What Are M-Bodies and Why Do We Like Them? What are M-bodies?M-Bodies were built by Chrysler Corporation from 1977 to 1989. The M-body line consisted of three makes (Chrysler, Dodge and Plymouth), and various models which are listed below.
- 1977 to 1989 Dodge Diplomat
- 1977 to 1981 Chrysler LeBaron
- 1977 to 1981 Chrysler Town & Country (wagon)
- 1977 to 1981 Plymouth Caravelle (Canada)
- 1982 to 1989 Plymouth Gran Fury
- 1982 Chrysler New Yorker
- 1983 Chrysler New Yorker 5th Avenue
- 1984 to 1989 Chrysler 5th Avenue
M-bodies were made in 2-door, 4-door and wagon models until 1981. All 1982-up M-bodies sold in the US were 4-door models. However, there were
2-door Mexican versions (called Dodge Magnums) that were sold after 1981. The wheelbases for all M-bodies are as follows:
- 108.7": '80-'81 2 door models
- 112.7": '77-'79 2 door models, '77-'89 4-door and wagon models
SPACERWhy We Like M-bodies?- M-bodies are a great alternative for someone who wants to get into the Mopar hobby on a budget.
- Because M-bodies are still plentiful compared to older Mopars, they are cheap to buy and easy to replace.
- They are easy to work on.
- Parts can still be found for them.
- Much of the earlier Mopar drivetrain components swap right in with minimal modifications.
- The average person can put one together on the cheap and have a ball with it.
- They can be driven and parked anywhere without the owners feeling like they're driving around in an eggshell or worrying if their car will still be there when they return.
- Many of them are now old enough to qualify for historic registration status in some states.
- They retain remnants of the older Chrysler styling.
- They are also historically significant because they are the very last of the Chrysler-built rear wheel drive passenger cars to use all of the old-school Mopar drivetrain technology (engines, transmissions and rear axles) that originated in the 1960s.
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