As car enthusiasts, we sometimes respond irrationally to brands that we perceive as the mark of excellent engineering. The Chrysler TC By Maserati features pistons by Mahle, a Cosworth and Maserati cylinder head, a transmission by Getrag, and the list goes on. If we were to assess the TC solely on the merits of its component suppliers, it would rank among the greats. But, the whole probably comes up short of the sum of the parts.
The TC rides on a modified Chrysler K-car platform - specifically, the truncated chassis of a Dodge Daytona. Bodywork was a product of Innocenti facilities in Turin, while the final assembly took place in Milan. The intercooled Turbo II powertrain was an amalgam of Chrysler and specialty components. The base engine was similar to a standard Chrysler Turbo II, while the cylinder head was cast in a Cosworth foundry and assembled by Maserati.
Year: 1990
Model: Chrysler TC By Maserati
Engine: 2.2L turbocharged 4-cylinder
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 161,582
Price: $14,000 obo
Location: Kenosha, WI
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1990 Chrysler TC By Maserati
Our 1990 Chrysler TC Turbo II I4 by Maserati is a pretty rare car considering the combination of its 2.2 16 valve DOHC turbo engine and manual 5-speed Getrag 284 transmission. The engine was rebuilt about 200 miles ago. Painted in glossy black with matching Italian hand-stitched leather interior which was a new color combination in 1990. Special features include a body colored hard metal panel parade boot and stainless -steel door jambs and sill plates. The hard- top sports round opera windows giving this TC a glamourous appearance. Standard equipment includes such options as an Infinity 10 speaker AM/FM cassette stereo, power windows, power locks, 6-way power seats, cruise control, air-conditioning, cloth soft top and tilt steering wheel. Other convenience features include power steering and power anti-lock brakes.
These come across as cars likely to meet an early demise, and that means that parts cars are likely plentiful. They also seem like the type of car found in packs - if you buy one, you might as well sit another 4 on your lot in various states of disrepair. Keeping after the Teves ABS system will likely be the most challenging component of ownership - otherwise, these should be relatively simple cars to maintain.
If we were in the market for anything like the TC, we'd be tempted but the Chysler LeBaron, which we think edges out the TC in the battle for design supremacy. Still, we can appreciate the expensive and convoluted supply chain that resulted in the TC By Maserati. The pricing is in line with the unique character of the car, and we think that these deserve consideration from collectors and enthusiasts alike. We might be delusional though - we'll have to drive one first to see.
-Graham