(1989-1991)
(1989-1991)
The Chrysler TC by Maserati was another joint venture among many in Chrysler's history during the 1980's. The TC was a short-lived design, however it was one of the more stylish cars that Chrysler has sold. The TC very closely resembles the j-body LeBaron convertible, and when placed nect to each other the similarities are striking. The TC is shorter, and there are some obvious cosmetic changes, but from a distance the lines of the TC mimic the j-body, which had been released two years earlier. The following is a history of the car, see note #1 for its URL.
The Chrysler TC was the product of a joint venture between Chryler and Maserati made possible by old friends Lee Iacocca and Alejandoro DeTomaso. Previously, this relationship was associated with the DeTomaso Pantera, marketed by Lincoln Mercury dealers when Iacocca, the "father of the Mustang", was still sitting tall in the saddle at Ford Motor Company.
A few years later, Iacocca had moved to Chrysler and DeTomaso gained control of Maserati. In 1978, Chrysler purchased five percent of Maserati and Iococca asked DeTomaso to produce a car to be called the "Q Coupe".
An agreement was struck in 1984 to create an "exceptional sport coupe". A prototype was constructed by 1986 and Chrysler began to tease the public, going so far as to print a five page brochure for dealers and stockholders promoting the "SC" or Sport Coupe Built by Maserati. Details were sparce, although mention was made of a 16 valve Detomaso Turbo engine with horsepower and torque specifications to be determined later.
By 1988, Chrysler was hyping what was now called "Chrysler's Turbo Convertible Built by Maserati". Literature handed out at the 1988 Chicago Auto Show included an 800 number for additional information and specifications for the Maserati 16 valve engine.
In late January of 1989, Chrysler Vice President Joseph A. Campana's signature was on a letter mailed to potential customers announcing that production had begun on "an exciting new luxury sport coupe: Chrysler's TC by Maserati". Enclosed was a priority delivery form that was to be completed by buyers and presented to one of 312 selected dealers before the end of February to assure delivery of an 89 model.
A limited number of colors combinations were made available to those participating in the early order program. A TC could be ordered with a Royal Cabernet Pearl Coat exterior and a choice of Ginger or Bordeaux leather interiors. A Light Yellow or Exotic Red Clear Coat exterior with the Ginger leather interior could also be specified. My 1989 TC was Exotic Red, a most proper color for a car with an Italian heritage.
Exactly 7300 examples were produced for the 1989 through 1991 model years, although unsold TCs were available from dealers for sometime thereafter and final closeout pricing was many thousands of dollars less than the manufacturer's suggested list price.
Over the course of its production, the TC was offered with three different engines: Chrysler's well-known 2.2L Intercooled Turbo II with a 3-speed auto, Maserati's 2.2L with a 5-speed, and Mitsubishi's 3.0 V-6 with the 4-speed auto that has been placed in many Chrysler vehicles.
1. Source: Mel Lester, Jr. See "Chrysler TC By Maserati 1989-1991" for link. Used with permission.
2. Source: Chrysler TC By Maserati Sales Brochure, 1989. Submitted by a reader