31st Jul 2017, 12:47
I liked the 73 T Bird and the 75 Malibu styling. Can Am. Little else til the late 90s.
31st Jul 2017, 16:57
I am sorry if I was misunderstood. I meant "tired" in the sense that other car manufacturers in the year of 1975 were basically re-running the previous year's car style with few styling cues changed, while Chrysler introduced this particular car fresh for the year 1975. This was the premier year for this car and it ran basically unchanged until 1977. In 1978 and 1979 they had the different light treatment, and squared out the car somewhat, while 1980 to 1983 saw the final change before they dropped it. In 1975 this was a new car, and new in the sense that it was not produced before. The style was new for Chrysler. The other manufacturers were either in the middle or ends of the styling change for their models, therefore there were little "new" happenings that year comparably. I am sure that Chrysler decided to release the Cordoba the year they did for that reason... to make their car stand out in a field of cars that were becoming "tired". As for the Grand Prix and Cutlass, I also think that they are definitely the better styled of the GM trio.
2nd Aug 2017, 01:42
The 1980-83s were a lot more than just a "final change" like switching from round to rectangular headlights. They were completely new models on a different platform and with completely different styling, sharing little with the older models beyond the Cordoba name and some engines/transmissions.
3rd Aug 2017, 17:21
Oh I totally agree. I wonder what they were thinking at Chrysler. By this stage in the game they got so far from what they started off with that I can't even imagine what they would end up looking like if they continued manufacturing them. They went from a B platform with a 318, 360, and 400 engine to a J platform with a 225 slant 6 as standard with a 318 optional. Damn the oil crisis. This really put the squeeze on things as far as performance, weight, and styling. The 80s versions of this car were most definitely a product of economy, and due to Chrysler trying to whip a dead horse, this is what we got. They would have better off shelving the Cordoba until we recovered a bit. This would have at least given Chrysler time to work on a better alternative engine style rather than down playing/powering their former engines to anemic levels. I guess this was their plan, they took a shot, and had to live with it. You see how long it took for them to re introduce the Charger after they altered it to non recognition. Who knows what the future holds for the Cordoba.
3rd Aug 2017, 23:59
I would be shocked if they ever reintroduce this model. Even the name evokes that period. Don't care for the design or name.
Chrysler had great names Challenger, Cuda, Road Runner, Fury, and even Imperial. But Córdoba? Come on. I liked the Magnum that came out the same era as the Córdoba. Same body style, but far better design treatment.
4th Aug 2017, 16:59
Actually, the 185hp 360 engine was optionally available in 1980 only, on the Cordoba and on the Dodge Magnum's successor, the Mirada.
As far as the Charger name goes, Chrysler should not have further diluted the significance of a model name that they continued some 30+ years ago when they stuck it on that FWD L-body.
Now, it's on a model often seen as a taxicab! If they had wanted to (yet again) dredge up a name from the past that would have had at least some performance image (from early 60s era) but been more appropriate for what was/is a full-size RWD four door sedan, instead of today's Charger Hellcat, it would be... Polara Hellcat!
5th Aug 2017, 08:47
I won't. We have 3 late model Challenger Hemis in the family. And if they have a hot foot, the Mopar police cars will not be far behind.
5th Aug 2017, 15:45
That would be an invalid point, seeing how FCA is going to discontinue the Hemi and replace them with turbo 6 cylinders in their cars and trucks.
6th Aug 2017, 03:30
I remember Car and Driver doing a road test of the 1980 Mirada with the 120 HP 318 2Bbl, with it running a 13.4 second 0-60 time, and a 71-MPH quarter mile. They also did a quick check of the 360 -> 0-60 in 10.0 seconds, quarter mile was 17.5 seconds @ 80 MPH :)
It's sad that they could not preserve the 360 beyond 1980. The focus was on the FWD Aries/Reliant platform, with little or not much money left for the Córdoba/Mirada etc all. The Diplomat/Gran Fury Police Package would have no doubt benefited as well.
Not everything during the Iacocca years was great...
7th Aug 2017, 17:58
Still doesn't matter. Your family currently owning 3 of the same cars is not going to put Chrysler in a stable position years from now.
Back in the 80s we had 3 different Oldsmobiles; where is that division today?
8th Aug 2017, 13:05
I guess we have at least 4 more years of the HEMI, plus Chrysler will stockpile the HEMI engines. Then the newer turbo engines will still produce 300-400 plus HP. And if they stop making performance models, I suppose they will move to GM if they can't get a 750 HP current Hellcat. These cars are not your father's Oldsmobile.
9th Aug 2017, 15:33
Not referring to Oldsmobile commercial slogans. Not referring to the HP figures of the Hemi either. Just staying on topic of the future of Fiat Chrysler, which looks very dismal.
9th Aug 2017, 16:03
I was referring to the fantastic Chrysler products available today. Great time to buy. And it is significant that 3 of my family members have purchased. And have 2 from 70s era. Maybe not your favorite car; perhaps you are more economy oriented. It will be interesting to compare notes 10 years from now. And see if your prediction comes true. My thoughts are it may be a Criswell type future prediction.
10th Aug 2017, 15:40
No, I am not "economy oriented"; the Oldsmobiles that I mentioned were V8 powered and so is my current daily driver. I've made my points here. No reason to keep going with this.
30th Jul 2017, 21:13
How could you say the styling of the '75 Grand Prix / Cutlass was becoming "tired" when 1975 was only the third year of that style?
Though you are right about opinions, we are all entitled to them. I thought the Cordoba was a good looking car too. But when it comes to the '70s I'm all about GM and think that the '73-'77 Grand Prix was the best looking personal luxury car ever. To me they were a work of art worth a thousand words.
Ten years ago I did own a '77 GP as a classic. Nothing felt better than getting out on the open road with that car wrapped around me.