Here's an unsubstantiated opinion: The Liberte is a cobbled together
transition between the 1986 and 1987 model years to use up 1986 component
inventory - particularly the XN6 engine, bundled with a few extra
features for the marketing people to hype. (This is not a cynical view,
but respect for business/marketing tactics. The Liberte was promoted as
a limited-production series honoring the 100th anniversary of the Statue
of Liberty.)
Now to substitute observation, and maybe even some facts, from opinion.
Most of this info comes from research I did before I bought my Liberte,
and my owners manuals.
For the 4 cylinder, non turbo, gas models, I believe the GL was the base,
and the GLS the loaded version, both with 2.2 liter ZDJL overhead cam
engine. The Liberte was essentially a GLS, but with the 2.0 liter XN6
and automatic transmission.
Here are some of the differences as I understand them for the standard
equipment level of the models:
GL: 2.2 liter ZDJL overhead cam engine, 5 speed manual transmission,
limited-slip differential, automatic temperature control heater, central
locking, vinyl upholstery, steel wheels.
GLS vs. GL: added air conditioning, velour upholstery, heated power
mirrors, power front windows, am/fm cassette with power antenna.
Liberte vs. GLS: substitutes 2.0 liter XN6 engine, ZF 4HP22 automatic
transmission. adds power sunroof, fog lights, alloy wheels.
Original list pricing for sedans (two different sources) was:
GL $13,900 - $15,235
Liberte $15,600 - $16,475
GLS $15,950 - $17,145
My 1987 Liberte sedan was built in March, 1986. The prior owner bought
it new in November, 1987 (yes, 19 months after production) from Exotic
Motors in Bellevue, Washington. It has the 1.971 liter XN6 engine, Bosh
K-jetronic fuel injection, oil bath air filter, ZF 4HP22 automatic
transmission (4 speed with lock-up converter). Equipment includes
automatic climate control, power front windows, central electric door
locks, power sunroof, cruise control, fog lights at curb height, alloy
wheels (185/70-14 tires). The color is called "Anthracite" - a dark
charcoal, not quite black (I can still see the original color when I take
the sunroof wind deflector off - wish I still had it!). The interior is
a similar color, the seats a gray/charcoal tweed velour.
>My Dealer in Salem, MA informs me that regarding the 505 Liberte:
>-Only sold in 1987 in two colors: A walnut brown and silver?
>-were all automatics, and I assume were well equiped with all reasonable
> options. Were they sold at a special price?
>-represented the last year of the 2.0 litre engine
>-Liberte sedans were produced and sold, but all the sedans in the US were
> sold to a rental car agency (which one?...why?) and none were sold to the
> public new. I have never seen a Liberte sedan.
>
>Does anyone care to fill in the gaps of this history?
>
>Mike Savage
Charlie Lincoln 1987 505 Liberte (XN6) 130k
Portland, Oregon USA 1988 Peugeot 18 speed
clincoln@spiritone.com