For sale in Rochester Hills, Michigan, this 1981 Dodge Mirada presents a rare opportunity to own a distinctive and well-preserved piece of early-‘80s Mopar history. According to the seller, this luxury coupe is a true dream cruise car, one that bridges the gap between classic and antique, offered in “excellent condition” by its second owner. Everything on the car is said to remain original, and it’s reportedly in perfect running order. You can find it listed for sale here on craigslist. Thanks for the tip Barney!
Built on the J-body platform shared with the Chrysler Cordoba and Dodge Magnum, the Mirada was Dodge’s attempt to create a more refined, personal luxury coupe during a time of rapid automotive downsizing. The angular styling, prominent grille, and long hood/short deck proportions were signature design choices of the era, and this example wears them well in white with a black lower body and contrasting Mopar fender decal.
From the photos, the body appears straight and well-maintained, with factory trim still intact and wearing original alloy wheels wrapped in fresh tires. The interior is finished in rich blue velour and looks remarkably clean, showing no major rips or wear on the upholstery. The dash, door panels, and even the headliner look to be in solid condition—suggesting this car was garage-kept and well cared for.
Under the hood, this Mirada is said to benefit from several recent mechanical updates. The seller notes a new carburetor, distributor, battery, fuel tank, fuel sending unit, and radiator, all of which are crucial upgrades for a car that’s now over 40 years old. While there’s no word on the engine specifics, most Miradas of this vintage came equipped with either a 225 Slant Six or a 318 or 360 V8, often mated to a TorqueFlite automatic.
Though often overlooked in today’s collector market, the Dodge Mirada is a fascinating footnote in Chrysler history. Its clean styling, comfortable ride, and RWD layout make it a fun and unusual alternative to the more common GM and Ford coupes of the same era. This example appears to be a solid survivor that’s been kept close to stock, and with a growing appreciation for ’80s oddballs, now might be the time to snag one before prices rise.
Would you take this Mirada out for a weekend cruise, or is it just too obscure for your Mopar tastes?
Thanks Elizabeth, seller mentions 8cyl in the ad, I’d wager its a 318. Love all 3 of these angular models as you describe. The box of kleenex in the back seat is so classic, and funny lol. Great looking Mirada.
360s were only for a short time the first year, they didn’t meet emissions. Auto was the only way with any engine, never had a stick option. Ugly add on stickers on the lower part of the car. Car looks like it had a rough life, look at the right rear side pictures.
I think that it’d look better without the Black on the lower side
panels.
I’d rather have a Magnum.
Lose the graphics and it would look much better.
Black non o.e. paint always worries me. A quicky respray to hide something ? Whats up with the right rear quarter and if you look close up the vinyl roof looks iffy. I never understand why no engine bay pics. At 9400 it’ s a high price. But for whom ever likes the early Chrysler era it could be a nice one saying that the new owner has a few bucks to throw at it to make it sparkle
Chrysler was doing some interesting things in the early 80s. I had a high school friend who had one of these in a medium blue color. I thought it looked like a Thunderbird and Caprice (or Delta 88) cross-breed. Not bad, but not great either. It was a nice car with nice plush interior and served my friend well for several years.
The black on the rockers looks like a teenager did it, back in ’89. But, I have no Mopar taste…
My parent’s had one in the early 80’s then traded up to a 5th Avenue. It was the CMX package. Gorgeous car. Hard to find in decent shape though. I agree with the other poster about the black on the lower body. could be trying to disguise some issues, especially being fro Michigan.
The front bumper faux chrome insert strip appears to be coming loose and winding up who knows where.
And, the car would look much better without the lower body “decorations.”
Being from MI. with no underside photos? Totally lose those cheap looking graphics and paint on the lower doors. No engine compartment photos either. I was never a big Mirada fan but they were rather unique looking cars and if it all checked out would probably make a J body lover happy.