Anyone older than a teenager in the 1970s probably remembers Chrysler’s sales pitch for the then-new Cordoba. On television, Richard Montalban would praise the Cordoba’s “fine Corinthian leathers” (which wasn’t a real thing, and you could get the cars with velour upholstery instead). The automobile would be one of Chrysler’s few sales hits in the post-OPEC oil embargo era, the first Chrysler to be anything other than a full-size car. This first-year Cordoba has weather-worn paint, but the rest of the machine may be okay. Located in Murrysville, Pennsylvania, this automobile can be had for the cheap wheels price of $3,600 here on craigslist. Thanks for the Mopar tip, Pat L.!
Named after the Spanish city of Cordoba, the Chrysler used the same mid-size platform as the Dodge Charger SE. It was the company’s first personal luxury coupe and saw two generations before being discontinued in 1983. As developed, the Cordoba was first slated to be a Plymouth, but the “suits” later decided they needed something new to breathe life back into Chrysler profits. It worked, selling 150,000 copies in 1975, and the numbers grew from there. At times, the Cordoba was Chrysler’s best-selling model, and all of them were built in Windsor, Ontario.
We’re told this Mopar has 41,000 miles, which might be accurate because the interior looks far less worn than it would be at 141,000. In fact, from the photos provided, we don’t see any concerns with the interior, which does not consist of “Corinthian” or otherwise leathers. The body doesn’t seem to have any issues beyond what the possible 47-year-old paint being well-baked from sitting out in the Sun.
Though not a gas-sipper, this Cordoba has Chrysler’s smallest V8 of the era, the tried-and-true 318 cubic inch eight-cylinder. It’s paired with a TorqueFlite automatic transmission, and the seller says the car runs well. The engine compartment is rather dirty, but everything seems to be complete and correct. The sale of the auto will include antique Pennsylvania license plates which we’re told are transferable to the next owner if it stays in-state. Would Richard Montalban restore or just drive it?
I’ve always liked these round eye Cordoba models. Looks like an inexpensive way to get into the hobby.
This brings back memories. My first car was a ‘75 and it did have that Corinthian leather. Black with burgundy interior, center counsel and a 400 under the hood. Had a leaf spring rust off the frame. That was the end of that car. The drivers side blinker would illuminate under heavy acceleration. A precursor to my 2021 F150 infotainment system grading my acceleration, breaking and speed. I loved the fact that the HVAC controls were to the left of the driver…so your passenger couldn’t mess with your settings.
Ricardo not Richard 🤔
WHAAT! No Corinthian leather! Now that’s a Deal Breaker! Ha Ha! @”Richard” Montalban
I really liked the outside styling of the car, but I was very disappointed with the inside, which felt dark and small.
Had one, bought it with a cracked frame, welded it up…drove it then sold it. Pulled my family out of a financial slump (bought it cheap didn’t need car payments and my family fit in with a huge trunk…Twas great$)
How many kid’s could fit in the trunk? Ha ha,
Identical to the Cordoba I bought in April 1975, even to the 318 engine which was not as popular as the 360. I sold it in 1981. Just in case, I checked the VIN. My last 6 digits were 194301. This one was 168127. If it were mine, I think I would be making a road trip to PA.
Memories…… I had a 76 Charger SE when I was 18. Sold it after getting married and next guy wrote it off. 😭. Mine had leather w/center console. Live in Canada. Would love to own one again!
Fortunately, it’s not equipped with the 400 “Lean Burn” engine.