Alfer living the easy life in a climate-controlled garage, this 1978 Chrysler Cordoba in Palmetto, Florida searches a new owner. In addition to the ASC T-tops, called the T-BAR Roof in original brochures, this beauty has power steering, power brakes, power locks, claimed functional air conditioning, and more. Giant two-door luxury coupes make a statement, something like “I enjoy golf, drink too much, and don’t care if I total your Prius.”
It wouldn’t be a Cordoba without rich Corinthian leather. According to InternationalLeatherClub, Chrysler’s “Corinthian” leather came (surprise) not from Corinth, but from the provincial countryside and rolling pastureland of… Newark, New Jersey. After all, nothing says craftsmanship and bespoke luxury like “Newark.” Joking aside, the seats look great with minor cracks, nothing to keep you from sliding behind the wheel for a multi-state tour. The only low-point might come at the toll booth or drive-through when you watch the driver of that rusty Kia press a button with one finger while you suffer the indignity of hand-cranking your windows.
You’d have to zoom in to spy any imperfections or deviations from factory equipment. By 1978, buyers had gotten over the giant safety bumpers. The shiny paint “appears to be” original, according to the listing, the perfect backdrop for all the chrome on this high-rolling luxury cruiser.
Ah, yes, the much-maligned Lean-Burn, a computerized system controlling ignition to help fuel economy and emissions. Though frustrating to back-yard mechanics who cut their teeth in the ’60s and ’70s, Lean Burn can be just fine when properly tuned and maintained. Failing that, it can be replaced. The 400 cid (6.6L) V8 won’t snap your neck like a modern 6.x liter Hemi, but that’s not what this ride is about. Point this Chrysler toward your favorite comfort food joint and enjoy the pillowy ride. Thanks to Hemmings for some details.
Supple leather in the steering wheel center matches the deep red upscale interior. I owned a ’78 Pontiac Phoenix two-door in this color scheme, and it always drew compliments… almost enough to ignore its lack of power. At least four bidders here on eBay have the Cordoba’s market value above $4000, less than one quarter of the seller’s $18,995 Buy It Now price. It would be hard to imagine a cleaner example of a T-BAR Cordoba based on this one’s pictures and back-story. Do you have room in your driveway for this late ’70s luxury coupe?
I hope it was inside these past couple days. That area got pretty wasted,,,again. I never heard of a T-top that didn’t leak. What’s amazing to me, is this car that was bought by the young punk with a ratty Road Runner, that got a good job from the father-in-law, and this is what the mighty Mopar camp morphed into. They were great cars sans the T-top, that is..
I think you just described Joe Dirt
I love this car, but I also hate it.
By the early 70’s in Aus, (with the exception of Ute’s), that had a front bench seat with a column shifter, were Pov pack family wagons and sedans.
If I bought this, it would be converted to buckets, centre console and floor shifter.
And power windows!
Hey that clean burn 400 is a 383 in disguise! A few road runner parts & your off like fast 2 door luxury coup!
Compared to a genuine, muscle car-era 383, it’s definitely well disguised. Mopar engine builders swear that the 400 block is the best B/RB family block to start with for a high-performance build (the bore is bigger even than in a 440, along with other supposed advantages), but in its original, low compression configuration they were dogs, and there’s no way that it would ever remind anyone of a 1968-70 Super Commando 383.
And a 4spd stick Davey 🏁
A Cordoba with a 400 may not be much of a dragster, but that 400 is a big block, and only Pontiac’s W72 400 and Chevrolet’s L82 350 were stronger.
The best looking Monte Carlo that Chrysler ever made!
This is a pretty Chrysler and it presents very well. The split bench front seats and leather are nice. It’s well equipped too. T-Tops were an expensive option at the time. It would be a shame for this car to be modified and thus destroyed. Chrysler built a nice car here and this represents one of the best ones left.
This is a pretty cool ride. I never thought that I would consider buying a Cordoda “with rich Columbian leather” but if this was closer, I certainly would
go take a look and like BA said, a few road runner parts! I also love the T tops, they are worth the occasional leak.
These and the Thunderbird/Cougar with T-tops are the ultimate cruiser. Leave the 400, drop in a great stereo instead. Shine it up, pop off the “T-easers”, crank up some Ambrosia or ELO and cruise in immense comfort and style.
Had one like this. A sublime freeway cruiser. Only problem was ignition modules going out.
I was a new engineer fresh out of college and started my first job at the Windsor Assembly Plant building these beauties. Loved the car but couldn’t afford it.
The cowhide frm Jersey is just as nice as the stuff from overseas!😁
Made it to $11,700.
Reserve Not Met.
Relisted, and SOLD for $13,100.
Paid $8,000 for our ‘78 new. Glad thus went up!