So after the RX8 died last year, and after getting rid of it, we've been a one car family for the last year or so (the GF's Honda Civic) which is fine for us, and has been practical as far as our needs go.
But, being a car guy at heart, I needed (read: "wanted") something to tinker with. I've been wanting an older domestic car, that's easy to work on. Something big, like my old Lincoln Mark VII. So I saved up a little money and started looking around on CL. It came down to two cars; the first was an 82 Olds Delta 88, but that car was from up north, so it had tons of rust so I passed on it... then, I found it... a 1980 Chrysler Cordoba with the 318 (5.2L) V8 and the 2 barrel carb. All original (I think), and has been a Florida car all it's life! (there's paperwork from the 80's in the glovebox from Palatka, FL.) The paint and body is I'd say 8/10 and everything works; power windows and locks, all the lights including the side "opera" lights work, and the engine runs great! I took it for a test drive around the block and it just felt good, and being a Mopar, I knew that this was the one.
He was asking $1900 for it. I offered $1500, and ended up shaking hands at $1600.
So I am now the proud new owner of a 1980 Chrysler Cordoba!
It was kind of dirty, so I've spent a few days cleaning her up to take pics and properly present her. The original paint is in really good shape for being 37 years old! I was actually able to put a coat of wax on her.
'I've got me a Chrysler.. it's as big as a whale...'
Yeah, no doubt... this thing is THE definition of 'Land Yacht"!
The "Rich Corinthian Leather" (yeah the seats need to be re-upholstered, but they're not in terrible shape for their age.
Ok... two things that actually do not work:
1. the A/C compressor is shot. I'm still trying to decide on whether to try and fix the A/C, or just remove everything A/C related.
2. the heater core has been bypassed. Obviously it must have leaked or something, but you can see where the heater hoses are cut off and spliced together. Not a big deal for me here in FL.
The original "Lean Burn" carb setup has been removed already, and everything converted to a solid state electronic ignition system. You can see the ECU box on the left hand side of the engine bay.
But, being a car guy at heart, I needed (read: "wanted") something to tinker with. I've been wanting an older domestic car, that's easy to work on. Something big, like my old Lincoln Mark VII. So I saved up a little money and started looking around on CL. It came down to two cars; the first was an 82 Olds Delta 88, but that car was from up north, so it had tons of rust so I passed on it... then, I found it... a 1980 Chrysler Cordoba with the 318 (5.2L) V8 and the 2 barrel carb. All original (I think), and has been a Florida car all it's life! (there's paperwork from the 80's in the glovebox from Palatka, FL.) The paint and body is I'd say 8/10 and everything works; power windows and locks, all the lights including the side "opera" lights work, and the engine runs great! I took it for a test drive around the block and it just felt good, and being a Mopar, I knew that this was the one.
He was asking $1900 for it. I offered $1500, and ended up shaking hands at $1600.
So I am now the proud new owner of a 1980 Chrysler Cordoba!
It was kind of dirty, so I've spent a few days cleaning her up to take pics and properly present her. The original paint is in really good shape for being 37 years old! I was actually able to put a coat of wax on her.
'I've got me a Chrysler.. it's as big as a whale...'
Yeah, no doubt... this thing is THE definition of 'Land Yacht"!
The "Rich Corinthian Leather" (yeah the seats need to be re-upholstered, but they're not in terrible shape for their age.
Ok... two things that actually do not work:
1. the A/C compressor is shot. I'm still trying to decide on whether to try and fix the A/C, or just remove everything A/C related.
2. the heater core has been bypassed. Obviously it must have leaked or something, but you can see where the heater hoses are cut off and spliced together. Not a big deal for me here in FL.
The original "Lean Burn" carb setup has been removed already, and everything converted to a solid state electronic ignition system. You can see the ECU box on the left hand side of the engine bay.