Anyone of a certain age will recall Ricardo Montalbán, in his resonant accent, reminding us of the Chrysler Cordoba’s “fine Corinthian leather” upholstery. But before Montalbán serenaded us, Chrysler had introduced the Cordoba as a Spring Special trim version on the 1970 Newport. Aztec motifs on the vinyl roof, trim, and badging, along with shades of gold inside and out set the car apart. The nameplate was revived as a standalone model in 1975, occupying the “personal luxury” niche. The Cordoba’s mix of opulence and performance – along with astute marketing – made it a best seller and eased the financial strife that plagued Chrysler every few years. This example is brought to us by Lee S – thanks, Lee!
The Cordoba offered a selection of V8 engines, all paired with Chrysler’s TorqueFlite A-727 three-speed automatic. This ’76 harbors the top-of-the-line 400 cu. in. eight in its engine bay, breathing through a newer Edelbrock four-barrel carburetor. The battery and starter have been replaced. The odometer reads 94,000 miles and the underhood real estate shows its age, but the seller says the car runs and drives. Though the Cordoba was built on a midsized platform, its impressively long hood and showy, upright grille broadcast luxury aspirations. Early cars had a sculpted hood and round, side-by-side headlights; in 1978 the headlamps were square and stacked. By 1980, second-generation styling brought a less charming, boxy look all ’round.
The interior is this car’s strong suit. Its snazzy upholstery is in good condition both up front and in back, the dash appears unblemished, even the pedals and carpets are clean. The trunk is similarly spiffy. The Cordoba was offered in more than a dozen paint colors, several roof styles, and a wide variety of upholstery fabric choices – including “keeping up with the Joneses” Corinthian leather. Power options included adjustable seats, door locks, cruise control and rear defroster.
Despite strong sales of early Cordobas, and subsequently high production numbers, forums suggest that restoring these cars can be difficult. Leaking through and around the vinyl roof can wreck the top half of the car as well as structures below. Repair panels need to be scavenged or made. Fortunately, this example is said to be rust-free and the body is clean except for a few minor dings. If your heart is set on an early Cordoba, find this one here on facebook Marketplace, with an asking price of $2500 or best offer. It’s located in Prosser, Washington – a dry climate that serves to preserve cars nicely. Regarding prices, this top-notch example sold two weeks ago for $16,000 – and it is optioned with “fine Corinthian leather”.
That interior over any and every fine Corinthian leather change my mind
if this is as nice as it truly is, its not a steal but rather a grand heist. That interior is amazing. This thing really is a classic, id be handing cash to the owner right now if it wasnt so far from me. great deal
Someone agrees, the listing says sale pending.
Steve R
The full vinyl top was a rare option, most were Landau tops. Even more rare was no vinyl top at all, or the Crowne Coupe, which had a landau top but shaped differently. I had a 78 with the usual landau top, and a 77 crowne coupe, which also had a manual sunroof, another rare option. Regarding the interior, it’s so 70s! I had a dealer brochure which showed a Cordoba with a plaid interior, it was white cloth with black squares (or dots, can’t remember) all over it.
My brother traded an RM125 for one of these in 1981. It had a banged up right front fender but it had just about everything else you could get on one of these, even the moon-roof. What really surprised me was the tail-light lenses were glued in and if you weren’t careful about keeping an eye on them they would fall out. At least I think they fell out, someone might have stole them.
They fell out, I remember my dad putting screws through the replacement lenses.
Love the large round headlights. Gives the car a classy look reminiscent from the cars of the 20s and 30s. And It’s much nicer than the stacked square headlights from later models.
Nice Chrysler. Good eye Lee.
We love the Mexican poncho interior.
I still think of my 1976 Cordoba, burgundy, with a burgundy velour interior, and a full white vinyl top. I bought it in 1977 and it moved to Atlanta with me when I became a maintenance test pilot for the old Beech Aircraft company. In spite of my being a decent judge of airplanes, I managed to hit the rear end of an Atlanta lawyer.
He took pity on me and only ruined my life and took my Cordoba, in settlement for his horrific whiplash injury. The 400 ci engine was wonderful.
Wow! What a find! You would have be close or get on a jet plane to buy this one! I hope they received the $2,500 they were asking! I hope honest sellers with a low price are appreciated! Beautiful interior and overall condition!