It is fair to say that cars from the early 1980s spent decades in the automotive wilderness. They served their purpose at the time, but as technology advanced and standard luxury appointments increased, they soon fell out of favor. However, they have gained a new lease on life as the latest generation of enthusiasts view them as an affordable entry point into the classic car ownership experience. This 1983 Chrysler Cordoba deserves a close look for those in that boat. It is an ultra-clean survivor with only 40,000 miles showing on its odometer. Its presentation is excellent, and it has the range-topping V8 under the hood. The seller feels the time is right for the Chrysler to find a new home, listing it here on Craigslist in Denville Township, New Jersey. They set their price at $12,500, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Rocco B. for spotting this impressive survivor.

Chrysler introduced the Second Generation Cordoba in 1980 as a replacement for the First Generation that graced showroom floors from 1975 until 1979. It was the company’s entry into the Personal Luxury Car segment, with the latest offering following the prevailing industry trend of downsizing. Our feature car rolled off the line in 1983, with its first owner selecting a color combination of Champagne Metallic with a matching vinyl top. The condition is exceptional for its age, suggesting that this classic has been treated respectfully since Day One. The paint shines beautifully, while the vehicle’s prone nose exhibits very few chips or marks. The panels are free from bumps, and the vinyl shows no evidence of deterioration. Delving below the surface, the floors appear rock-solid, and there are no signs of penetrating rust to cause the buyer sleepless nights. The trim looks pretty impressive for a survivor-grade vehicle, and the glass is clear.

It appears that the first owner wasn’t afraid to splash their cash when ordering this Cordoba, selecting the range-topping 318ci V8. A three-speed TorqueFlite transmission tackles shifting duties, while power-assisted steering and brakes were standard fare. This Chrysler emerged at the height of The Malaise Era, and the engine figures demonstrate that manufacturers were still struggling to squeeze performance from their passenger car range. This 318 will produce a modest 130hp and 230 ft/lbs of torque, and with the Cordoba tipping the scales at 3,607 lbs, it would be more comfortable tackling city traffic or cruising at 70 on the open road than taking on all comers at a Traffic Light Grand Prix. The seller claims this classic has a genuine 40,000 miles on its odometer, and although they don’t mention verifying evidence, the condition makes the claim seem plausible. They supply no information on how it runs or drives, but the use of the word “excellent” in their description suggests that the news should be positive.

The first owner didn’t restrict their spending to the engine bay, loading the interior with luxury features. The buyer receives air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power seats, a rear defroster, cruise control, and supple Corinthian leather trim. The only visible modification is to the car’s stereo system. I suspect that the original unit probably gave up the ghost years ago, so its spot is now occupied by an AM/FM radio/cassette/CD player that fits perfectly. The pillow seats show the typical wrinkles of gracefully aging leather, but there is no significant wear. The same is true of the carpet, the dash and woodgrain are in good order, and the pad is crack-free.

This 1983 Chrysler Cordoba makes a positive first impression and is a vehicle where the new owner could slip behind the wheel to experience immediate motoring enjoyment. The company only produced 13,471 of these classics in 1983, and the typical attrition rate of cars from this era means that the number will have reduced dramatically as the decades passed. The seller’s price is well above the market average and might be too high for some tastes. However, sometimes owning such a car is less about potential value than fulfilling a dream. If you missed the opportunity to purchase one of these Chryslers off the showroom floor in 1983 and regret that decision, this is your chance to make amends.