Make: | Chrysler |
Model: | Cordoba |
Type: | Hardtop |
Trim: | 300 Hardtop 2-Door |
Year: | 1979 |
Mileage: | 9,999,999 |
VIN: | SS22L9R240552 |
Engine: | 5.9L 360Cu. In. V8 GAS OHV Naturally Aspirated |
Cylinders: | 8 |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Drive type: | RWD |
Vehicle Title: | Clear |
Item location: | Debary, Florida, United States |
The 300 was a special edition, built in limited numbers with a V-8, four-barrel, factory dual exhaust, a floorshift and luxuriously appointed interior. On top of all that, it remains affordable.
The 300 was its own model but, under the pinstripe and emblems, it was a gussied up Cordoba and the Cordoba was basically a B Body, circa 1962: torsion bars up front, leaf springs in the back, etc. The engine was the best Chrysler had to offer—the E-58 police powerplant (also used in Dodge’s Li’l Red Express), but low compression, catalytic converters and lean-burn ignition stifled any hope of the 360 making 1960s era power.
The buff magazines reported that the 195-hp 360 propelled the 3,900-pound car to an underwhelming 17-second quarter-mile at about 80 MPH.
At a time when the spigot dispensing Iranian oil had been turned off, the 360 was thirsty, with an estimated 12/17 MPG rating. The only transmission available in the 300 was the rugged three-speed Torqueflite which put the power to a Chrysler 91/4-inch axle with 3.21:1 gears.
All 1979 300s were finished in Spinaker White with red white and blue pinstripes and 300 callouts on the grille, door panels, taillamp lenses and wheels. Further sporty touches included blacked-out grille inserts, dual mirrors and decorative front fender louvers. Though the subtle wheels look like covers, they were actually aluminum rims shod from the factory with GR60x15 Goodyear Radial GT tires.
Inside, the 300’s furniture was upholstered in red leather, the steering wheel, too, had a leather covering, and the dash face as well as the top of the center console got special engine-turned trim. A tachometer and gauges were also standard issue alongside the NHTSA-mandated 85 mph speedometer.
There were 4,292 1979 300s built, and many of them were set aside as future collector cars, so they’re still out there waiting to be scooped up.