Chrysler Corporation was almost down for the count in 1979. There are many reasons for their financial dismay, but the real story is what they did to combat their troubles. Besides developing new front-wheel drive compacts such as the Omni and Horizon and picking up Lee Iacocca from Ford, they tried mining old themes such as this 1979 300. It was a storied model from ChryCo’s past and would be sold in small numbers, but it showed that the boys from Highland Park were still alive and kicking and not afraid of risking some creativity. T.J. discovered the listing for this 45K mile Cordoba derivative, it’s located in Rush City, Minnesota and is available, here on craigslist for $13,500.
By ’79, Chrysler’s famed 300 had been out of commission since ’71. The closest thing in Chrysler’s stable was the Cordoba (’75-’83), but real “Corinthian Leather” will only get you so far. However, the Cordoba served as a solid base for recreating the 300 by adding a crosshair grille, badging, Spinnaker white finish (though it has been claimed some were outfitted in red), hopped-up 360 CI engine, heavy-duty suspension, wider wheels, and red leather upholstery. The production volume was minimal, with less than 3,000 copies seeing the light of day. Unfortunately, these were a one-and-done as no 1980 edition followed. OK, this version of the 300 wasn’t going to solve Chrysler’s woes, but it was a clear indication that they were willing to think beyond the confines of drab little economy cars.
This 45K mile example is claimed to be in “original, excellent condition” and is one of only 300 built with T-Tops. It’s a well-documented car and appears to need nothing. At first, I thought that the white-letter tires looked out of place, but they were part of the 300-package
Chrysler used a special version of their 360 CI V8 engine to power the 300. The 195 net HP was courtesy of a four-barrel carburetor and a dual exhaust system (unusual in the immediate years following catalytic converter implementation). Some sources claim an improved camshaft grind. A TorqueFlite automatic transmission was the sole gearbox utilized. The listing does not mention running or driving characteristics, but there’s no reason to assume there are any issues.
The front bucket seats resemble barco-loungers, but then, so did many luxury interiors in this era. While probably not very supportive, I imagine that they’re cushy and comfortable. A nice added touch is the period-typical CB radio; the next owner can “Break One Nine” to their heart’s content.
I’d say that this car is rather remarkable on two different fronts. One is its obvious fine condition, and the other is that Chrysler dared to build such a specialty vehicle in what were dark automotive times. Wouldn’t you agree?
In those days, Chrysler was revising a number of it’s platforms on a shoestring. IMO the best was the RWD 82 to 88 Fifth Avenues. I had 83 and 85 Fifth Avenues. With the formal limo looking roof, classic stately style, plush velvet interior, comfortable, reliable 318 motor it was like driving you living room with more than ample power! Though Iacocas downsized FWDs supposedly gave Chrysler a new lease on life, after the demise of the RWD nothing (except 90s LEBARON FWD, which. was too small) had any appeal for me. Have since owned Lincoln Town Cars and Cadillacs(RWD full size), but those Fifth Avenues easily held their own. Now you can’t find a new Luxury Sedan. The roads are cluttered with SUVS, crossovers, and melted jelly beans, often masquerading as Luxury vehicles! 🤮
Ì got off base with my previous comment. Using the Cordoba body with 300 name was a Valiant (no pun intended) was another great attempt by Chrysler.
Couldn’t agree more about modern “luxury” vehicles. My 66 Imperial has enough full grain leather & genuine open grain walnut to trim a dozen new cars plus they ride like lumber wagons compared to mine.
It’s not a Cordoba but an incredible facsimile…without fine Corinthian leather.
Do the cattle that provide”Corinthian” leather had to have come from Corinthia, Greece?
Lol. 😂
Why do I get the following when I haven’t posted in over 24 hours?
You are posting too fast. Slow down.
I got that too a couple of days ago. Definitely one for the WTF file.
Not Corinthian Leather, but an incredible similarity.
Hamtramck ultrahyde.
Nice car, but what’s up with that A/C Compressor? It’s not stock and it’s not hooked up, so I’m guessing that the A/C “needs a charge”.
Nice interior but do not put Armor All on those seats or you will slide away and crash!
I used Armor All Cleaning on leather seats. Caused enough damage to center armrest that I had to have it replaced.
We used to tell people to use that on the seats of your dirt bikes and wheelers. Hit the brakes and watch them Nutbuster on the fuel tank cap.
“The listing does not mention running or driving characteristics, but there’s no reason to assume there are any issues.”
There are 13,500 reasons to assume there are issues. Each one has a Washington on it. Unless you’re a tire kicker like most of us on this site, or are in the habit of giving your money away, assume the worst.
Why do you think that?
JO
An additional nod to performance in these 300’s was the use of non-locking torque converter. Chrysler had begun to use a locking units for most applications beginning in 1978.
Omit the ‘a’. I can add that I owned a ’79 300 for a time in the late 2000’s. As a Mopar fan, I had always wanted one and enjoyed driving it despite it being a thirsty beast. The previous owner had replaced the Lean Burn “computer” and the car always started and ran well.
I come from a family that only drove Chryslers until 1972. I was born in Detroit in March of 1955. My mom’s side of the family all worked at the Chrysler Corporation. My dad’s side were all at the Ford Motor Company. Back then Chrysler was known for their superior engineering. Chrysler introduced so many firsts to the automotive industry, most of which went on to become automotive standards. It was Chrysler that brought us the huge tailfins in the late 50s, and other cutting edge styling that took the industry upside down. From the late 60s until the 80s and 90s Chrysler struggled with financial issues that resulted in several brushes with death but always managed to survive, but eventually it could be iseen in their cars. Today I only drive Fords, but there will always be a soft spot in me for Chrysler. Although Chrysler is not owned by an American firm, they are still an important part of the US Big Three.
The Monte Carlo’s cousin.
Prices are getting insane.
As the ad states…”45k original miles”…
I don’t believe it. The engine compartment
tells the truth about this car. If this was an original 45,000 mile car, would the air cleaner paint be half way gone? Wouldn’t the original air compressor still be on the engine? Would the engine bay look so filthy and dirty? I doubt it! Owner doesn’t show a picture of the speedo cluster…if I was selling a car with low mileage, I would make a point of showing the odometer.
I owned a ’79 300, back in the early 90’s. My brother bought it from the original owner, with about 40,000 ORIGINAL miles on it. He kept it for a few years, and I bought it from my brother. That 300 was a hell of a lot cleaner, and better looking than this car. One thing you have to watch out for on these later 70’s B bodies, are the rear springs mounts rusting out, especially if it’s a Midwestern car. The springs will eventually come through the trunk floor, if those mounts are rusted bad enough.
The engine in these 300’s are similar to the Lil Red Express 360, but with the awful spark control computer! Disable that, and it’s much better. This 300 is a rare car, but price is a little out of whack, T tops or not. And with that suspect engine bay. Rare doesn’t always mean high value.