1987 Chrysler Fifth Avenue - Leather, Power, 1980s Malaise Radwood Classic

Your great grandpa's favorite ride can now be yours. Up for sale is a true malaise era classic, my lovely 1987 Chrysler Fifth Avenue, AKA the Golden Chariot.This was (surprise) a great grandma's car for years. She took great care of it. When she got too old to drive the great grandson took the car, immediately got arrested, and the car was impounded. I purchased it on a whim last year to bring to the Radwood Car Show in Anaheim. Since then it has gotten driven mostly on weekends.
Why Are You Here?If you're looking at this ad, it's either because you covet the weird, long forgotten boxy cars of the 80s, or you accidentally clicked on my ad while looking for a boring Corolla or something. Forget about those dull new economy cars, what you really want is one of the last traditional V8 rear wheel drive American luxury sedans. Make your great grandpa proud. Step up to the Golden Chariot.
Golden What?The M-body platform that this Fifth Avenue is based on was introduced way back in the late 70s, and soldered on relatively unchanged all the way through 1989. So you're getting all of the style of the late 70s with none of those pesky technological upgrades of the 80s.
This Golden Chariot is simply a pleasure to drive. Octogenarians require steering that can be operated with just a pinky--and the Fifth Avenue delivers. Quick steering ratio with loads of body roll mean turns are like floating on a pillowy malaise cloud. Super smooth and quiet on the freeway.
Under The HoodThe 5.2L (318ci) V8 pushed out 170 horsepower when new. It's certainly got enough power to keep up with modern cars in traffic. The motor is carbureted (electronically controlled) so you do need to let it warm up a bit before you drive it. One of the last carbureted cars sold in the US.
Step InsideInside you're greeted with what I might argue are the most comfortable car seats I have ever rested my butt on. These button-tufted pillow-soft seats are covered in fine Corinthian leather, and are supremely comfortable. Under your feet is the optional deep-pile carpeting. So soft you might just want to lean over and rub your face on it. But don't do that, I haven't vacuumed it in a while.
Enough Already, What's The Condition?Car looks pretty damn good considering it is 31 years old. Paint is in good shape (great from 10 feet). Leather is not perfect but very decent for the age. Only a five digit odometer, but given the condition, I believe the mileage to be 120,138.
I haven't done much to the Golden Chariot since I bought it--it has always run great. Most recently I installed a brand new Bosch battery (purchased November 2018). And very importantly, the car comes with a clean title. It just passed smog with flying colors.
Comes with the very rare alloy wheels, all are in great shape. Most Fifth Avenues seem to have had the grandpa favorite wire mesh wheels. All of the power windows all work, power locks work, power steering works. All gauges work. Brakes are in good working order an stop the car on a dime. California car, absolutely no rust.
Ok, What's Wrong With The Thing?Like any old car, there are some issues. Main one is the car does not come with keys. It starts by just turning the ignition, no key required. I didn't get around to installing a new ignition lock cylinder and door locks. RockAuto carries both the ignition lock cylinder and door lock cylinder, total is about $40 for all. If this is a sticking point for a potential buyer, I'll get off my ass and install them.
It should be pointed out that the car does have a few minor scratches, and a few very small dents. Again, not really noticeable from a distance but certainly noticeable if you're looking up close.
Some of the cloth-covered interior trim pieces have been removed. Over time the cloth separates from the trim. The car comes with many replacement pieces that just need to be recovered and reinstalled. Also comes with a few additional NOS parts like turn signal lenses.
Radio does not work. A/C was swapped over to R34 at some point but does not blow cold. Heat works great. Landau vinyl roof is cracking and faded on the top. Looks good from the sides.
Enough Already, This Ad is Way Too LongYes it is a long ad, but I want you to know everything about the Golden Chariot that I can think of. It has been a fantastic weekend car but I have too many old 80s cars filling up my yard and the neighbors are starting to wonder if I have a problem (I do).
Thanks for looking!