Before looking it up just now, I did not know that the word “mirada” is Spanish for “look.” I’m sure there are nuances to how the word is used in conversation, but in essence this is a Dodge Look, or maybe “The Look.” Those are bold words for a car many people have forgotten, but let’s take a look of our own at this nice, relatively-low-mileage 1982 edition.
For those who need a refresher (as I did), the Mirada was produced from 1980 to 1983, with decreasing production every year. By the time the ’82 rolled around, a mere 6,818 were built, and only 1,474 of them were the top-of-the-line “CMX” model like our feature car.
The Mirada was (surprisingly) based on the “F-Body” Aspen/Volare, and it hid its origins better than perhaps any car to use that platform. Indeed, Chrysler changed the structure thoroughly enough that it’s known as the “J-Body.” The seller includes no pictures of the front end, but there is a little bit of a 1936 Cord 810/1966 Oldsmobile Toronado vibe about it, although I hope no Mopar enthusiasts are offended by my saying that it wasn’t carried off quite as well here. Still, the Mirada is clean and attractive, if not a bit innocuous.
One of the more unfortunate realities about collecting late-’70s/early-’80s cars is the curse of the plastic bumper filler. While replacements are available for GM cars from this time period, limited availability of these pieces seems to be the sad reality for Mopar J-Body owners. I’ve seen various repairs on their forums, but they took some creativity and skill in bodywork.
The picture of the engine compartment is fairly dim, but the Mirada could have a 225 Slant Six or the venerable 318, which is what appears to be under the hood of this CMX. If so, you’re looking at 130 horsepower, not enough to win races, but enough to cruise down the highway at a reasonable speed.
The interior is not only “of course it’s red” red, but it also harmonizes well with the gray paint. With a console, floor shift, and fancy steering wheel, it’s almost sporty in here, and the brushed dashboard and console trim also looks pretty cool.
The owner says that this Mirada is one-family-owned with 93,190 miles. Some gaskets and seals have been repaired, and it’s apparently ready to drive. It’s being sold to clear out some garage space for a new acquisition, and speaking of that garage, it’s the heated garage of a Mopar collector, so this Mirada has apparently been in some good hands. It’s currently on eBay for an asking price of $6500 (with a “Make Offer” option). A Dodge Mirada is a little off-the-beaten-path as a collector car, but it might be worth another look.
Too bad we can’t see all the front end damage. If it isn’t damaged, it looks like a nice car, but they seem to avoid photographing the front for some reason.
When you have a “collector” in Ohio not showing the undercarriage and other rust prone areas of a car parked on a lift, it’s not a stretch to assume it’s for a reason.
Steve R
I agree.
The only time I have ever really seen these is on B/F. I think this could be a real deal at $6,500 bucks! If it was close and possible, I would want to take a serious look at this car.
Too bad about the “cabriolet” roof, without it this was a rare domestic example of the 6-light 2-door hardtop with an opening window right behind the door and a fixed one bisecting the C pillar.
Most other examples are Japanese – the Datsun 200SX, Toyota Corolla Sport Coupe and Subaru GLF Hardtop, all of which were most commonly seen without vinyl tops at all, a rarity for Mirada/Cordobas although most of these at least had ones that left the rear fixed windows exposed.
It could be a decent car but I’m more interested in the Can Am next to it
It could be a decent car but I’m more interested in the Charger Daytona next to it
Lazy picture-taking here. How about taking the car out of the garage and photographing it in daylight? And the numbers on the odo suspiciously don’t line up properly, that and the floor paper say “used car dealer” to me.
When these come up here on BF, most people say they like the look. For a Mopar of this generation, I prefer the Charger model that preceded this.