This being the last few days of Drive Tribe being in existence I figured why not go out with a bang by showing a unique casting made by a unique toy company from the early 80’s.
The car, a 1984 Chrysler Lebaron made by Road Champs. Road Champs was kind of an oddity for a toy car company. The wheels resembled those on Hot Wheels of the same era and had springy suspension similar to that of Matchbox cars. They also made some unique castings such as a 1973 Corvette, 1949 Buick Roadmaster, and a 1983 Buican Riviera just to name a few.
Road Champs created a series called “Rag Tops” in which consisted of a car coming with 2 versions of a convertible top: Fully retracted or fully closed mode.
The Chrysler Lebaron shown here was available in white with red interior, red with white interior, or as shown here, black with beige interior. (Later versions would only come with one piece to either represent the top being up or down.)
Nothing says “Luxury” more than having the name of the car stenciled onto the hood.
Nothing says “Luxury” more than having the name of the car stenciled onto the hood.
Now, like anything from the 80’s, quality is subpar. The proportions of the casting look off from certain angles. The fit and finish isn’t the greatest (pock marks in the casting, dust embedded in the paint, crooked windshield, doors don’t close quite right…. Wait, am I talkIng about the real car or the toy car here?)
I can smell the rich Corinthian leather from here.
I can smell the rich Corinthian leather from here.
All in all, this casting is pure nostalgia. It’s fun little piece of 80’s malaiseness.
Lebarons with flare!! (The red one is a color changer.)
Lebarons with flare!! (The red one is a color changer.)
Keyword: Malaise Monday - Chrysler Lebaron