Fletch's Imperial LeBaron Rebuild Part 3: Classic Restos - Series 50

The finish line for rebuilding the Imperial LeBaron is in sight. Fletch heads off to Jim Wall Automotive in Mittagong to refurbish the brakes from the master cylinder to the newly bonded rear shoes. The LeBaron is a big car, around 2,000kg of Detroit steel, so it needs brakes capable of pulling up the beast. We watch the team at Jim Wall Automotive do their thing.

Meanwhile, Fletch reflects on the history of the '68 Imperial LeBaron, built in the Jefferson Avenue plant in Detroit, selling for around $7,000 back then or $58,000 in today's money. With only 1,852 of these made, they were considered quite an exclusive car, a limousine, at 5.8 metres in length with a 127" wheelbase, and fully appointed with luxury options 50+ years ago that we take for granted today.

Interestingly, Fletch discovered a version with an even more extended wheelbase of 163", with only 12 ever built for the Stagecoach airport limousine company. These were considered the world's most prominent luxury limousine cars at the time and cost $12,000 - $15,000. Fletch says he would love to know if any of these have survived.

With the brakes complete, Fletch takes the LeBaron for its first official run. He reports no real issues and pays thanks to the team of professional automotive tradespeople who assisted with the project. Fletch confesses that he can do many things himself, but there are specific tasks that you need to outsource and, in doing so, supports the local trades and community.

The project inspired everybody involved, and if Fletch's LeBaron Rebuild has inspired you to start a project or even buy an older classic, then his job is done.

Now it's Fletch's time to enjoy the Imperial LeBaron.