Penske Is Selling A 1988 Chrysler LeBaron Pace Car Edition

Iconic '80s Pace Car Edition Goes To Mecum Indy...

Robert S. Miller May 9, 2024

1988 Chrysler LeBaron Convertible Indy 500 Pace Car Edition. (Mecum).

Get ready to witness a piece of automotive history roll onto the auction stage at Mecum Indy 2024 on Thursday, May 16th. The spotlight will shine on this iconic 1988 Chrysler LeBaron Pace Car Edition, an icon of the Chrysler Corporation in the ’80s.

After discontinuing the first generation LeBaron coupe and convertible in 1986, Chrysler released a new LeBaron in 1987, built on the J-platform (a derivative of the K-platform). The all-new LeBaron looked modern and aerodynamic compared to its boxy predecessor and was quite stylish for its day, featuring headlights hidden behind retractable metal covers, a waterfall grille, steeply raked windshield, a full-width taillight, and curved Coke-bottle style rocker panels.

With just 228 miles on the odometer, this LeBaron Pace Car is a testament to its immaculate, unrestored condition. One of only 1,000 ever produced, this beauty has been meticulously cared for under the watchful eye of Team Penske since it first hit the road.

Underneath the hood lies a turbocharged 2.2-liter inline four-cylinder engine, delivering a punchy performance that’s sure to excite. Paired with an automatic transmission and road touring suspension, this LeBaron offers a smooth and thrilling ride every time. While the actual pace car received the Turbo II version of the 2.2-liter from the Dodge Daytona Shelby Z, which produced 174 horsepower, the replicas were all fitted with the Turbo I version, which produced 146 horsepower.

Step inside, and you’ll be greeted by a luxurious leather bucket seat interior with power amenities like a convertible top, antenna, and driver’s seat. The Infinity II cassette stereo provides the perfect soundtrack for your cruise down memory lane, while features like electronic speed control and a leather-wrapped steering wheel add to the comfort and convenience of this classic ride.

But what truly sets this LeBaron apart is its prestigious racing pedigree. Driven by the legendary Al Unser Sr. at the 2015 Woodward Dream Cruise, this pace car has graced the track alongside some of the greatest names in motorsport history. And with Carroll Shelby, the mastermind behind the iconic Shelby Cobra, at the helm as a pace car driver, the LeBaron’s legacy as a symbol of speed and style is firmly cemented.

It will be interesting to see how much the car will fetch once it crosses the Mecum Indy 2024 auction block. To get more details about the event and how to make a bid on this piece of Chrysler history, you can visit the car’s dedicated page on Mecum.com.