This reminds me of the time I drove my powder bronze 1960 Imperial LeBaron into a gas station back in the middle '80's. A woman who was filling up her late model "LeBaron" was astounded by the sight of it, and exclaimed, "THAT'S A LeBaron?????". I simply replied that at one time, the name LeBaron was reserved for only the most expensive production auto made by Chrysler.
Paul W.
-----Original Message-----
From: Elijah Scott <imperial1971@xxxxxxxxx>
To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 04:53:47 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: IML: odd LeBaron/branding question
Nat Hall <nathall@xxxxxxxx> wrote:
But my quesion still remains: why was this symbol used on the 77-81
*Chrysler* LeBaron?
My own personal theory--based solely on my own slightly cynical sense of humor--is that there was a BIG bin of LeBaron nameplates sitting in the factory, and someone at Chrysler corporate at that time decided they couldn't afford to let them go to waste.
Hey, the late '70s were lean years for Chrysler! ;o)
I am assuming simply because there was no Imperial line at the time, and the LeBaron was formerly an Imperial model? The whole thing seems very silly to me.
I suppose there might be an argument made for branding a "new" mid-line model with a nameplate that previously was used on a high-line model. Maybe the thought was that using the LeBaron nameplate would add some glitz and class to an otherwise drab car?
Nah. I still think it was that BIG bin of leftover LeBaron emblems. ;o)
Elijah
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