The Cordoba goes heritage, and the outcomes aren’t all unhealthy.
Due for a whole overhaul for 1980, Chrysler’s personal-luxury coupe would kind the idea for an odd and arguably ill-conceived tribute automotive, and lose its id within the course of. Steeped in historical past, the 300 package deal added $2040 to cost of the 1979 Cordoba, and when so geared up, remodeled the automotive to the Chrysler 300—no Cordoba. And, considerably–no letter.
What was the 1979 Chrysler 300?
Overview
For these unaware, the Chrysler 300-series automobiles have been efficiency oriented giant coupes, usually based mostly on the model’s New Yorker. These included the “letter collection automobiles,” with designations which ascended by means of the alphabet because the mannequin years handed by, and the non-letter automobiles, which got here later.
The 300s at all times featured the highest-performance engine accessible from Chrysler for the time being, in addition to distinctive trim, and infrequently enhanced suspension tuning. The primary letter automotive, the C-300, debuted for 1955. The final—not counting the Cordoba, was the 1971 300. And, nearly with out exception, the 300s represented the Chrysler model at its greatest.
Although maybe not as ingrained in automotive tradition as one thing just like the Ford Mustang, the 300 automobiles have been—and are—a lot appreciated by Chrysler followers and loyalists. And, as Chrysler—the mum or dad firm—getting into a darkish interval of eroding gross sales and income, a callback to happier instances appeared to make sense.
Enter the 1979 Chrysler 300.
Provided solely in Spinnaker White, the 300 loved a lot of exterior trim and cabin updates.
300 Package deal
On the skin, the 300 loved distinctive alloy wheels (shod with raise-while-letter tires) not provided on different Cordobas. A singular grille fitted with a “300” medallion changed the common Cordoba grille and hood decoration. The not-a-Cordoba was additionally handled to a singular taillight design and, that is fairly cool, rear facet glass etched with the quantity 300. The bumper inserts have been additionally “coloured keyed,” or white, on this case, giving the 300 a likable monochromatic look. Pinstripes and “sport” mirrors accomplished the look.
As for the cabin, 300s got here solely with bucket seats and a console-mounted shifter, and have been fitted with distinctive door panels and a sporty gauge cluster with included a tachometer. Purple leather-based was the one upholstery providing.
Engines
Issues get fascinating underneath the hood. Whereas the 400-cubic-inch V8 as soon as provided within the Cordoba was gone, the corporate did give you a premium powerplant for the 300. Whereas different 1979 Cordobas made do with both a mildly tuned 318- or 360-inch V8, the 300 was fitted with a tweaked model of the 360.
Fitted a singular camshaft, 4-barrel carburetor, and dual-exhaust system, the 300’s engine cranked out 195 horsepower, a bought quantity for 1979, and totally 50 greater than the usual 360. To additional enhance acceleration, the 300 was fitted with a 3.21 rear axle, this instead of the usual 2.71 unit.
The 300 additionally loved heavy-duty entrance torsion-bars, and beefed-up rear leaf springs. Heavy-duty shock absorbers and recalibrated steering have been additionally a part of the package deal.
Efficiency
One interval evaluation put the 300’s 0-60 mph time at just below 10 seconds, which, all issues thought of, is definitely fairly spectacular. One other evaluation put the Cordoba’s 0-60 efficiency at 13.5 seconds geared up with the usual 318-inch engine. So, the 300 step up in energy was significant.
Gross sales
In all, 3811 300s (Cordobas with the 300 package deal) have been bought in 1979, the one yr it was provided. An analogous packaged was provided on the redesigned and downsized 1980 Cordoba, however was named LS as a substitute of 300. We’ll should look into how common that package deal was, although this supply has by no means seen one on the road.
Worth
It’s simple to look again now and scoff on the 1979 300, however for its day it provided a degree of favor and efficiency that was a significant enchancment over mainstream interval choices. A fast look reveals asking costs starting from simply $6000 to $30,000 for an instance in wonderful situation.
And, as for the rumor that a number of pink examples have been produced for the Canadian market…properly, who is aware of? Message boards say sure, Chrysler gross sales materials says no. If you already know, tell us.
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1979 Chrysler 300 Photos
Click on beneath for enlarged photographs
