The 1979 - 1981 Chrysler 'R Body'

Between model years 1979 - 1981, Chrysler Corporation manufactured what would ultimately be their final full size, rear-wheel-drive sedans until the introduction of the LX platform a quarter century later.  Dubbed "R Bodies" by Chrysler design brass, these vehicles presented a fascinating snapshot of a company in the midst of swift transition. By combining decades-old drive train elements with earnest, forward-thinking attempts at smart styling, weight reduction and fuel efficiency, the R Bodies were Chrysler's final, brief attempt to capture a portion of the trendy "downsized full size" domestic market share of the late 70s. As a result of this rushed, hodge-podge design strategy, the final product presented something of an identity crisis to the buying public, who subsequently ignored the cars for the most part. Although largely forgotten in the annals of broader automotive history, The R Body has a fierce and loyal cult following amongst Chrysler enthusiasts (this author included!), and the platform has enjoyed something of a popularity resurgence due to their comparative rarity and relative affordability as 'classic' cars.

By the late 1970s, the writing was on the wall for the gargantuan, rear-wheel-drive, thirsty, V8 powered sedans that had defined the core of the US domestic auto market for two and a half decades previous. The 1973 OPEC oil crisis, coupled with increased competition from Japanese and European imports, left the US makes scrambling to catch up with the quickly changing expectations and priorities of American car buyers; nimbleness, thrift and efficiency were "in", while sheer bulk and gas-guzzling excess were "out". The Big Three scrambled to downsize their biggest, thirstiest luxury models in an effort to save face and catalyze a much-needed increase in sales.

GM was first out of the gate in 1977 with the introduction of the completely re-engineered third-generation Chevy Caprice. Drastically smaller than its predecessor, yet maintaining nearly the same amount of interior space, all with markedly improved fuel economy, it was an instant hit among buyers.

1977 Chevrolet Caprice Classic

Initially, Ford and Chrysler were cautiously skeptical of this approach, with Ford even going so far as to tout the "road-hugging weight" of their LTD versus the downsized GM competition in advertisements. However, after witnessing the new Caprice become the #1 selling car in America, FoMoCo and Chrysler Corp. quickly got to work playing catch-up, each introducing their respective "downsized big cars" for the 1979 model year. Much like GM, Ford's approach to downsizing was a ground-up redesign of their venerable LTD, based on the new 'panther' platform.

1979 Ford LTD

Chrysler, on the other hand, lacked the financial resources for such an ambitious undertaking. As a result of desperate necessity, they took their 17 year-old, mid-sized B Body platform and simply freshened up the exterior designs with larger, more modern sheet metal. Although decidedly smaller than the C Body full-size models they replaced, the R Bodies were purpose-designed to appear formal and heavy, unlike their more nimble-looking GM and Ford counterparts. The result was a polarizing, "love it or hate it" appearance.

1979 Dodge St. Regis

Three corporate B Body variants were introduced for 1979: the relatively bare-bones Dodge St. Regis and Chrysler Newport, and the far more upscale Chrysler New Yorker, which could be ordered in an opulent, top-shelf "5th Avenue Edition". Interestingly, there was no Plymouth offering for 1979. However, strong demand for police and taxi fleet vehicles led to the introduction of the Plymouth Gran Fury for 1980, which was a virtual clone of the Chrysler Newport. Considering that the R Body was essentially a freshening-up of a stalwart, tried and true Chrysler platform, there weren't many surprises under the new sheet metal:

 Engine Options:

• Code E26, 225 cubic inch Slant Six with single barrel carburetor, putting out a meager 100 bhp and 165 ft lbs of torque. This was the 'standard' engine across the R Body line, and the first time the modest Slant Six was ever offered in a Chrysler-branded (not strictly Dodge or Plymouth) vehicle. Although listed as the base engine, Chrysler knew well that this motor was inadequate for vehicles so large - thus, the vast majority came with the 318 V8.
• Code E44, 318 cubic inch V8 with two barrel carburetor, outputting 145 bhp and 245 ft lbs of torque. As mentioned above, this stalwart Chrysler workhorse was found in the vast majority of R Bodies, from the Dodge St. Regis, to the Chrysler New Yorker 5th Avenue Edition. It was a proven, reliable engine with modest grunt, but remarkable climbing and pulling power, as noted in the torque rating.
• Code E57, 360 cubic inch V8 with two barrel carburetor, outputting 155 bhp and 275 ft lbs of torque. This engine serves as an excellent example of the inefficiency and redundancy often found in US auto makes of the late 70s. With only 10 more horses and 30 extra torque over the 318 V8, why would the buyer want to take the inevitable gas mileage hit? The answer: They didn't, which is exactly why this engine option is comparatively rare on these cars.
• Code E58, 360 cubic inch V8 with four barrel carburetor, offering up 195 bhp and 280 ft lbs of torque. An incredibly rare option and fairly strong performer, these engines were typically found in police pursuit versions of the Dodge St. Regis, Chrysler Newport and Plymouth Gran Fury. This author has never seen an R Body Chrysler New Yorker or 5th Avenue fitted with this option. If any exist, please let me know!! Interestingly, the Canadian version of this motor was offered with dual exhausts, no catalytic convertors and a higher compression ratio. Chrysler claims the Canadian E58 model put out only 10 extra horsepower, but this is widely disputed as 'false modesty' from the company.

Transmission: 

• The lone choice for buyers remained Chrysler's bulletproof three-speed Torqueflite automatic transmission, featuring a locking torque converter on all but the slant six and police pursuit cars.

Suspension:

Nothing but classic 70s Chrysler B Body legacy parts here! Twin parallel torsion bars with anti-sway bar in front and leaf springs in the rear. There were two compelling upgrade packages offered:

• Heavy-Duty Package, available only with the E58 360 ci four-barrel V8, featured a higher axle ratio, heavy duty shocks and leaf springs and bigger wheels and tires.
• Trailer-Assist Package, which mimicked the HD Package, but also included beefed up torsion bars, front and rear heavy duty anti-sway bars and larger rear axle and brake drums. 

Exterior Cosmetics:

 In terms of cosmetics, the R Bodies tend to be polarizing amongst vintage car enthusiasts and even die-hard Chrysler fans, although they've generally been seen in a more favorable light as years have passed. The most "Plain Jane" among the R Bodies would unarguably be the Chrysler Newport and its corporate twin, the Plymouth Gran Fury, as seen below:

1980 Plymouth Gran Fury Front

1980 Plymouth Gran Fury Rear

1979 Chrysler Newport Front

1979 Chrysler Newport Side/Rear

Next in terms of "cool factor" would have to be the Dodge St. Regis, which featured a more modern mesh-like grille and, like the Dodge Magnum of the same era, included clear retractable headlight covers! Example below:

1979 Dodge St. Regis Front

1979 Dodge St. Regis Side/Rear

Finally, you have the epitome of cool: the Chrysler New Yorker, and its even more-exclusive 5th Avenue variant, both seen below:

1979 Chrysler New Yorker Front/Side

1979 Chrysler New Yorker Rear/Side

1979 Chrysler New Yorker 5th Avenue Edition

The primary difference between the 'vanilla' New Yorker and its 5th Avenue variant were option choices and color themes. For 1979, the 5th Avenue Edition was available exclusively in 'Cream-on-Beige' exterior with matching 'champagne' leather interior over a unique seat design. In 1980, 'Black Walnut Metallic' was added as an exterior choice. Every luxury appointment imaginable in 1979 was automatically standard equipment, with the sole exception of a powered moon roof, which remained an option. The 5th Avenue even featured an exclusive crystal pentastar hood ornament not found on the standard New Yorker.

Interior Cosmetics:

The R Body cars carried on Chrysler's excellent dashboard design tradition, offering drivers a full array of gauges including engine temperature, oil pressure and battery voltage. Many American manufacturers had reverted to dumbed-down dashboards featuring minimal gauges (often only speedometer and fuel level) coupled with "idiot lights" that were not ideal for monitoring real-time engine function. The rest of the interior aesthetics were pure 70s Chrysler, with visually pleasing, logical placement of controls, comfortable pillowy seats, and a variety of color and trim options, from spartan to opulent. Below are some examples of this range:

Dodge St. Regis Dash/Front Seat

Dodge St. Regis Back Seat

1979 Chrysler New Yorker Interior w/classic Chrysler 'buttoned EZ Chair' leather seats

1979 New Yorker 5th Avenue, with custom-designed 'Champagne' leather seats and simulated woodgrain dashboard!

1979 New Yorker 5th Avenue rear seat - note the hanging leather courtesy handles for rear passengers!

Although far from the top of the list of "desirable" American classics, the R Body sedans offer a fascinating glimpse into Chrysler's mindset during the midst of a huge auto industry sea change. Furthermore, as a result of their low initial sales volume, they have become very rare (moreso with each passing year) and increasingly collectible. While 3rd-generation Chevrolet Caprices and panther-platform Ford Crown Victorias can still be found a dime a dozen, well-maintained, lower mileage examples of R Bodies will often fetch $10,000 or more! I can certainly say without hesitation that an R Body Chrysler New Yorker 5th Avenue is on my short list of dream cars!

All photos are property of their original owners

Sources include: allpar.com, wikipedia.org