Chrysler M platform
Encyclopedia
The M-Bodies were Chrysler Corporation's successor to the F-body
Aspen/Volare
. The platform, almost identical to the F, was introduced in 1977 and 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 semi-elliptical leaf springs sold in the U.S.
The M-cars were built at St. Louis, Missouri
. Beginning in late 1986 (1987 models) and through the last 1989 year, 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 economical 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.
Vehicles on this platform include:
There were three body styles offered:
There were two wheelbases used:
Engines used with this platform include:
Chrysler F platform
Chrysler's rear wheel drive F platform was used from 1976 to 1980. It was replaced by the nearly identical Chrysler M platform. There were two wheelbases: 108.7 in for 2-door models, and 112.7 in for four-doors. As the market evolved, these would be marketed as mid-size and eventually...
Aspen/Volare
Dodge Aspen
The Dodge Aspen, produced from 1976 to 1980, was a compact car from Chrysler Corporation's Dodge division; its Plymouth-branded counterpart was the Volaré . It was launched as a two-door coupe, a four-door sedan, and a unique-for-the-segment station wagon...
. The platform, almost identical to the F, was introduced in 1977 and 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
Chrysler R platform
The Chrysler R platform, introduced for 1979, was essentially a slightly modernized version of Chrysler's 1971-78 intermediate B platform, which had its roots in the company's downsized 1962 full-size models . It was a response to the downsized 1977 Chevrolet Caprice and Ford LTD, but proved...
, as the Chrysler New Yorker
Chrysler New Yorker
The Chrysler New Yorker was a premium automobile built by the Chrysler Corporation from 1939–1996, serving for several years as the brand's flagship model. A model named the "New York Special" first appeared in the 1930s...
and Plymouth Gran Fury
Plymouth Gran Fury
The Plymouth Gran Fury is an automobile manufactured by the Chrysler Corporation to signify Plymouth's largest full-size automobile from 1975 to 1977. The nameplate would be used on successive downsizings, first in 1980, and again in 1982, through what would originally have been intermediate and...
moved to it following the R-body's demise in 1981. The M platform was the final production passenger car with semi-elliptical leaf springs sold in the U.S.
The M-cars were built at St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis is an independent city on the eastern border of Missouri, United States. With a population of 319,294, it was the 58th-largest U.S. city at the 2010 U.S. Census. The Greater St...
. Beginning in late 1986 (1987 models) and through the last 1989 year, the American Motors
American Motors
American Motors Corporation was an American automobile company formed by the 1954 merger of Nash-Kelvinator Corporation and Hudson Motor Car Company. At the time, it was the largest corporate merger in U.S. history.George W...
plant in Kenosha, Wisconsin
Kenosha, Wisconsin
Kenosha is a city and the county seat of Kenosha County in the State of Wisconsin in United States. With a population of 99,218 as of May 2011, Kenosha is the fourth-largest city in Wisconsin. Kenosha is also the fourth-largest city on the western shore of Lake Michigan, following Chicago,...
was also used for production.
By 1983-84, it became clear that most private buyers preferred the equally roomy but cheaper and more fuel economical K-cars
Chrysler K platform
The Chrysler Corporation's K-cars were compact-to-midsize cars designed to carry six adults on two bench seats and were aimed not only to replace Chrysler's nominally-compact F-body Aspen and Volaré, but also to compete with intermediates like the Chevrolet Malibu and Ford Fairmont...
; however, the M's long-proven traditional engineering, handling, and V8 engine availability appealed to police
Police
The police is a personification of the state designated to put in practice the enforced law, protect property and reduce civil disorder in civilian matters. Their powers include the legitimized use of force...
and taxi
Taxicab
A taxicab, also taxi or cab, is a type of vehicle for hire with a driver, used by a single passenger or small group of passengers, often for a non-shared ride. A taxicab conveys passengers between locations of their choice...
fleets, allowing the car's continued existence until the end of the decade.
Vehicles on this platform include:
- 1977-1989 Dodge DiplomatDodge DiplomatThe Dodge Diplomat is an American mid-size car made from 1977 to 1989. It is substantially identical to the Chrysler- and Plymouth-branded versions of Chrysler's M-body cars, including the Chrysler LeBaron and New Yorker Fifth Avenue and the Plymouth Gran Fury in the U.S. market and the Plymouth...
- 1977-1981 Chrysler LeBaronChrysler LeBaronThe Chrysler LeBaron was originally a classic luxury car of 1930s manufactured by Chrysler which competed with other luxury cars of the era such as Lincoln and Packard....
- 1978-1981 Chrysler Town and CountryChrysler Town and CountryThe first Chrysler Town & Country minivan was introduced in 1989 alongside the Plymouth Voyager and Dodge Caravan. Sharing the body of the long-wheelbase Grand Voyager/Grand Caravan's Chrysler S platform, the Town & Country was externally distinguished by its chrome waterfall grille, crystal...
station wagon - 1978-1979 Dodge CoronetDodge CoronetThe Coronet was a full-size car from Dodge in the 1950s, initially the division's highest trim line but, starting in 1955, the lowest trim line. In the 1960s, the name was transferred to Dodge's mid-size entry.-1949:...
(South America) - 1978-1982 Plymouth CaravellePlymouth CaravelleThe Plymouth Caravelle is a mid-size sedan that was originally a 1983 Canadian model. The Caravelle came to the United States in 1985 to replace the Chrysler E-Class. It was essentially identical to the concurrent Dodge 600. It was replaced by the Plymouth Acclaim in 1989...
(Canada) - 1980-1981 Dodge DartDodge DartThe Dodge Dart is an automobile built by the Dodge division of the Chrysler Corporation from 1960-1976 in North America, with production extended to later years in various other markets. The Dart was introduced as a lower-priced, shorter wheelbase, full-size Dodge in 1960 and 1961, became a...
(Mexico) - 1982-1989 Plymouth Gran FuryPlymouth Gran FuryThe Plymouth Gran Fury is an automobile manufactured by the Chrysler Corporation to signify Plymouth's largest full-size automobile from 1975 to 1977. The nameplate would be used on successive downsizings, first in 1980, and again in 1982, through what would originally have been intermediate and...
- 1982 Chrysler New YorkerChrysler New YorkerThe Chrysler New Yorker was a premium automobile built by the Chrysler Corporation from 1939–1996, serving for several years as the brand's flagship model. A model named the "New York Special" first appeared in the 1930s...
- 1983 Chrysler New Yorker Fifth AvenueChrysler Fifth AvenueWith the R-body out of production and the LeBaron name transferred to the Chrysler K platform for 1982, the New Yorker was downsized once again, becoming a mid-sized car ....
- 1983-1989 Plymouth Caravelle Salon (Canada)
- 1984-1989 Chrysler Fifth AvenueChrysler Fifth AvenueWith the R-body out of production and the LeBaron name transferred to the Chrysler K platform for 1982, the New Yorker was downsized once again, becoming a mid-sized car ....
There were three body styles offered:
- 2-door coupeCoupéA coupé or coupe is a closed car body style , the precise definition of which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, and over time...
- 1977-1981 - 4-door sedan - 1977-1989
- 4-door station wagonStation wagonA station wagon is a body style variant of a sedan/saloon with its roof extended rearward over a shared passenger/cargo volume with access at the back via a third or fifth door , instead of a trunk lid...
- 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)