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.

First generation (R platform; 1979-1981)

The Fifth Avenue name was first used in 1979, on an upmarket trim-level of the Rbody 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 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. Production peaked at 118,000 cars for 1986 and the Fifth Avenue stood out in a by-now K-car dominated lineup as Chrysler's lone concession to traditional RWD American sedans.

Some of the changes to the M-body Fifth Avenue through the years included:

1984 - New Yorker badge replaced by Fifth Avenue badge on trunklid; "Fifth Avenue Edition" badge continues on the rear doors, a new steering wheel was added. The regular Pentastar was replaced by a crystal one and was now used on the hood ornament and steering wheel (this would continue through 1989). Wiper arms were now black (instead of silver). Engine blocks were also now painted black (previous ones were painted light blue) Optional 10-spoke alloy "Road Wheels" were replaced with new optional "Snowflake" alloy wheels. New upholstery, and new exterior colors (most in base/clear) appeared.
1985 - New black gearshift knob introduced (1982 to 1984 models have chromed knobs). Turn signal lever is now also black (1984 and below models were interior color keyed) with the exception of models with two-tone paint. A revised 5.2 L V8 now had a roller camshaft, swirl-port heads, and a carburetor changed from a two-barrel Carter to a two-barrel Holley. This increased horsepower from 130 to 140 and torque was also increased to 265 lb-ft (from 230). California models now also came with the Holley 6280 2bbl carb.
1986 - New-style ignition key and center high-mounted stop lamp (the latter a federal mandate) introduced. Models with two-tone paint had lower roof lines.
1987 - New steering wheel; final year for optional alloy wheels, two-tone paint, and rear stereo amplifier were offered. Also the last year for 17-ounce deep-pile carpeting and the last year the radio, headlight switch and climate control panels were silver.
1988 - Vinyl roof restyled; lower edge of sail panel covering extended below chrome window sill moldings. "Fifth Avenue Edition" badge replaced by a crystal Pentastar surrounded by a gold wreath which in 1990 would reappear on the Imperial. Driver's side seat now had a manual recliner (previous models had 6-way power adjusters, but no recliner). Front headrests were more cushioned. The piping around the seats was now stitched material rather than the plastic in previous years. New radios. Door panels are restyled and new power mirrors are standard. Passenger side dash vents were now interior color-keyed (instead of black with chrome trim). A new overhead console with map lamps, compass/temperature display and sunglasses storage became available. A driver SRS with padded knee bolster affixed below the instrument panel became optional in May.
1989 - Final year of production. Driver's side airbag is standard. At the time the Fifth Avenue (as well as its M body twins) was one of the only cars that offered an airbag with a tilt steering wheel. Many optional features were made standard.

During the years 1982 to 1988, approximately 60 of these cars were stretched into limousines by various coach companies.

Production Figures/Base Prices

Production figures for Fifth Avenue were as follows:

1982 - 50,509

1983 - 83,501

1984 - 79,441

1985 - 109,971

1986 - 104,744

1987 - 70,579

1988 - 43,486

1989 - 26,883

Total: 569,114

<!--

Base prices were as follows-(all in USD):

1982 - $10,851 ($ in dollars )

1983 - $12,487 ($ in dollars )

1984 - $13,990 ($ in dollars )

1985 - $13,978 ($ in dollars )

1986 - $14,910 ($ in dollars )

1987 - $15,422 ($ in dollars )

1988 - $17,243 ($ in dollars )

1989 - $18,345 ($ in dollars ) -->

Third generation (Y platform; 1990-1993)

left|thumb|1990-1991 Chrysler New Yorker Fifth Avenue

left|thumb|1993 Chrysler New Yorker Fifth Avenue

left|thumb|1993 Chrysler New Yorker Fifth Avenue, rear view

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 interior saw several functional changes, as floor storage console was added to the dashboard, along with a redesign of the overhead console (still home to the optional trip computer).