Chrysler Cordoba.
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Just a few days ago, Chrysler‘s founder great-grandson made a weird proposal to “save” Chrysler. Along with Dodge for some reason. he claims the brands could be saved by creating a brand new company called “the new Chrysler/Dodge LLC”. That of course, followed rumors that Chrysler and Dodge’s current owner, Stellantis was willing to get rid of brands not making a profit.
Stellantis was quick to respond officially by stating: “Stellantis acknowledges the interest in its North American brands and reaffirms the Company’s commitment to its entire portfolio of 14 powerful, iconic brands, which were each given a 10-year timeframe to build a profitable and sustainable business. Like the Jeep® and Ram brands, Chrysler and Dodge are at the forefront of Stellantis’ transformation to clean mobility, benefitting from the Group’s cutting-edge technology and scale. The Company is not pursuing splitting off any of its brands.”
Which should mean that at least for now, Chrysler is safe. And we might even see new models like a production version of the Halcyon concept. And maybe, just maybe, a new Chrysler coupe based on the 2025 Dodge Charger EV?
The illustration above shows what such a crazy idea could look like, with a bit of retro design touches. And just like the original Cordoba, lots of chrome. The original 1st generation Cordoba came out back in 1975 (although the name was briefly used in 1970). And believe it or not, this giant malaise-area coupe was advertised as “The new Small Chrysler”. It was instantly popular and basically saved Chrysler.
Of course, there is no way a large-door coupe could save Chrysler today. What Chrysler needs is a couple of SUVs and maybe a new sedan. And of course, a new Minivan.
Still, the platform is already here, under the 2025 Charger. A new STLA larger-based coupe could be quieter than ever. And just like the old Cordoba was successful by giving you the look and feel of a more expensive car, a smooth-riding STLA base coupe could also be quite luxurious.
The old Cordoba was not only described as “small”, but also “Luxurious yet surprisingly affordable”. Or ” the picture of style and taste”.
These days, the famous Corinthian Leather could finally be standard.
Chrysler designers always found a way to make retro feel modern. I would love to see Chrysler-Dodge split from Stellantis and resurrect some old nameplates.
I don’t believe Stellantis will keep Chrysler in the long run in reality. The statement was made to passify the US regulatory authorities and the conditions of the sale to Fiat, still in effect after its acquisition. You can’t trust ANYTHING Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares says. NOTHING. But he sure doesn’t want anyone else to have it and show that his leadership creates nothing but failure. btw – Chrysler (LLC)? I dont think that’s a serious business proposal.
Stellantis has too many brands. Too many to give each the resources necessary for their survival. And, as others have mentioned, Tavares is not to be trusted. As Pin off Chrysler, and let them figure it out. A lot better that if it were to end, that it doesn’t shrivel on the vine, as seems obvious that Stellantis is thinking of.
The red model although stunning will end up being too costly to produce.
Stunning – so we’ll never see it
As a young adult of the 1970’s, initially I always thought that the Cordoba was a good answer to GM’s personal coupes like the Monte Carlo and Grand Prix, and heaven knows, Ford had their Torino based T-Bird in those days…. so it was another choice…..Decent under pinnings, fairly calm snd appealingly design…..
I miss sedans. And if this was a ” Prototype “…, I’m all in & would definitely purchase one.
They don’t make people like Bob Lutz anymore. The industry needs people like him.
Those model are discontinued, sadly
Stellantis seems to be out of touch with the North American auto market. They’re introducing the new Charger (who knows when), and the electric version will be introduced about one year ahead of the ICE version. Can’t they see electric autos dying on the vine??? They are totally incompetent.
The Imperial concept should’ve been greenlighted to squeeze out a little more from the 300 platform while working on the next generation of personal luxury sedans. Dart could have underpinned a PT Cruiser style wagon just as the Neon had. Derided by many, but you have to admit it was ingenious. For Dodge, I’d reimagine the Daytona, pop up headlights and all, along with a new Rampage ute based on the same chassis.
Unfortunately time is running out on Chrysler and Dodge. Stellantis doesn’t understand what the US consumer wants.
Wow, that’s a really cool design…I especially love the almost round rear window!
As one of hundreds of thousand $100 +Tesla Cybertruck depositors, I wish Elons designers would do a Tesla new design like this, I’d switch my deposit , as measly as it is, over to a timeless designed sedan and not get the cybertruck.
The twits at Stellantis obviously haven’t bothered researching Chrysler history, let alone experienced any of the vehicles the Mopar brands created. Their history is horsepower, plain and simple, and that comes from its historic lineup of V8 engines, from the iconic early Hemis (354, 392 and 426) the RB big blocks (413, 426 Wedge and 440), and the modern hemi of the last 20 years.
Going from that to straight sixes is heracy.
You’re welcome to call me biased as my parents had several Chrysler land yachts during my childhood, and my 1st and 2nd cars were a ’73 Dodge Polara 2dr with a 440 big block & a ’75 Chrysler Cordoba with the “Rich Corinthian leather”. What I’d give to have either of them back again compared to the garbage available today.
Non stop of horrible management very few, far and in-between since the Lee Iacoca years of boot straps pulled and getting the Job done right. It’s a whole new automotive world since then but the hard-core concept is infact tried and true. Chrysler brands unlike Ford and GM cannot afford to take hits with reliability problems be it in design, parts vendors build problems Chrysler brands are under a microscope. Reviews and testing needs to be totally above board as raved solid. They all have their but Chrysler is held under a strict compliance or close shop. RAM and Jeep especially RAM Gen V had a major great run but Stellantis just doesn’t get it and they aren’t toys in a box. They are very serious contenders but already losing their market share as their Euro. overlords seem clueless.
My family has three generations in a row of Chrysler retirees. It’s been really sad to see what has happened to the company over the last 25 years or so. My great grandfather was already retired before the German spot the company. He looked right at me and said that the company was never going to be the same and he was 100% correct. I think that you will see Jeeps and Rams but everything else will slowly go away over the next several years. The only thing anyone has ever wanted was the Jeep brand. I guess the Ram is a good thing to have as well. But all we can do is speculate and watch.
A Good Day to you. My.suggetion is that a SAVING GRACE would be to BUILD a version of the Current DODGE CHARGER (THE 4-DOOR )!
I HAVE BEEN THE VERY PROUD AND REWARDED OWNER OF THIS PARTICULAR MODEL DODGE VEHICLE ; 2- 4 YEAR CONSECUTIVE PERIODS OF TIME!
THEY have given me Nothing but Great pleasure gathering MANY MANY ACCOLADES OF APPROVAL> 🙌! What is the “MOST DISAPPOINTING FEATURE IS THAT THERE.IS NO- FACTORY BUILT CONVERTIBLES!!!
People have asked me time and TIME AGAIN: DOES THE CAR COME in a DropTop configuration? I usually respond; NOT THAT I AM AWARE OF.
I have Seen ” AFTER MARKET VERSIONS of the car. At first glance it looks appealing: but at a MORE CLOSER LOOK “NOT SO MUCH!”
I and countless other consumers would RELISH THE OPPORTUNITY to go out and BUY A CONVERTIBLE DODGE CHARGER/ 4-DR STYLE. 2 OR 4- DR . ” JUST >>[ KEEP THE LOWER BODY CONFIGURATION!
THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO VOICE MY OPINION.
The Chrysler Corp and Mr W.Chrysler always ahead im style and engine/ trans durability their stylists great too and best performance overall .Hey the Challenger Barracuda 50 years after still in style that is absolutely amazing! who else did this? Who else?
I had a new 76 Cordoba when I was 27 and I can still remember the great smell and feel of that Corinthian leather, I really loved that car, but alas it was only a demo because I worked at the Chrysler Plymouth dealership in Traverse City Michigan at the time
There Missing the TTops on the new one it would make it look so cool like the old school ones
Sadly, like GM and Ford, Stellantis lives I’m the “old world” of automotive leadership. They say foolish and reactive things like “Americans don’t want performance coupes or sedans”, meanwhile Toyota and Honda sell a ton of family sedans (leaving Chevy, Dodge and Ford in the dust) and BMW/Audi/Mercedes sell a boatload of sporty burners leaving Cadillac/Lincoln/Chrysler looking stale and stupid with their tame renditions. If they BUILT something serious, there’s certainly a market that would BUY it! Instead, their daring concepts (which could literally save the Big 3 and restore them to their global prominence) are buried in the ether.
I would love to see Chryslers again. …and Plymouth. Hell I think Jeep should do Eagle too. A common architecture skateboard frame with custom body and paint per order. Make them one off for 60-95k, like the Tesla truck. Swing for the fences!
The same thing that would save Stellantis is the same thing that would save the entire industry, a low cost low margin spartan EV. A smallish hatchback with a 100 mile range, the equivalent of 150 hp, no gimmicky options, and a $15,000 MSRP. Wake up Detroit your solvency is on the line.
EVs are junk, that nobody wants, unless you’re a legislator. Stellantis has ruined Chrysler, although selling out to Daimler, was the beginning of the downfall, in hindsight.
My father had a CORDOBA !!! It was in copper with copper interior, one of the most beautiful cars I’ve ever ever seen in my life and then a few years later I met my stepmother, and she end up having a gray one exactly like it and then things ran forever people end up, giving them away they ran that well
For all you Cordoba fans, check this one out. This will bring you back in time. A 1976 with you guessed it, corinthian leather and the owner is realted to Ricardo Montalban or Tatoo
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1976-chrysler-cordoba-4/
Thanks everyone for sharing the good old days with all of us.
I worked for Chrysler for 35 years and had lots if Chryler products. Currently I have a 2012 Limited 300C and a 2006 Crossfire. Both are like new and I enjoy having them! Hopefully Chrysler electric and other products will be continued. If they do I will continue to buy them!
Murv Enders
Stellantis CEO/Villain Carlos Taveras has only 1 thing and 1 thing in mind regarding North America and that is to get rid of the union. Trust me I know first hand, I’m a union worker that unfortunately is employed by Stellantis but I’m represented by the UAW.