stereo with a rear amplifier, power door locks, power 6-way driver's seat, power antenna, remote trunk release, dual side mirrors, full undercoating, passenger vanity mirror, tape stripes, locking wire wheel covers, as well as a standard 5.2-litre (318 cu in), V8 engine. 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. 1982 was the last year for the optional AM/FM 8-track stereo, and AM/FM stereo with integrated CB. The exter

Third generation (Y platform; 1990-1993)

For 1990, Chrysler released a third generation of the Fifth Avenue. Again taking on the New Yorker name, the Fifth Avenue now shared its Y platform chassis with the Chrysler Imperial (also released for 1990). The first version of the model line to adopt front-wheel drive, the Fifth Avenue/Imperial were long-wheelbase versions of the C platform Dodge Dynasty and Chrysler New Yorker (introduced for 1988), with a five-inch wheelbase extension to the rear passenger compartment. Sharing its front and rear bodywork with the smaller New Yorker, the Fifth Avenue was fitted with a standard rear vinyl roof; along with its vertical taillamps (shared with the New Yorker), the Fifth Avenue was distinguished from the Imperial primarily in its vinyl roof covering the C-pillars rearward (as opposed to aft of the B-pillars). To visually shorten the appearance of the longer rear bodywork, the vinyl roof extended onto the rear doors (giving the appearance of a fixed rear quarter window). Though nearly 8 inches shorter than its 1989 namesake (and nearly a foot narrower than several American competitors), the change to front-wheel drive and the longer wheelbase over the C platform chassis brought enough of an increase in interior volume for the 1990 Fifth Avenue to officially be classified as a full-size car (along with its Imperial counterpart, becoming the first full-size Chryslers since 1981). The Fifth Avenue was further distinguished from the Imperial by the design of its interior; to adopt a more traditional appearance, the Fifth Avenue shared its dashboard and door panels with the New Yorker Landau. The button-tufted seats made their return with the choice of either velour or leather upholstery; the former "Corinthian leather" was replaced by that of the Mark Cross Company (which in

Sections adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0); text is shortened. Read the full article for the complete history and citations.

Specifications

name: Chrysler Fifth Avenue
Manufacturer: Chrysler
Body style: 4-door sedan
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)
Class: Full-size (1979–1981), Intermediate (1982–1989), Full-size (1990–1993)
Model years: 1982–1993 (as stand-alone model)

Specification summary from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0). Measured facts from Wikidata (CC0). Check the linked sources for citations.

More photos

Sources

Wikidata — https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q946230CC0 1.0 · retrieved 2026-10-01
Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysler_Fifth_AvenueCC BY-SA 4.0 · Text © Wikipedia contributors; revision 1361160134 · retrieved 2026-10-01
Wikimedia Commons — https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:84ChryslerFifthAvenue.jpgPublic domain · Photo: Hkw2121 · retrieved 2026-10-01
Car Model Index — https://models.autoculturesociety.com/Compiled record. Sources that do not permit reuse are not copied; this index is credited instead.