Remembering the K-Car
Evans looks back to the humble compacts that saved Chrysler…
Forty years ago, Chrysler’s future as an automaker was far from certain. The midto-late Seventies had seen Detroit’s number three stumble from one disaster to the next. Its new line of full-size cars introduced for the 1974 model year (just as OPEC shut off the gas taps) could not have been more poorly timed and ageing intermediates did not help either. The introduction of the 1976 Dodge Aspen and Plymouth Volare, which quickly became the most recalled cars in America, further added to the woes, while dealers were becoming more and more disenfranchised, often finding themselves having to provide customers with rebates in order to dispose of cars that neither the automaker nor its customers really wanted. No question, Chrysler was on the verge of bankruptcy. And then something happened.
Henry Ford II fired Lee Iacocca, who saw an opportunity to turn ailing Chrysler around. With federal government secured loans, Iacocca, installed as the new chairman, began a massive restructuring of the company – centred around an entirely new product portfolio. Truth be told, the K-Car programme was already under development when Iacocca joined Chrysler, and when the humble Dodge Aries and Plymouth Reliant debuted as ’81 models, sales were actually fairly slow. Yet, Iacocca’s knack for savvy marketing and a series of commercials that put him in the spotlight, with slogans like: “If you can find a better car, buy it!” resonated with consumers. And ultimately, so did the cars.
Despite their compact dimensions, these humble coupes, sedans and wagons boasted roomy interiors thanks to front-wheel drive and supremely comfortable seats. Power came initially from a 2.2-litre Chrysler fourcylinder or a 2.6-litre Mitsubishi-sourced four with a hemispherical combustion chamber (something Chrysler was quick to capitalise on). Transmissions comprised three- and four-speed manuals as well as a TorqueFlite three-speed automatic. More powerful turbocharged engines followed, as did an ever-growing list of new models spun off this incredibly versatile platform.
By 1984, the K-Car models represented half of all Chrysler Corporation profits. The following year, when the two original models were given a facelift, almost the entire range of Chrysler, Dodge and Plymouth vehicles contained models derived from the original K-Cars. These included the sporty Chrysler Laser and Dodge Daytona coupes, the brand new five-door Chrysler LeBaron GTS and Dodge Lancer; the uptown Chrysler LeBaron and Town & Country sedans, coupes, convertibles and wagons; the groundbreaking Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager minivans, as well as others such as the Dodge 400/600, Chrysler E-Class, New Yorker and Plymouth Caravelle.
Additionally, Iacocca’s old friend Carroll Shelby decided to get in on the action, offering soupedup versions of the Daytona and Lancer models, as well as the smaller Dodge Shadow (introduced for ’87). By 1988, the original Dodge Aries and Plymouth Reliant were starting to show their age and quietly bowed out in 1989, replaced by the larger, more contemporary and better-equipped Dodge Spirit and Plymouth Acclaim (which were also K-Car derivatives).
Today, four decades after they first debuted, the unassuming K-Cars are becoming increasingly recognised for the important role they played in saving Chrysler Corporation and the survivors cherished by a loyal (and growing) band of followers who understand their significance. So, if you fancy an affordable entry into the world of classic American motoring that is distinctive, practical and fuel-efficient, you could do a lot worse than snap up a surviving K-Car. Plus, if you want to add a bit of sportiness or luxury, there are still a whole host of variations from the basic theme to choose from – cars that really do suit just about any taste and budget.