1990 Chrysler TC by Maserati, 3LV6, 141 hp, Red on Black, 2nd owner

Description

Initially, the TC came with a 160-hp 2.2-liter turbocharged and intercooled four, with the option of a 200-horsepower “Maserati” variant with special 16-valve head and equipped with a German Getrag five-speed transaxle. By the 1990 model year, Chrysler had heard enough from buyers about turbo lag and the rough nature of the engines, and it offered up a Mitsubishi-supplied 3.0-liter single-overhead-camshaft V-6 as found in sedans and minivans. The V-6 replaced the standard four cylinder, and had a new four-speed automatic transaxle. The engine was as smooth but offered up only 141 horsepower. The 200-hp engine and five-speed continued as an option.

Production ended in calendar year 1990, though a few 1991 model-year cars were produced. Approximately 7,300 units were built in total.

The Chrysler TC car had plenty of substance, with technology befitting what the Brits refer to as a “bespoke” high-end vehicle. And it was truly international beyond its styling partnership: A Teves anti-lock braking system was employed, and struts and shocks were specially developed by Fichtel and Sachs. The alloy wheels were fabricated in Italy by Formula One supplier Fondmetal. Forged pistons for the 200-hp engine were supplied by Mahle of Germany, and Japanese firm IHI supplied the turbocharger.

Aficionados consider these to be the best Maserati ever built — certainly less finicky than the high-strung V-6 and V-8-powered true exotics — as well as the best Chrysler ever built.

Car 6,869 of 7,300 ever built.