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Green On Green Survivor: 1977 Chrysler Cordoba

Update 1/14/23 – This clean Cordoba has been relisted here on eBay with no reserve!

From 3/20/22 – If you’re still a little green around the gills from over-celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, you may want to click on the next Barn Finds car, because there’s plenty of green to go around on this 1977 Chrysler Cordoba. There are plenty of questions about this “Small Chrysler” considering the lack of information and photographs the seller provides. Located in the village of Fox Lake, Illinois, this green mystery machine is for sale here on craigslist for $9,100. Another tip of the green derby to our pal, Pat L, for sharing this tip with us.

Chrysler wasn’t in a good place in the early-to-mid 70s. Their full-size cars weren’t selling (thanks in part to the 1973 oil crisis) and they didn’t have anything in the “personal luxury coupe” category to compete with the likes of the Monte Carlo, Grand Prix, Ford Elite, or the popular Cutlass. In 1975, however, they introduced what they called the “Small Chrysler” and the Cordoba was the shot in the arm the Chrysler Corporation needed. It was an attractive car that pushed luxury at an affordable price, and with a memorable advertising campaign featuring the suave Ricardo Montalban as a spokesperson, Chrysler had a hit on their hands. Especially in 1977, Cordoba’s best year with 183,146 sold. I wish I could tell you more about this particular Cordoba, folks, but the seller only shares that it’s in “Like New” condition, it has 86,000 miles, a clean title, and then lists some technical and performance data about the Cordoba’s 400 cu-in V8. That’s all, folks.

Based on the four photos, it’s possible that the listed 86,000 miles might be original. The Jade Green Metallic paint (Cordobas came in 18 colors in 1977 and even offered a Spanish-themed Inca Gold and Spanish Gold Metallic) looks very presentable as does the chrome, trim, glass, and bumper fillers, although I’d ditch the Blackwell tires. And, based on the one photo available, it’s hard to tell the condition of the green Landau vinyl roof and the “stylish opera side lamps.” The inside looks original and the green “plush Verdi velour” seats, carpet, and dash appear to be in very good shape for a 45-year-old car. There’s also a photo showing the green steering wheel with the Cordoba “coin” in the middle of the hub and, yes, even the seat belts are green.

There are no photos of the engine that, under that long, shiny green hood, should be a 400 cu-in V8 mated to a 3-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission. The seller shares that “according to the ProfessCars™ estimation, this Chrysler would accelerate 0-60 mph in 11 sec, and quarter mile time is 18.7 sec.”  If this Cordoba is, indeed,  a true survivor, the next owner could enjoy it from day one and might even hear Ricardo Montalban say in his smooth, distinctive voice, “I have much more in this small Chrysler than great comfort at a most pleasant price. I have great confidence, for which there can be NO price. With Cordoba, I have what I need…”

Comments

  1. Avatar Bluetec320 Member

    I don’t know why, but I’m digging that interior!

    Like 24
    • Avatar Ron Denny Staff

      I’m green with envy, too…

      Like 21
    • Avatar smokeymotors

      Silver sharpie can fix the dash trim if you clean and tape off the trim.

      Like 14
  2. Avatar Howard A Member

    No, no, no, silly customer, this will never do,( waving 1st finger) where’s the fine Corinthian leather? Probably the best blunder from an advertising agency, and the Cordoba was such a popular car, it became the catch phrase for all Cordobas. Sure sounds European, but was made in New Joisey,,,that’s right, even Montalban on a Letterman show laughed about it. Nice car, nothing fancy, a set of nice Magnums would improve the appearance 100%.

    Like 30
    • Avatar Larry

      I was positive that the Ismuth of Corinth was the location of Fort Hancock, New Jersey 😂😂😂

      Like 7
    • Avatar CCFisher

      Howard, I’m curious as to why you feel “Corinthian Leather” was a marketing blunder.

      Like 4
      • Avatar SubGothius

        Prolly because it was transparently meaningless, easily debunked as such, and often mocked, yet a “best blunder” because it nevertheless became iconic and frequently quoted, thanks in no small part to Señor Montalbán’s charismatic delivery.

        Sorta along the lines that no publicity is bad publicity, and “I don’t care what you say about me as long as you say my name and spell it right.”

        Like 10
    • Avatar Brian

      Yeah, but you still remember it though. Everyone knows even publicity is good publicity. Everyone knows what a Cordoba is and that’s mostly because of that commercial.

      Like 1
    • Avatar William

      That Corinthian leather was made in a factiry in New Jersey.

      Like 0
  3. Avatar Sam61

    White wall tires.

    Like 21
  4. Avatar fred w

    The blackwalls make it look like a Police special. These days you might have to special order your whitewalls from Corker! Cordoba’s should always have a half vinyl roof, be painted a dark color, and be upholstered in rich, fine Corinthinan leather. There, I said it for everyone.

    Like 30
    • Avatar Rick

      Coker Tire Company.

      Like 15
      • Avatar John Taylor

        Toyo I think it was that I put on my Galaxie when I had it, they were a nice thin wall tire and didn’t brake the bank. Interesting how rusty the rims are though.

        Like 0
    • Avatar SubGothius

      The blackwalls, plain hubcaps, and cheaper fabric upholstery along with that shade of green made me think more military than police, maybe a colonel’s personal staff car. Was gonna say general, but those guys tend to have drivers.

      Like 5
      • Avatar PRA4SNW

        That’s a good guess, SubGothius.

        Like 0
    • Avatar Scott

      Don’t worry it’s getting a set of rallies that I have my 69 300 right now

      Like 0
  5. Avatar Atnats Bill

    If you want really great redials, white walls, custom made or whatever… check out Diamond back Tires… Simply the best from a nice family owned company!

    Like 3
  6. Avatar Grog

    Coker……
    …… nice 5 mph bumper design, that’s all I want to say ; )

    Like 3
  7. Avatar Brad460 Member

    Really dig the green but I agree, it should have white wall tires, even tho I’m not an old coot. Actually like the hubcaps too.

    Like 7
  8. Avatar Phil B

    No Corinthian leather? I’m out.

    Like 5
    • Avatar bone

      Boy , I’ll bet Cordoba owners are so sick of hearing that and likely hear that at every car show or cruise they go to . Kind of like saying “how’s the weather up there” to a tall person – how many times will he think its funny ?

      Like 1
  9. Avatar Stan

    Truck like tall sidewall = extra cushy ride for this already soft Cordoba

    Like 8
  10. Avatar Stevieg

    It has been repainted. Blotchy paint (worse than factory lol) and all sorts of missing chrome pieces. Super solid body under that cheap paint job, rare for a southern Wisconsin/Northern Illinois car.
    It is currently in the Chicago suburbs, but had been for sale in Racine County, just south of Milwaukee.
    It is a nice car, besides the paint.

    Like 6
    • Avatar DON

      I think something happened to the left door and rocker; the door was replaced or repaired but the rocker wasn’t. You can see overspray on the door stickers , but the door strikers an body rubber are untouched, something that 99% of the time gets overspray . I actually would prefer the velour over the leather. I believe some came in vinyl , so this was a step up. A set of whitewalls would really look great on this.

      Like 0
      • Avatar Stevieg

        None of them actually had leather.
        The stuff Ricardo was talking about on the commercials was just fancy words for vinyl.
        The one my grandparents had was equipped with the “Corinthian Leather”, and they were plastic lol. Cold in winter, hot in summer.
        I agree with you, velour was the way to go.

        Like 0
      • Avatar Scott

        Don’t worry it’s getting a set of rallies that I have on my 69 300 right now

        Like 1
  11. Avatar Troy

    That left rocker below the door is hammered how many ditches has this thing slid into

    Like 5
    • Avatar The Other Chris

      I was just going to comment about the obvious left side rocker damage. Maybe not all that big of a deal in the grand scheme, but would have to be inspected in person to know for sure the extent and severity of that damage. Big red flag for someone considering remote purchase.

      Otherwise, I like it.

      Like 0
  12. Avatar David Sebben

    In the words of Kermit the Frog, “It’s not easy being green.”

    Like 6
  13. Avatar angliagt Member

    When I took my ’77 Toyota truck back to Lithia Motors
    in Medford,Oregon to fix some paint work on it,they gave me
    a ’78 Cordoba.It was White,& I felt like a hit man driving around
    in it,but loved the sound of the V8 (360?) when I put my foot
    into it.
    The best thing that happened while I was driving it was
    that while speeding up I5 going towards Grants Pass,I
    passed a speed trap doing about 10 over the limit.I uttered a
    couple of choice words,figuring I had a ticket.
    Then a Red Corvette went flying by me.The Oregon State-
    Patrol car went speeding by me,then pulling the Vette over.
    Sometimes you luck out.

    Like 12
  14. Avatar TheOldRanger

    I always liked the looks of the outside, but a friend had this and it was the most uncomfortable on the inside, felt very crowded.
    My friend just said “I live with the inside because I love the outside”…

    Like 4
    • Avatar The Other Chris

      How big was your friend? These have always felt quite roomy inside to me. Compared to a full-size Cadillac? No. But compared to most cars, sure. (I’m only 5’7″ though.)

      Like 1
    • Avatar Stevieg

      I dunno, my grandparents bought one new in 1977. They took my Mom & I on a couple week family vacation with them to California (Disney land, I was 7 years old) in 1978 in that car. 3 adults & 1 idiot kid with luggage…didn’t seem that small!
      Same chassis as the 1971 & up Satellite & Charger. I see people complain about how large & bloated those are lol.

      Like 1
    • Avatar Chuck Dickinson

      These were NOT a big car inside. Neither were the Monte Carlo or GP. Probably the most disappointing ‘personal luxury’ car I ever had to ‘deal’ with (comfort-wise) was the Continental MK V Diamond Jubilee. Those had bucket seats, and I honestly could not get into the car and get comfortable enough behind the wheel to drive it, and even as a passenger it was a tight fit. A friend had one in each color, and it was a car to be avoided by anyone of above average size. I DO happen to be 6’8″, but the MK V was much smaller and more confining than the other cars I mentioned, no doubt due to the design of their bucket seats. My friend who owned them was about 6′, and even HE thought they were tight. How a car that large could be so small inside was amazing.

      Like 0
      • Avatar Stevieg

        My Grandparents 1977 Cordoba was just a hair smaller than my Mom’s 1973 Riviera, even though on the outside the Riviera was WAY bigger.
        The Cordoba trunk was definitely bigger.

        Like 1
  15. Avatar Steve

    No longer available.

    Like 0
  16. Avatar Michael lee Thurman

    White walls and the wire spoke Wheel covers of the era would help, a well as repairing the drivers rocker panel near the front fender. The tailpipe extension looks awkwardly out of place

    Like 1
    • Avatar Scott earnshaw

      Ya it was crooked and I have all new stainless for it also found a set of wheel well trims for it and the oem radiator it also sits on a set or 69 300 rally’s that I took off my 69 lol

      Like 0
  17. Avatar Emel

    Green in the gills….seeing so many green cars lately.
    Is Barnfinds owned by ‘The Green Hornet’ ?

    Can’t be a true Cordoba without the Corinthian faux leather. lol

    Like 0
  18. Avatar jim

    Too bad its not a 360 just saying

    Like 0
  19. Avatar Carbob Member

    I’m liking the blackwalls. Coincidentally I am running Hankook radials on my 1952 Plymouth. Hankook is one of the few tire makers producing tires in sizes to fit older cars. I’m quite satisfied with mine. FWIW, my Plymouth is green too. I think that this Cordoba is a good looking car IMO. I’d throw a bid out on it but I already have enough vehicles. GLWTS.

    Like 1
  20. Avatar William

    Nice looking car but not in green. Who would want blackwall tires on it? I hope it goes to a good home.

    Like 0
  21. Avatar Eric P Akins

    Corinthian leather..lol…genius marketing!!!40 years later were talking about it

    Like 0
  22. Avatar Justin A.

    I’m fairly certain that my grandparents were the original owners of this car, as the outdoor pictures show it in front of their former house. I remember riding in the car as a young kid, over 30 years ago. Even then, it seemed like a relic from another time. My dad and his family were people that really enjoyed a nice car, and took care of them well. I believe this car sat very lightly used for many years in my grandparent’s garage. It was my grandmother’s car to use primarily, but she seldom found the need to drive. Thank you for sharing, it was so nice to see the photos (some of which I think are probably quite old at this point). I missed the listings on Craigslist and Ebay. I would definitely appreciate if anyone was able to capture them (on a screenshot, or similar) before they disappeared.

    Like 2
    • Avatar Scott earnshaw

      I own the car now and it’s in my garage would like to talk to you about it and some options it had or didn’t or just info would be nice it has been repainted at one time

      Like 0

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