This 1983 Chrysler Cordoba is the final model year of a classic personal luxury coupe, now available for $2,000. As an original survivor with a low odometer reading of 79,000 miles, it presents a great opportunity for budget-minded enthusiasts looking for an accessible entry point into the world of classic Malaise-era cars. By 1983, the American land yacht was nearing its end, making this downsized coupe an interesting piece of automotive history. The seller claims it’s in good condition, running well, aside from ripped front seats, and they are willing to take it to Spokane for a serious buyer. You can find it here on Craigslist out of Soap Lake, Washington. Big thanks to Curvette for finding this one.
The exterior preserves its original factory setup, with the silver paint scheme which characterizes second-generation Cordoba platforms. While the first iterations were famous for their rounded headlight treatments, Chrysler updated the later models with a formal squared-off profile, some rectangular lighting, and a prominent upright grille. The seller also notes the car is completely original, meaning the factory body panels remain as intact as they were from the assembly floor. This is great, considering, finding an unchanged 1980s personal luxury coupe which hasn’t been significantly modified or stripped for parts is becoming increasingly difficult for collectors.
A look inside reveals the primary area requiring immediate attention: the front seating is currently ripped. While 1970s marketing famously used hooks like ‘rich Corinthian leather’, these later models provided a variety of plush cloth and vinyl options that were still great for passenger comfort. Beyond the torn upholstery in front, the seller describes a fair overall condition, suggesting the remaining cabin trim, dashboard, door panels, and rear seating are in a salvageable state. Sourcing matching replacement material from a contemporary Dodge Mirada or an Imperial could take some time, but it is a straightforward upholstery project.
Last but definitely not least, you’re probably looking at a 318-cubic-inch V-8 engine that was rated at 130 horsepower when new. This would be paired with a three-speed automatic and its rear-wheel drive. The seller also mentions a hydraulic suspension system, which is worth clarifying. Cordobas didn’t leave the factory with self-leveling hydraulic setups, but these cars did use hydraulic shock absorbers. So the description could be referring to the suspension working as intended. At $2,000, this Cordoba sits in a sweet spot between a parts car and a preservation project. If the floors and trunk are solid and the 318 fires up without any drama, it could be a low-cost ticket into Mopar ownership. Prospective buyers can ask for a cold start video and a clear explanation of the hydraulic suspension system before making the trip to Spokane. Are you a fan of these downsized, formal roofline, second-generation Cordobas, or do you think 1970s styling is the only way to go?
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