Chrysler M platform
 | This article includes a list of references, related reading, or external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks inline citations. (April 2019) |
| Chrysler M Platform | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Chrysler Corporation |
| Production | 1977-1989 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Mid-size |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Body style(s) | 2-door coupe 4-door sedan 4-door station wagon |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine(s) | 3.7 L Slant 6 I6 5.2 L LA V8 5.9 L LA V8 |
| Transmission(s) | 4-speed A833 manual 3-speed A727 automatic 3-speed A904 automatic 3-speed A999 automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 108.7 in (2,761 mm) (2-door models only, 1980-82) 112.7 in (2,863 mm) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | F-body R-body |
| Successor | Y-body |
The M-Bodies were Chrysler Corporation's successor to the F-body Aspen/Volare. The platform, almost identical to the F-body, was introduced in 1977, and it was the basis for some mid-sized Chrysler models until its demise in 1989. The M-body was also the successor to the short-lived R-body, as the Chrysler New Yorker and Plymouth Gran Fury moved to it following the R-body's demise in 1981. The M platform was the final production passenger car with a solid rear axle mounted on Hotchkiss-style, parallel semi-elliptical leaf springs sold in the U.S.
The M-cars were built at St. Louis, Missouri and Newark, Delaware with initial debut (LeBaron/Diplomat series) in spring 1977 as late 1977 models, with some 1977-83 production also at Windsor, Ontario. Beginning in late 1986 (1987 models) and through the last 1989 year (ending in December 1988), the American Motors plant in Kenosha, Wisconsin was also used for production.
By 1983-84, it became clear that most private buyers preferred the equally roomy but cheaper and more fuel-efficient K-cars; however, the M's long-proven traditional engineering, handling, and V8 engine availability appealed to police and taxi fleets, allowing the car's continued existence until the end of the decade. In 1989 the Chrysler M-bodies received a standard drivers side air bag. After the M-bodies were discontinued in 1989 Chrysler Corporation wouldn't build a rear wheel drive car outside of trucks and specialty models until LX based cars.
Vehicles on this platform include:
- 1977-1989 Dodge Diplomat
- 1977-1981 Chrysler LeBaron
- 1978-1981 Chrysler Town & Country station wagon
- 1978-1979 Dodge Coronet (South America)
- 1978-1982 Plymouth Caravelle (Canada)
- 1980-1981 Dodge Dart (Mexico)
- 1981-1982 Dodge Magnum 5.9L (Mexico)
- 1982-1989 Plymouth Gran Fury
- 1982 Chrysler New Yorker
- 1983 Chrysler New Yorker Fifth Avenue
- 1983-1989 Plymouth Caravelle Salon (Canada)
- 1984-1989 Chrysler Fifth Avenue
- 1979-1980 Monteverdi sierra Convertible
There were three body styles offered:
- 2-door coupe - 1977-1981
- 4-door sedan - 1977-1989
- 4-door station wagon - 1978-1981
There were two wheelbases used:
- 108.7 in - 1980-1981 2-door models
- 112.7 in - 1977-1979 2-door models and 1977-1989 4-door models
Engines used with this platform include:
- 225 Slant 6 (1977-1983)
- 318 V8 (1977-1989)
- 360 V8 (1977-1979)
-
1977 Dodge Diplomat sedan -
1980 Chrysler Town and Country station wagon -
1984 Chrysler Fifth Avenue sedan -
1986 Plymouth Caravelle Salon sedan
References
- http://www.allpar.com
- http://www.allpar.com/model/dodge-diplomat.html([permanent dead link] By Ed Hennessy and by Frank Billington)
- http://www.allpar.com/model/rwdbodies.html (Mopar Body Types By Ed Hennessy Date 1998)
- https://gazeo.com/automotive/vehicles/Chrysler-M-body-LPG-blast-from-the-past,article,6712.html (Chrysler M-body LPG - Blast from the Past By Robert Markowski Date 2-13-2013 )
- http://www.angelfire.com/ca/mikesspot/history.html
- http://www.policecarwebsite.net/policepackage/mbody.html
- http://blog.consumerguide.com/goodbye-gran-fifthlomat-the-chrysler-m-body-cars-of-1989/ (Goodbye Gran Fifthlomat: The Chrysler M-Body Cars of 1989 By Tom Appel Date 4-29-2014)