1983: Chrysler-Maserati a coupe for the Club

Lee Iacocca probably cringed when he heard everyone say it, but the highly publicized Chrysler Maserati convertible coupe due for 1988, the pentastar people found yet another way to slice and dice the much done over K-car. With its Italian wedge shape, high luxe interior, and designer name to go on the flanks, the convertible coupe was quite an appealing concoction, but there was little doubt that under the brighwork beat the heart of a K-car, albeit a remarkably transformed K-car. Best guess was the Italian charmer was to be powered by an intercooled turbo version of Chrysler’s 2.2 liter four banger, mated to their 5-speed manual transaxle. Though front suspension was McPherson struts like its doner platform, the independent rear suspension was rumored to be based on the Maserati Biturbo. Priced intentionally to undercut the Cadillac Allante, but more than the Buick Reatta.