Chrysler Masserati TC convertible

[Paul G]

Any one remember these cars? I saw one today with a Masserati engine. The owner says only 500 were made with Masserati engine.

[adauto]

Sent a few to the shredder, so I do remember. But always mopowered.....

[471_Magnum]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysler_TC_by_Maserati

Wasn't really Maserati engine. Just a Maserati sourced head.

[bull]

Sent a few to the shredder, so I do remember.

I bet you didn't even feel bad either. I wouldn't.

[Richard Cranium]

One of the cars below is a TC & one is a LeBaron. Not much difference, is there?






Today, they're equally worthless.

[Paul G]

The one I saw looked unusual with its removable hard top. Very Italian leather interior. Thickly padded seats, very comfortable. The owner wants to sell it. He is the original owner. He said that he paid $30k for it in 1989. Most were going for $10k over list. He paid list. He wants to get $18k for it. I don't think so now. His has the Maserati head and the Getrag trans. But not worth anywhere near that.

[Aero426]

It was Chrysler's attempt to compete with cars like the Mercedes SL.  When they were on the way out in 1990, you could buy a new one in Milwaukee for 10k off list at 19k.    It is basically a G-body (Daytona) front and rear clip on an Italian built center section.    The cars were supposed to precede the Lebaron convertible, but just barely made it.   The Lebaron gave you the same look and a back seat.   The TC's are interesting cars, but if you have to have one, buy the best you can find because trim parts are made of unobtanium and can  cost you Hemi prices.   

[bull]

 

He said that he paid $30k for it in 1989. Most were going for $10k over list. He paid list. He wants to get $18k for it. .

I'd want to get $18k for it too. But I'd be embarrassed to ask.

[adauto]

Sent a few to the shredder, so I do remember.

I bet you didn't even feel bad either. I wouldn't.

    what can I say.......

[Ghoste]

I wonder if there will ever be a time when they are worth some money?

[bull]

I wonder if there will ever be a time when they are worth some money?

No. If not after 20 years, probably never.

[Ghoste]

That's what's making me curious though.  Is it the car or has the "20 year rule" changed?

[bull]

That's what's making me curious though.  Is it the car or has the "20 year rule" changed?

It's the car. Without even the benefit of a cool name, it's got the appeal of a 1978 Challenger or a 1975 Charger - both well beyond this 20-year rule you're talking about. The car just plain sucks. I wouldn't pay $3k for a museum quality TC unless I could flip it to some sucker. How much money you got in the bank, Ghoste?

[Ghoste]

Probably enough to buy up Maserati TC's but not enough to hold out while I wait for the value to rise.

[Paul G]

It seems like it would be fun car for car shows and cruise nights because it looks like a Lebaron but isn't. Especially with that big red Maserati head on it. It got a lot of attention and questions asked. People who know Mopars were very inquisitive, as was I. Maybe the value being in the toilet is a good thing for someone looking for a fun convertible that is very unique. They seem to be in the $3000 to $4000 range with a regular 2.2 or V6. This one was more rare with the Maserati head, but not necessarily more valuable. I think he said they only made 500 with the Maserati head. 

[resq302]

and how would one designate the maserati head from the regular head?

[Paul G]

and how would one designate the maserati head from the regular head?

The 1989 TC used a slightly detuned Daytona-spec turbocharged 2.2 L straight-4 Chrysler K engine . This intercooled version, known as the Turbo II, was coupled to an A413 three-speed automatic transaxle. The Turbo II was replaced by a Mitsubishi-sourced 3.0 L V6 engine for the 1990 and 1991 model years, with the automatic transaxle being upgraded to a four-speed A604 unit. 500 cars were built with an alternate drivetrain consisting of a Getrag manual transmission and a 16-valve Cosworth head version of the 2.2 L. This engine is often called the "Maserati" engine as it has Maserati on the valve cover.

[resq302]

ah, ok Maserati on the valve cover.  Got it!  and its only avail. with the 4 cyl engine.

[Ponch ®]

One of the cars below is a TC & one is a LeBaron. Not much difference, is there?






Today, they're equally worthless.

that was it's downfall. Chrysler came out w the TC as this semi-exotic, upscale car...then they come out with a "run of the mill" that looks just like it but cost a lot less...

[daveco]

I worked with a guy that bought one new, poor guy thought it was going to be a great investment.

[squeakfinder]

    Reminds me of the chevy cavalier and cadillac cimarron in the 80's. Cadillac emblems and price tag on a caviler.

[aussiemuscle]

That's what's making me curious though.  Is it the car or has the "20 year rule" changed?

i think it's stretched out a bit, like 30-35 years. mid-eighties cars are starting to pick up some interest now. They just weren't as cool as late sixties and therefore haven't had the appeal build as quickly.