The Chrysler Cordoba seemed to have a promising future when it was introduced as a 1975 model, back in the days of a thriving personal luxury coupe market, but by ’78 sales were declining and the Ricardo Montalban endorsed offering had just one more year left before the car got both a restyle and a downsize. But the first generation appearance was hard to beat, as the body had such stylish lines and looked even more luxurious if it was equipped with the Crown Coupe package like this 1978 Chrysler Cordoba here on eBay. This one’s up in Buffalo, New York, with the no-reserve auction currently resting at an even four thousand dollars. Our thanks go out to Barn Finds reader Zen for the excellent tip here!
The Crown Coupe got you a different roofline with a padded top and some additional trim between the side windows, but this one’s also got T-Tops, a fun feature so long as it’s not raining if they happen to leak. The seller has owned the Cordoba for about the last two years and describes the body as being in great shape overall, with the exception of some rust around the vinyl top and rear wheel wells. The passenger side door doesn’t match the rest of the finish, so maybe it’s gotten a respray in the past, but for the most part, I’m finding the car pleasing to the eye and guessing it’s a head-turner, especially when those upper panels are removed.
Some really good news here can be found under the hood as there’s a 400 in the bay, the largest motor you could get for 1978 and good for 190 horsepower, or 200 if the car was also equipped with the Heavy Duty TorqueFlite, although there’s no mention whether this one is or not. The seller says his Chrysler has just 73,000 miles on the ticker, but doesn’t go into very many specifics regarding the mechanics and only states that the car is driveable.
We only get to view 2 photos of the interior, so it’s hard to know what the seats and panels may look like although some cracks in the dash and steering wheel can be spotted. But there’s a CB radio inside which is pretty cool, at least it was back in the period when this car was manufactured, and that’s got to be rare. This is one of those autos that’s growing on me the more I look, and while it’s far from perfect I wouldn’t mind having this Cordoba in my garage as a sunny weekend driver if the price doesn’t go too far beyond the present $4k. What are your thoughts here?
I’ve never seen this variant before. Not a fan. Makes it look like Buick to me.
The Crowne Coupe was a rare option, as were the T-Tops. Or, a sunroof.
Holy moly! How did they sell this option? “If you want your Chrysler Cordoba to look like the less expensive and more obscure Dodge Diplomat Coupe?” Then, here’s the Crown option…
At first glance I thought it was a Diplomat or Medallion, too.
“…the feel of rich Corinthian leather…”
There.. someone had to say it.
I think it was the thick Spanish accent that it made it sound more like, “…reech korithian ledder…” if I’m not mistaken. Anyway, I prefer the original round headlights that gave it a much classier look. Not a fan of the vertical stacked headlights.
No. They really didn’t.
I knew a woman at my old job who insisted on a brand new one of these every year they came out. Had to be top of the line also and her “boyfriend” was rich and gullible enough to furnish her with said car. She even insisted on having the $250.00 tow package installed even though she didn’t even tie a ribbon on it. Took away from the looks of it in my opinion. She sent me to pick up lunch for everyone one day and let me take he 78. Very comfortable and like driving a cloud. If my Magnum goes quick enough I just may try and purchase this one. Will need quite a bit of work but could be a nice car to use in good weather. Add a cam and stuff to the motor. 3 inch dual exhaust with flowmasters. Put some Keystone Klassics with 60 series tires.A little body work and paint and whatever the interior needs. Good music and it would be a keeper. Who knows? Kinda like it.
Forget about my previous comment. Less than a day on the sale and the seller has added a reserve. Won’t be in the cards for me. To bad. Could be nice.
Yes, a nice car with many rare options. Since most of these rotted away, there’s few left, especially in nice shape. I hope it finds a good home. I had two of these. A 78, not a crowne coupe, and a 77 Crowne Coupe, with a factory manual sunroof. Both had the 400 big blocks, and the Carter Thermoquad, aka Thermobog. The 77 ran great, the 78 was a bog machine that used to vapor lock as well as bog on me. They must’ve been really nice when new, by the time I got them, they were kinda beat and unreliable, although very nice riding and handling cars for their size.
If you knew how to work on those T-Quads they worked extremely well. They were around 800 CFM and had a sound Godzilla would’ve been jealous of with the breather lid flipped over. The “Lean Burn” version of these in 78/79 were awesome on gas on the freeway, but, were sassy sometimes and would flood out when the light turned green and stall. Just hold it to the floor and crank it till it started and hold it down till all 8 plugs fired and throw it in gear and continue on your way. I had a 79 Chrysler 300 with the 360 E-58 Police Interceptor pkg 727 w/pack and 3.23 sure grip that was just unbelievable from a 30 roll. That 360 would SMOKE a 400 Cordoba for some reason and wasn’t a gas hog! Wish I could find another one of those, just like the Magnum they were limited production and expensive if you find a nice one!
Question that has not been is whats the asking price
Mine was a ’76 with full white vinyl roof and red velour interior, 60/40 seats and the 400 cubic inch engine. I loved it after having bought it from a guy who was going upriver for a decade or so. Moved to Atlanta from Fort Wayne for a cargo flying gig, and the Cordoba came with me. I looked away when a lawyer stopped in front of me, with no warning or reason. Totaled his and my car. With no dashcams, I had no defense. I have always regretted killing that car, but luckily the lawyer was a monster, which ameliorated my loss.
Aren’t these the models where all of the badges, trim and taillights are held on/in with double sided tape and butyl rubber strips?
The parts/taillights would fall off as you were driving. LOL
Most cars had emblems and trim held on with two sided tape by this time, its nothing different than other manufacturers .
Had a ‘78, black with red Corinthian “ Lather “. Drove it until the headliner fell on my head. Had trouble with ignition modules, otherwise good riding car. Bought for $8,000, sold to gardeners for $500.
$4,050. “Reserve not met”.
I’ve always liked the styling of the Cordova they were very good looking cars back in 78. The problem I have is another engine compartment and engine looking like 200k miles of crap. At least put some effort in helping your car sell.
By the looks of the slash marks on the roof, someone was not a fan of padded vinyl roofs.
Had a 78 with the 400 lean burn. Put a frame hitch on it and you could pull any boat down the highway at about 90 mph. Light green hardtop – much fun.
I owned a 1975 Cordoba, just like Ricardo, color and leather and all. Great car. A real standout. Had to tweek the carb when I moved to Denver from D.C. Moved to Nashville then traded it in for a minivan for the family. I truly miss that car. I would only buy a 1975 if I were to buy one.
Worked at New Jerseys largest Dodge dealer in the early 80s. General manager would always let me take his Dodge Magnum (same thing) to run errands. Being a demo it was loaded with everything. Miss those days.
This car looks like it has the rare halo roof option. If so this is a truly low number car. The band on the roof would glow . When they worked they were fantastic.
Probably few here consider a leaf blower an automotive tool, (great for blowing off water drops after a wash) but the under hood environment here could have benefitted greatly from a couple blasts of air to clean out all the leaves, twigs, and other debris nesting there. Auction ended short of the reserve it appears, but after taking a close look at the pics and work needed to make this pop, I don’t see it as much more than a $5000.00 proposition.