CHRYSLER CORDOBA - THE TRUTH ABOUT THE LEATHER

In 1975 Chrysler began sales of the first model of the Cordoba, it was an instant hit. There were more orders for the car than there were cars made. For each model, there was an optional leather trim package that used their premium Corinthian leather.
n the very first commercial from 1975, he refers to it as “soft”. In the two commercials from later in 1975, he refers to it as “fine”. Ricardo had so much success working with Chrysler, he remained their spokesperson for 15 years.
Where was Corinthian Leather Made?
Contrary to popular belief, Corinthian leather wasn’t imported from an exotic location or steeped in history or rarity. Corinthian leather was made in New Jersey. It was actually just the regular leather Chrysler would source for all of it’s vehicles.
At the time, a major leather supplier in Newark, New Jersey was producing the “Corinthian leather” in the 1970s. They were the Radel Leather Manufacturing Company, and had been in business since 1907.
THIS IS THE STORY OF THE CHRYSLER CORDOBA

[@kevinhanna4628]

I have a 77 Cordoba with t tops, bucket seats with floor shift and console. It has the 400 big block and rides like a dream. With only 35000 original kms ( about 22000 miles) and rust free it's lots of fun to drive. Considering how many they made I don't see to many of them up here in Canada

[@Welcometofacsistube]

I'm in Saskatchewan and own 2 t top 79 300's. I totally agree with you

[@gunnermurphy6632]

Hell yeah

[@ActualSighs]

My brother had that same model with leather seats and T top. He crashed his. I had a '77 velour, no T top. That thing was a beast.

[@joestrada4922]

I had a 75 monte w/ power sunroof, bucket seats floor shift and console. It had the 454. Silver with black vinyl 1/4 top. Back in high school "83." I always liked the Cordoba and Magnum ♥ also owned a 73 cs Cutlass Supreme with bucket seats/ floor shift 350 rocket. The seats were stitched ornate kinda like the Cordoba. I thought it looked pretty cool. 😎

[@AndrewKidd14145]

Because old cars rusted out and you probably took very good care. Garage kept?

[@THEDUDE912]

Brilliant ad campaign. I was a child and I still remember that "CORINTHIAN LEATHER"..

[@gueropalma6649]

I get to tell everyone "this is CORINTHIAN leather," in my Lebaron Mark Cross Town and Country now 😂 truth be told, it's the best quality leather I've ever felt. They really spent their time getting it right. 38 years later and not a tear. Feels like new.

[@citibear57]

Cordoba was one of the most beautiful models produced by Chrysler...and I loved it! I too was a teenager in 1975. I never owned a Cordoba (or even got to ride in one), but I would ride my bike one mile a few times a week to look at them on the dealer's lot (when they were closed, of course). I enjoyed this video, and all of the pictures you included. Nice job!

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

Agree! Thanks for watching and sharing

[@nola504creole5]

Dude that sux that you was a teenager in the 70s and never got to ride in one dude if I win the lottery I will personally buy you one that's pimped so let's pray 🙏 I win the lottery this week

[@markcollins2666]

Same here, a teen in 1975. A buddy of mine's fiancee to his older sister had one, and, being in nice guy mode, gave us guys lifts here and there. Of course, I loved it, but as an auto mechanic in training, I had to notice that the 318, with a pioneering electronic ignition system, was loaded with bugs. Ballast resistors and distributor caps failed way too often. Also, the interior had as many rules as Mum's "forbidden parlor", because it was such a bitch to keep clean. Loved it, but never wanted to have one.

[@citibear57]

@@markcollins2666 Thanks Mark. That is so unfortunate to read. A beautiful car that was high maintenance. Where have I heard that before? 😂

[@markcollins2666]

@@citibear57, most of the issues have been resolved by now. The electronic ignition, which was truly cutting edge, was just released too soon. And that had more to do with their parts suppliers, than the design. And modern auto detailing is a snap now. If you still want one, I'd say go for it.

[@ollipesola8983]

My parents bought a 1975 Chrysler Cordoba new. It was the first Cordoba sold in Finland. The color was dark red with a canopy vinyl rook. The car was equipped with a 360 cubic inch V8 engine and torque-flite automatic transmission. It was a beautiful car and so smooth and quiet to drive. I loved it and I still have nostalgic feelings when I see one on the road, which is very seldom these days over here. Luckily I have old pictures and there is always youtube.

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

Thanks for watching and sharing the comments!

[@ImForwardlook]

I grew up in Turku, Finland. In my teenage years I had a habit of walking past "the boat dudes" triple green 1976 Cordoba, he had a shop in the city center which also sold Chrysler boats and outboards. In the early 80:s there was a 78 (?) triple red Cordoba at a used car dealer which always had cool well kept fancier cars...I loved the Chryslers so much, when the downsized R-bodys came out a large chunk of my world was shattered.

[@B-and-O-Operator-Fairmont]

A friend's dad had one in black with a white interior leather and white Landau top. We called it "The Mafia Car". They were really beautiful cars. It seems like they disappeared overnight. It is still a treat to see one in good condition at car shows.

[@stevenmitchell6347]

I had a triple black Cordoba when I was in the Air Force in the mid 70s. Special order with as much performance and luxury as they offered then. I really liked it overall and, one today properly built with a modern Hemi and transmission, suspension, etc. would be an awesome sleeper!

[@whatyoumakeofit6635]

Heck, one with a properly built built 400 4 barrel, with a little weight removal from I conspicuous places would be a awsome machine.

[@salal98110]

Definitely!

[@donise8406]

I had the 76 wirh 360, sweet car, and smooth ride. If I didn't watch the speedo I would easy go past the 55mph. Yeah till this day I can't drive 55

[@FlannelLife]

You are going to get a chance to see that dream come true, with our project "MoreDoba" - Stay Tuned!

[@240fxst]

Corinthian leather. Ricardo Montalban. 70's were my high school days.so vivid. Thx for the memories!

[@ericsanders5393]

My very 1st was a 77 with 44k miles. 400 Big Block. Man, what memories I have of that fine ride!

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

Memories Eric. That's what this channel is all about. We don't pretend to be car historians and sometimes we get it wrong. We just try to bring back memories for ourselves and viewers. Thanks for watching.

[@jayski8987]

Had a white with black interior ‘76 Cordoba when I was in high school in 1994. Mine had the 400 under the hood and was pretty quick for the time. It also had the fine Corinthian leather. Bought it off an old man with only 23k on the odometer. I put about another 30k on it before selling it for more than I paid for it. It was a reliable car the whole time I owned it.

[@thewhiskeycowboy-official]

I had a 77 Cordoba, green with green and the 400 (with some "upgrades"). She was fast when rolling, and drove like a dream.... though could wallow a bit in corners. It's truly a classy blast from the past now days. Cheers!

[@jamesmyers9285]

My Mother and Dad had three Cordoba's, 1975 in White/Black Leather/Manual Sunroof. My Dad bought a 1978 Cordoba in Platnum/Black Leather/Power Sunroof. Then, he bought a 1980 Cordob Crown Corinthian in Mahogany Metallic with a Cream leather interior/Wire Wheel Covers/Wide Whitewall tires with a gold band. They kept all three of these cars until my Father passed in 1996, none of the cars had more than 30,000 miles on them. The 1980 Cordoba was Drop Dead gorgeous right up to the time it was rear-ended at a stop light.

[@scottyellis3442]

My neighbor had one of these cars with the round headlights so must've been a 70's car, & when he had his I was around 12 years old. Watching this carried me back & brought up so many good childhood memories so I thank you for that.

[@kaiboshvanhortonsnort359]

Ricardo's voice could sell anything, but he was the perfect spokesman for such a sexy car.

[@Zebra_3]

perfect car commercials w/ Ricardo. 💯

[@BakerStudiosIndy]

I had and loved a '75 Cordoba. They called it the "small Chrysler." Problem is that each door of this "small" Chrysler weighs about the same as a modern city bus. LOL

[@Primus54]

The first few years were the ones to have before the rectangular headlamps which made it look too much like a GM car. Also, you really did need the 400 or 360 if you could afford the gasoline. The interiors really were excellent. Ricardo Montalban was THE salesman for these cars… he should have asked for $25 per car sold! 👍👍👍

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

He should have. Great ad man for the car. Thanks for watching and supporting our channel.

[@anonymousm9113]

Great video! My Dad had a '78 Cordoba with t-tops. He was always one to own 10+ vehicles, with at least half running at any given time. He almost always bought on in-house financing from the small town dealership, paying cash weekly as he got paid. In the early '90s, he owned the Cordoba, a '78 Bill Blass Edition Lincoln Continental, '79 Coupe DeVille, '82 Mustang LX 5.0, '74 Camaro, and a few other vehicles. He kept the keys in a bowl on the kitchen table and his only rule was that I was not to drive the Mustang. So, around age 13 I was driving those big cars around town. I was driving him around in the '79 Chevy pickup starting around age 8, sometimes with both of us drinking a beer (he had his habits and I looked up to him). In the mid-2000s he had to move from the lot he'd rented behind a steel mill he'd worked at in the '80s. He'd previously moved from a near abandoned trailer park literally down the railroad tracks, at which time he simply towed the trailer a half mile or so, but by the 2000s he had no choice but to rent a trailer in a nearby town, incidentally from the car dealer's owner whom he'd done so much business with. He was limited to only 3-4 cars on the property and offered me the Cordoba, but unfortunately I was busy with Army stuff and never made the trip. Wish I would have. Malaise Era or not, any of his former cars, especially the Cordoba or Lincoln, would have been a great project for restoration now that I'm semi-retired.

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

Wow! Thanks for sharing. A great read. This is what this channel does for me and my brother. It brings back memories of our past and our dad. Thanks for watching and supporting us.

[@johnmaki3046]

I owned a '78 Cordoba and a '77 Lincoln Town Car, THE CORDOBA WAS FINE, THE LINCOLN WAS NOTHING BUT A FAT LTD WITH ALL THE USUAL SHITTY FORD WORKMANSHIP!

[@cjb8010]

That saga is either tragic or poignant. I can’t decide which.

[@johnjriggsarchery2457]

@@cjb8010 I would say a bit of both

[@skimanfree1073]

ha, ha

[@jefftube58]

I had a '76 Cordoba and I still regret getting rid of it. If not the most beautiful car produced by Chrysler, certainly one of their most beautiful.

[@chadhaire1711]

Regret? No you were lucky to get rid of it before it fell apart...

[@lordwalker71]

My older brother bought a 77 in the early 80’s, was brown with real wire wheels. I used to watch the show WKRP in Cincinnati and the character Herb always drove Cordoba and talked about the Corinthian leather.

[@garyszewc3339]

Chrysler never had real wire wheels, they were hubcaps. They were very expensive hubcaps, over $100 a piece. I know because I worked at a Chrysler dealer at the time, and many people had to come and buy them because they were a hot item for thieves. The parts department would sell a half dozen sets a week due to theft.

[@mikej238]

I had a,1982 Cordoba. 318, Aluminum alloy rims, T tops power everything. Corinthian Cloth seats, Red with a white pinstripe with Kelly Springfield tires with big whitewaĺls . Power everything and a horn like a freight train! It was hot ! Best looking car in the hood, had it for 10 years, sold it to a friend who actually drove it till about 2004.

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

Thanks for watching and sharing! We're on a SUBSCRIBER BLITZ. We can't tell if you are a subscribers or not. If you're not, can you please help us out by hitting the like and subscribe button. We're trying to reach 100,000 subscribers in the next 6 months!

[@GmanG90]

Wow you brought back some memories for me . The Chrysler Cordoba was my first car i bought in 1979, it was a maroon 1975 with the leather seats with less than 15000 miles on her. Even had a sun roof top. Unfortunately I totaled it 2 yrs later. I love that car so much. Thx for sharing the history.

[@michaelbarry8373]

you mean "Corinthian" leather seats!

[@stratplayr6997]

My neighbors across the street had a Cordoba in either '76 or '77 - it was the original model with the round headlights. I got to ride in it a few times - I do remember it being a very nice, comfy riding car with it's "Corinthian leather" seats. Funny how back then this was considered a "small" car.

[@MrHeadbanger366]

Whenever you hear Chrysler Cordoba in your head, it's always in Ricardo Montalban's voice. I never drove a Cordoba, but I did ride in one. It was smooth and comfortable.

[@michaelwinn7493]

A couple relatives/friends had fully loaded Cordoba’s and I was obsessed with them as a teenager, got to ride in one of them once for about 3 hours and I still remember it. My Mom bought the Charger can’t remember if it was a ‘76 or’77 ordered it from our local dealer in the cream yellow with tan vinyl top and interior with bucket seats. She was a single mom with 3 teenagers so it was bare bones 318 V8,no A/C and an A/M radio with a single rear speaker lol. She loved it and kept it as her daily driver into the ‘90’s. Great memories!

[@johnnymason2460]

The Cordoba always fascinated me. I would love to have one now. Maybe slip in a 5.7 liter Hemi V8 for good measure.

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

That would be cool!

[@itsnotme07]

Very cool video! Always loved the Cordoba line. Owned a 79 model as well as a 77 Plymouth Fury. Both were 8-10 years old by the time I got them. A friend of mine's Dad had a 79 300 back in 1983. When I got my license, he told me I could take the car for the night, so I did. Very cool car!! BIG of course. Returned the car at 12:59 am (1 min before my Junior Operator license expired) and walked home. Think I drove over 150 miles that night. Packed car with friends of course, young dumb and stupid. Would love to have a 79 300 for myself. Always enjoy seeing them at the Chrysler Nationals in Carlisle, PA each July.

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

Memories! That's what the channel is all about. Thanks for watching and sharing!

[@JBB4118]

Two friends from H.S owned Cordoba's one was a 77 the other a 79. Freaking things were like tanks!

[@johnmaki3046]

Except for "Lean Burn" (either GREAT or HORRID, owned both kinds!) and CRAPPY RADIATORS (BIG MoPar CORPORATE PROBLEM IN MID-TO-LATE 70s!) Those cars were FAR SUPERIOR to Ford, and DAMNED SURE BETTER THAN G.M.'s USUAL MASS-MARKET GARBAGE!

[@ontogeny6474]

Back in high school, my best friends' dad had a yellow 75. Remember him picking us up from the mall a couple of times. I would've been only 14 or so, but that car left a life-long impression on me. Remember being so impressed with the luxury and all that "Corinthian leather."

[@Project_Low_Expectations]

Great episode as always. Had a buddy about 20 years ago, he had a black cordoba, black leather buckets with console, T tops and some old centerline mags with white letter tires and side pipes… that sucker looks DAMN sharp! That was the absolute first time I ever appreciated this model. Looked sharp, had enough power to not be a dog, and rode beautifully too

[@billdang3953]

Just imagine a hot rodded version of one of these with a cammed 318 polysphere and a 6 speed T-56 with better brakes and suspension.

[@peter455sd]

@@billdang3953 Well,tell you the truth,i always liked the 318 poly better than the 318 fleet but it was long gone in 1975 and suspension and brakes were not really bad in these cars. Now as in manual transmission,the best available in these days was a Warner T-5 from 1979-on... These were the days of the gas crunch scam and Jimmy Carter

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

Wow! Thanks for sharing more info guys! Thanks for supporting us!

[@Gitjadas]

When I was 18 and 19, from '04- '05, I owned 2 Cordobas, they were my first cars. A '77 with the 400, and a '76 with the 360 4bbl. Deserved all their reputations- still amazing cars. You could do the Duke slide across the hood, tho the center chrome trim could catch ya if you weren't careful.

[@MAGronemeyer]

The Chrysler Cordoba slightly resembles the Chevrolet Monte Carlo with it's outer body style. It used to crack me up listening to Ricardo Montalban describe the "Fine Corinthian Leather!" in the ads whenever the car was in it's heyday.

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

For sure Michael. I'd confuse the two as well. lol. Thanks for watching!

[@catjudo1]

I would love to have a '75-77 model (round headlights) as I never thought the squares did the car any favors, and I'd prefer it in black or another dark color. And it would have to have the fine Corinthian leather even though I prefer cloth seats so I could regale passengers with my best Riccardo Montalban accent. They really were neat cars.

[@THROTTLEPOWER]

I agree!!

[@robertmoore2049]

The stacked square headlights were ugly in my opinion.

[@johnmaki3046]

The round headlights were WAY COOLER!

[@RCAvhstape]

Thanks to Montalban it's almost a sin to not get the leather seats.

[@monsieurcommissaire1628]

The square headlight disease afflicted many cars back then. I remember square headlights being seen as more 'modern' than round ones. Ha. When BMW stubbornly kept their round headlights they became fashionable again, BMW themselves having become fashionable around 1979-80.

[@aldazio642]

I owned a 1975 Cordoba, purchased in late 1974. While I owned the car for 16 years it was plagued with quality control issues. None the less, it holds a special place in my heart as being my first "luxury" car.

[@geowilliams8915]

I loved the Cordoba, although I was still in high school when it came out in '75, so I had no money. That didn't stop me from getting the product brochure, which I may still have, laying around here somewhere 47 years later.

[@banditta4life66]

My favorite year would be the 76. I owned one of it's 78 corporate "twins" the Sport Fury. Mint green/ dark green landau with the dark green interior, velour/ cloth combo. Gave the car to my dad as a retirement gift.

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

Awesome Andrew! Thanks for watching and supporting.

[@anthonybarnett6828]

Ricardo was as smooth as owl stuff. Damn I wanted one and I wasn't a middle aged man at the time. He made it sound cool

[@dfh07719]

LOVE the 1976 version of the Cordoba! That was back in 1976! I still love it today 🙂

[@charles1964]

I bought a '77 Cordoba Landau with a 318 in 1982, it was a good looking, very comfortable car. The lean burn ECM unit died while I was driving it home from the lot, but after the dealer installed a new ECM the only major work I ever did in the 4 years I owned it was to replace the rear wheel bearings, and no, it didn't have "Corinthian Leather"

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

lol.....Thanks for watching Charles!

[@williamjones4483]

I had a '78 with 360 and lean burn. It never worked properly and cost a fortune to fix. I ended up converting to standard electronic ignition. Car usually got about 22 MPG on the highway.

[@charles1964]

@@williamjones4483 I guess I was lucky because I never had a problem with it after it was replaced, I loved the Cordoba. Then again, My car after this was an '82 Bonneville Brougham that I bought for $550 in '86 because the owner was scared of the Diesel under the hood. That Bonne Never gave me a bit of trouble and it is probably the most comfortable car I ever owned as it was loaded with options, but sadly, I only had it a couple of years until some drunk plowed into her as she was parked

[@keithstudly6071]

I remember an interview with Fernando Lamas. He expressed some frustration at being asked about the Cordoba by people who had him confused with Ricardo Montaiban. He told them it was a piece of junk and that he drives a Rolls Royce!

[@renebastille578]

My dad had one 1981 model with the 318 and two tone paint,sides were dark brown and higher portion was light beige almost like cream, I loved this beautiful and reliable car and drove it a lot.i still have lots of good memories and love for Chrysler cars.

[@stewpuddy4161]

I was born in 79. As a kid I remember some of the 70s cars being on the roads, and of course the boring cars of the 80s. Back then I hated the looks of virtually every car from the 70s. But as I've aged, I gotta say, I appreciate them much more. Great vid!

[@zaphodsrealm1549]

I had a triple black '75 and loved it. My only complaint was the terrible gas mileage, but that soft Corinthian leather was nice 👌

[@joeelmore2728]

Hey guys, was surprised to see my Cordoba featured in your newest video. The clip of the Mocha Brown Cordoba from 1980 is my car while it was up for sale on Streetside Classics of Florida in their showroom. She now resides in Sioux City, Ia. with her Corinthian leather!!! Her appearances are briefly at auto shows during the summer months, she remains in storage the rest of the year. I am always asked by people " How is the Corinthian leather?" To which I always state is very soft, but highly slippery. Ha ha Keep up the good work.

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

Oh wow AWESOME! Thank you so much for watching and supporting the chanel. We love those classic cars. My brother wants to buy and bring back every car from the 70s. I tell him we ain't no Jay Leno! No money! Thanks Joe!

[@Jb42996]

They used the pic of my Cordoba's 400 big block ,awesome.

[@jimgiordano5328]

My parents had a 78 Cordoba .... electric everything. Drove like a dream... Loved it

[@granolathug1443]

We had a 78' Chrysler Cordoba with a V8, all power everything, Brown paint with half tan vinyl top, tan interior, white walls and full spoke hub caps that had a large center bolt with a center coin. They were chrome and so we're the bumpers with Overriders and a really nice stereo with good speakers. out of all the cars we had... The Cordoba was my favorite and I wish I had one now. It had all the bells and whistles and was so comfortable. It was, in my opinion, the last of the "Luxury Muscle" cars.... or, "Tough -n- Fancy" cars. I will always keep a look out for another and I'll always love the Cordoba

[@OLDS98]

Excellent job. Excellent footage. I liked the fact you shared what was going on in the market at the time. You gave a wealth of information too. I had heard the LeBaron coupe that showed up in the 1980's was supposed to be the Cordoba, but it was not. Imagine if that had happened. I liked the fact you mentioned the Imperial too. Thank you for another excellent video. You guys are knocking out some great ones lately.

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

We appreciate the feedback OLDS98. We also appreciate the support you've given us. Thanks!

[@jamescarrington5521]

I remember the Cordoba and the Dodge Magnum, too. For a few years there, I used to initially mistake the Cordoba for the Pontiac Grand Prix when I'd see them on the road. I had a 1974 Plymouth Fury "Gran Sedan," and many years later, a Chrysler New Yorker/Fifth Ave. Great cars, they really were.

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

Great cars indeed! Thanks James

[@jarethostetter2314]

Been building my 78 cordoba for the last 4 years. Now powered with a 440 and sporting black cherry pearl paint. Love this car!

[@Zebra_3]

white walls?

[@chris78cordoba]

Loved the video! Great explanation of this wonderful cars history. I have a 1978 model myself and everywhere I go with it people say “you don’t see these anywhere!” It’s nice to own such an iconic car from the 70’s that are rather hard to find.

[@drwho534]

My first brand new car in '77 at the age of 24, silver with powder blue landau roof, deep dish wheels and a 318 under the hood. It was a great looking car but didn't take long for the quality and reliability issues to appear. Three-years later rust was already setting in on the inside trunk lid and constant carburetor issues saw me trade it in on a new Toyota Celica liftback.

[@dave900575]

When the 81 Imperial came out I felt that they ripped off the front end of a Lincoln and the back end of the Cadillac Biarritz. I had forgotten how good the Cordoba looked.

[@pauldienstag6202]

When I was 17 yrs old i purchased .a 76 Chrysler Cordova 360 eng from a used car loti 198w, In my option was the nicest full size car on the " smallish independent lot. I put $300.00 down and the next 4 weeks $85.00 than $35.00 for 35 weeks . I was with my future wife and we loved that car. I had it for 5 yrs. It had all the premium options except the T - Top. In the time I had it the only major thing that went out was the transmission and the water pump. I had taken auto shop classes in high school(3.5gpa) did all the maintenance and repairs on my own. It was 1 of the best cars I owned

[@Mick_Ts_Chick]

My grandfather had a silver one back in the day. We loved it. Very comfortable to ride in. He didn't have any trouble with it.

[@CertifiedShadetree]

I grew up around these cars. My grandparents had all-new 75, 78, and 82 Cordobas in succession, all were full-out luxury and packed to the gills with options (and of course all had the Fine Corinthian Leather.) They owned the 82 for about a year when the dealership called them up and offered them more than they paid for it to buy it back (guess they were still in heavy demand in that part of the country in 83.) My parents then purchased an 80 model in 84. It had the slant six and was completely stripped down (manual windows & locks, cloth bench seat, plain hubcaps, and NO PASSENGER SIDE MIRROR!!) I recall that car being a colossal POS, always breaking down, and having been completely rusted out within 5 years of them owning it. It had been sent to the scrapyard before I got my license so I never got the opportunity to marvel in the wonderment of 95 horses of slant six fury!!

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

Awesome! Great read. Thanks for watching and sharing.

[@aaronwilliams6989]

The 1980-1983 model did not sell well at all.

[@mattskustomkreations]

@@aaronwilliams6989 A big part of why Chrysler was circling the drain before Iacocca pulled off the miracle of the bailout/K-car/loan payoff.

[@jamessawyer8889]

When the Cordoba came out my father & I went to take a look at it, I thought it was a nice looking car, my father always felt everything was too expensive, he needed to realize that prices were going to go up, it wasn't the old days of inexpensive!!

[@ralphortega5546]

My dad had a 1976 Cordoba in a beautiful metalic sky blue finish. It was a sweet ride. I've never forgotten it.

[@glenkepic3208]

Pretty cool flashback ;) '75, a friend i knew thru High School bought one of these as his first car when he graduated.' me, 'really?' He loved it !

[@jeffreyfelder7981]

Great car, I've owned 2 of them, a 1976 yellow one with leather interior, and a 1979, Black with red pin stripping fully loaded model, the only thing that drove me crazy was that stupid Lean burn ignition system in the 79, the car was great until they redesigned it.

[@kpkp2655]

Wicked episode. I remember as a kid, I was wondering why there is coins on the fender. Lol.

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

Lol....Thanks for watching. We don't pretend to be historians. We just try to do some research and bring back some memories. Thanks for watching and supporting us.

[@jimbo97]

My (earlier) generation wondered why there were mouse holes on the sides of Buicks. 😆

[@simon5005]

I always saw it as a massive copy of the 1974 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, which I had in 1975 and loved it!!!

[@davidseward8511]

I bought a new 1978 Cordoba with "fine Corinthian velour" as a friend used to say. I drove it for 17 years with very few problems. Hard to believe it was considered a small car. Thanks for the time travel to my late 20's.

[@bc5441]

I was in high school when these were introduced and I thought they were gorgeous and I still do. I can understand why the Charger SE didn’t do so well. The previous Charger was a big car but didn’t lean into the personal-luxury space; Dodge was pushing it where it hadn’t been before. I’m not sure the stacked headlights were an improvement for Cordoba and the second generation Cordoba, a product of its time, was ugly. My parents each had a first-gen Cordoba at different times, and my brother bought one new-he could afford it, but when he took it to his new job he was embarrassed by it when he found all of his colleagues driving similarly-priced, smaller imports, most probably from Japan. “This looks like a banker’s car,” he was told. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

Thanks for watching and sharing B C! To have one now would be great. I would NOT be embarrassed. lol

[@ImForwardlook]

Be proud of your brother. In my eyes driving an import in the US equals to burning the flag. Keep also in mind that in many countries only the wealthiest people could afford a Cordoba.

[@matthews8576]

My sister bought one in the mid seventies. My uncle was the salesman. Later he had some really horrible things to say about that model, the many problems it had and the people that bought them. He said it was a car for the disco crowd, among other non politically correct opinions. It did have lots of mechanical problems. A couple of years later she traded it for a Duster that never had a single problem.

[@donaldroehrig7817]

I had a '78 Cordoba with T-tops in the 90's. I loved that car. Drove like a dream. Out of the 30 or so cars I have had in my life, it is still one of my favorites.

[@kamillgran9408]

I love those 70’s cars and commercials. That’s when the entire family sat around watched all together.

[@qkwjz]

"small" Chrysler

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

Right? Lol....thanks for watching.

[@MichaelPremsrirat]

Khaaaaaaan!

[@ludovicoc7046]

"From Hell's heart I stab at thee!" 😇

[@selimpullu420]

I requested this video a short time ago. Thank you for paying attention to the comments and making it. Another great video from Boca Bros.

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

Thanks Selim! Appreciate your input and comments!!!

[@ctoacu6188]

Had a feeling I'd run into this video at some point lmao. My dad was gifted one as a present for finishing college in the early 80s, and every time we talked about the car he would jokingly yell "Corinthian Leather!" to me and my mom. Eventually I got what he meant but now I actually see the commercial!

[@SpockvsMcCoy]

Dismal quality control and reliability at Chrysler Corporation in those years.

[@pcno2832]

I don't know about the Cordobas, but Chrysler's other mid-size cars were abysmal. From what I've read, the "downsized" R bodies, which were really a tall, boxy reskin of what had been their mid sized models, were a huge improvement and fleet owners loved them. But the feds made their discontinuation a condition for the 1980 bailout.

[@SpockvsMcCoy]

@@pcno2832 I have never heard anything positive about the R-body cars...law enforcement agencies despised them for poor performance. Also, Chrysler Corporation's "Lean Burn" system was problematic.

[@ffelton]

Beautiful design and just the home run Chrysler needed when it was introduced in 75. The nod to GM’s Monte Carlo was almost embarrassing but the design was on trend for the era. The marketing campaign was nothing short of genius. Calling it a small Chrysler is hard to comprehend until you think back to how big the ‘full-size’ Chrysler division models were back then. Unfortunately, I have to agree with others who’ve commented on Chrysler’s poor quality during that time. I knew some Cordoba /Charger owners in the 70’s/80’s and remember the almost universal frustration over the repair ‘frequency’ these cars required. That said, thanks for this well done video. It’s inspired me to reserved space in my fantasy garage for a fully loaded Córdoba preferably with the 300 trim option and 460 big block. VRoom! 😉👍🏽

[@codycoyote6912]

I had a 1977, special ordered, landau roof, burgundy color. Loved it. My friends disparingly called it a pimp-mobile. Ahh, the 70s

[@alanparker7777]

My first car was a 1976 Cordoba. I got it on my 16th birthday in 1986 for $600.

[@sexskilled]

I loved the Cordoba..I drove my mom's 1977 every chance I got as a teenager and I have never lost my love for the Cordoba 💖💖💖

[@matrox]

I friend of our family had one of these when new. I got to ride in it several time. Beautiful smooth comfortable riding car. Dark red with a vinyl top.

[@NorthernChev]

My dad had a ‘76 Cordoba back then. I remember it being luxurious as hell, and super comfortable to ride in.

[@SlickWorks]

FANTASTIC episode. very cool. thanks for this awesome edit. Cheers

[@FranktheDachshund]

My dad gave me my mom's old 1978 Cordoba, I can say that thing was a beast offroad.

[@KeithWilson-ch3cf]

Had a new 75 in drivers training class. During a Michigan winter. Handled great, awesome cars.

[@happygolucky1184]

We had two Cordobas when I was growing up - a dark green 1975 and a dark blue 1976. First cars I ever drove; fond memories of going 100+ MPH on the New York Thruway.

[@Qwijebo]

I had a 76 T-top Cordoba, we put in a 440 and it was spectac! Super comfy

[@HerrPoopschitz]

First car I remember as a child. Mom had a 76...brown w/ white landau, white leather interior, 400 and a high geared sure grip. I was just a little guy, but still remember it.

[@gimmesomesugar]

Great video! I had forgotten how good looking those cars were. Even today they are handsome..

[@matrox]

The original with the round handlamps was just beautiful.

[@Ian-xw1ge]

Thanks for the history of this car. I was a kid in that era so, never own the Cordoba . Great Actor Ricardo

[@westwasbest]

Back in 1983 I had a 1975 Chrysler Cordoba, it had a 360 two barrel carb, and a plush velvet interior, dark blue with a white roof, I even changed the bulbs in the Opera lights to blue, I used to cruise up and down the Adirondack Northway with that car like nobody's business, best car ever, wish I still had it today!

[@RALPHD57]

I bought a 1977 Cordoba in Buffalo NY after I saw A black one pass me on the highway...litterly got off the next exit and bought one at Sheridan Chrysler..I was driving a 1975 Pontiac Grand Prix LJ at the time..Other than the lean burn computer going out 5 times...we loved that car...black with a red leather [corinthin] and crank open and close sunroof!!...

[@ImForwardlook]

A fantastic car! I bought a triple green one owner 1978 Cordoba with 44K miles in 1990 and travelled 8K miles in the western states. With a 360 it averaged 24 mpg! Oh, the memories...luckily I had the sense of keeping it...

[@DavidHBurkart]

The originals with the round headlights are the most appealing to me. My Aunt had one as well as a neighbor down the street from me where I grew up. It was always a treat to cruise in those land-schooners.

[@harleytakuachemode]

My first car, in 1998, was a 76 cordoba. Green Corinthian leather. Had it painted silver and black. I miss this car now more than ever.

[@thelightspeed3d712]

My parents had 6 of these cars in the late 80’s and 90’s. A yellow big block 77 Cordoba was my first car. My dad kept several around for parts. My mom drove a Metallic Brown one with a 318 into the early 90’s and I enjoyed the 77 “big bird”. I loved the styling of the Cordoba. And despite their size they were peppy.

[@williamjones4483]

I had a '78 Cordoba. Came with the 360 cu. in. engine and it had T-tops. Built in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. It was a very nice care. I wish I still had it.

[@lawrencerobinson9979]

In 1977, i was 19, and worked at Marc Slade Chrysler Plymouth in Sanford FL. I washed hundreds of these cars when processing upon intake. Most ran about $9500_11400 . I could only dream of owning one. I had a 70 Challenger i bought for $875. Jeeze im old

[@seand2711]

I didn't like them when I was younger but now looking at them I can really appreciate their beauty.

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

Car are SO boring these days. They all look the same. Thanks for watching Sean!

[@fargomonkey5133]

My uncle had the Dodge version, the 78 Magnum with a .318 power plant, and it was terrific. A very very good car, better than most of the garbage we see today in my opinion. That Cordoba had such nice lines, such a pleasant looking design. Would love to have one today.

[@Fvck-diversity]

in 87 my mom had a 76, it was cool.

[@Nemonurwingy]

My Dad had one when I was a kid. No Corinthian leather though. Green exterior with green velour seats. Always preferred when he picked me up from school vs my Mom in the Plymouth Turismo. Didn’t happen much, he generally had to work too late, was a nice treat when it happened.

[@MrFlintlock7]

Had some family friends that bought a Cordoba and it was a fantastic car. Sporty and refined. They never caught on in my hometown and probably only ever saw theirs and 2 or 3 others.

[@1995dresser]

I had a 1976 Cordova but mine had velour seats one of the best riding cars ever owned it was like sitting on your couch driving very comfortable car

[@walterrobertson3265]

I remember back in 1975 or 1976 a friend of mine was driving his parents brand new Cordoba. When I went into the car, I was taken back by tuck button luxurious seats that were all white and when he drove me in the car it was like we were riding on a cloud. It was the smoothest car that I had ever driven in. It wasn’t until the 1990’s that I felt a car drive as smoothly as that one. And that was a Mercedes that I had owned. That Mercedes brought back memories of the Cordoba.

[@c.nickwright5281]

My best friend had a ‘76 in the late 90’s. It was lowered in the front with the baby moon wheels, man that thing was cool!

[@kevincoleman1226]

I owned a 77 Cordoba. It was burnt orange with white leather buckets. I really miss that car. It was broadsided in 1980. It was the coolest car in my school. My father bought brand new and I purchased from him in 1979. I was a junior in high school.