54-544: The Chrysler Cordoba was introduced as a full-sized luxury car based on the Chrysler Newport that was marketed during the 1970 model year. It was also applied to a show car exhibited that year. The nameplate was then applied to an intermediate-sized two-door personal luxury car starting with the 1975 model year. The Cordoba was manufactured by Chrysler in North America over two generations until
108-479: A "quiet Spanish motif". Included in the US$ 3,769 (equivalent to $ 29,571 in 2023) base price were the 383 cu in (6.3 L) 200 hp (149 kW; 203 PS) two-barrel carburetor V8 along with a special gold vinyl roof as well as the exterior and interior Axtec trim. Adding an automatic transmission , power steering, H78x15 fiberglass-belted whitewall tires , and a "golden tone" AM radio raised
162-680: A four-barrel 360 V8 engine. The Chrysler 300 was advertised and marketed as a separate model, not as a "Cordoba 300." The Cordoba was downsized for the 1980 model year. The smaller, second-generation model used the J-platform dating to the 1976 F-body Plymouth Volaré , and its rebadged variant, the Dodge Mirada . Chrysler also revived the Imperial for 1981 as a third variant of the J-platform. The Cordoba and Mirada standard engine
216-854: A high priest in Kings of the Sun (1963). From 1964 to 1968, Basehart played the lead role, Admiral Harriman Nelson, on Irwin Allen 's first foray into science-fiction television, Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea . Basehart narrated a wide range of television and movie projects. In 1964, he narrated the David Wolper documentary about the Kennedy assassination , Four Days in November . In 1980, Basehart narrated
270-463: A relative term, full-size cars were marketed by the same brands offering compact cars, with entry-level cars for buyers seeking the roominess of a luxury car at a lower cost. Into the 1970s, the same vehicles could transport up to six occupants comfortably (or eight in a station wagon), at the expense of high fuel consumption. The sales of full-size vehicles in the United States declined after
324-568: A sales year that was otherwise dismal for the company. Gauges, except the tachometer, were standard. For the 1976 model year, sales increased slightly to 165,000. The mildly revised 1977 version also sold well, with just under 140,000 cars. The success of using the Chrysler nameplate strategy is contrasted to the far fewer sales of its similar and somewhat cheaper corporate cousin, the Dodge Charger SE. Interiors were more luxurious than
378-588: A smaller Chrysler. The 1962 full line catalog proclaims on the rear cover: "There's not a jr. edition in the whole family!". The 1963 Chrysler prestige catalog described the New Yorker models as having "no jr. edition car." Chrysler developed a concept car, the Cordoba de Oro , which was shown at the 1970 Chicago Auto Show . Designed by Chrysler’s design chief, Elwood Engel , the show car was future-oriented with an angular wedge-shaped body that later evolved into
432-848: A timid husband in Tension (1950), as Ishmael in Moby Dick (1956), in the drama Decision Before Dawn (1951), George S. Healey in Titanic (1953) and as Ivan in The Brothers Karamazov (1958). One of his most notable film roles was the acrobat and clown known as "the Fool" in the acclaimed Italian film La Strada (1954), directed by Federico Fellini . Later he starred in Luis García Berlanga 's satirical comedy Miracles of Thursday (1957). He also portrayed
486-561: The Chevrolet Monte Carlo shrank in size in 1978 and the Ford Thunderbird was downsized for the 1980 model year. With changes in the marketplace, Chrysler increasingly concentrated on its compact , front wheel drive models with four and six-cylinder engines. The Cordoba was discontinued in 1983. The 225 cu in (3.7 L) Slant-6 was standard and the 318 cu in (5.2 L) V8 optional for
540-630: The lead role in the 1962 film Hitler . He appeared in " Probe 7, Over and Out ", an episode of The Twilight Zone , Hawaii Five-O , and as Hannibal Applewood, an abusive schoolteacher in Little House on the Prairie in 1976. In 1972, Basehart appeared in the Columbo episode "Dagger of the Mind", in which Honor Blackman and he played a husband-and-wife theatrical team who accidentally kill
594-580: The 1908 Ford Model T . In 1923, General Motors introduced the Chevrolet Superior , becoming the first vehicle to adopt a common chassis (the A-body ) for several brands. Compared to the cars of the 21st century, these vehicles are small in length and width. From the 1920s to the 1950s, most manufacturers produced model lines in a single size, growing in size with each model redesign. While the length and wheelbase varied between model lines, width
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#1732772680530648-594: The 1970s, he co-starred in Chato's Land (1972) and The Island of Dr. Moreau (1977). In 1979, he appeared as a Russian diplomat with Peter Sellers in Being There . One month before his death, Basehart orated a poem during the extinguishing of the flame at the closing ceremonies of the 1984 Summer Olympics . Basehart was born in Zanesville, Ohio , the son of Mae (née Wetherald) and Harry T. Basehart. He
702-435: The 1970s. At a time when the automaker was teetering on bankruptcy , demand for Cordobas exceeded supply for its first years, with the production of over 150,000 units for the inaugural 1975 models, and the highest number built in 1977, with 183,000 units. Half of the Chrysler division production during this period (and occasionally more) was composed of Cordobas. This model helped to revive the division. The model combined "just
756-412: The 1976 through 1979 models featured simulated rosewood trim. A 60/40 bench seat was introduced in 1976, and other seating/upholstery options were added each year through 1979. The first-generation B-body Cordoba was very opulent for the price. The original design endured only minor changes for three years before various factors contributed to a decline in sales. For 1978, there was a modest restyling with
810-462: The 1981 through 1983 model years. Both the first- and second-generation Cordobas appeared in NASCAR . Ed Negre campaigned on occasion during the 1978 and 1979 seasons. Buddy Arrington ran a second-generation car in the 1982 through 1984 seasons, alternating with Dodge Miradas and Chrysler Imperials . The Cordoba was no more aerodynamic than the other Mopars. The owner/driver never won a race, but
864-570: The 1983 model year. The personal luxury version was the company's first model produced specifically for that market segment and the first Chrysler-branded vehicle smaller than full-size. The name was taken from the Spanish city of Córdoba, Spain . In the early 1960s, when other upmarket brands were expanding into smaller cars with such models as the Mercury Comet and Buick Skylark , Chrysler publicly declared that there would "never" be
918-677: The 1985 model year, General Motors replaced most of its full-size rear-wheel-drive model lines with smaller front-wheel drive sedans on the H and C platforms . Only station wagons, the Chevrolet Caprice , and the Cadillac Brougham remained. Initially developed to replace the Ford LTD Crown Victoria, the 1986 Ford Taurus was produced alongside it as the Ford mid-size model line. After largely abandoning
972-403: The 300 version, Consumer Guide described in 2007 that "the '79 could become a minor collectible in the distant future, but LS prospects seem slim to non-existent at this time." Full-size car Full-size car —also known as large car —is a vehicle size class which originated in the United States and is used for cars larger than mid-size cars . It is the largest size class for cars. In
1026-593: The Chevrolet Impala was returned for the 1994 model year. The 1989 Lexus LS400 luxury sedan was the first Japanese full-size car sold in North America. Following the 1996 model year, GM ended production of large rear-wheel drive sedans. By 2000, with the sole exception of the Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, and Lincoln Town Car, full-size cars had abandoned rear-wheel drive and body-on-frame construction. Instead of model lineage,
1080-594: The Dodge Charger SE and much more than the top-line standard intermediates (Plymouth Fury, Dodge Coronet) with a velour cloth notchback bench seat and folding armrest standard. Optionally available were bucket seats upholstered in Corinthian leather with a center armrest and cushion, or, at extra cost, a center console with floor shifter and storage compartment. The dashboard and door panels featured simulated burled elm trim and metal stampings in 1975, while
1134-798: The EPA "large car" definition of over 120 interior cubic feet was widely used. Initially developed for the midsize Oldsmobile Aurora , the GM G-body chassis was expanded into the full-size segment for Cadillac in 2000 (for the Deville, later the DTS) and adapted by Buick (the Lucerne) in 2006. For the 2005 model year, Chrysler replaced the LH cars with the LX cars (returning to rear-wheel drive). The same year, Ford introduced
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#17327726805301188-702: The Five Hundred, its first front-wheel drive full-size car (the first American full-size car offered with all-wheel drive); in 2008, the Five Hundred was renamed the Taurus. After the 2011 model year, Ford ended production of the Panther platform, shifting to the Ford Taurus and Lincoln MKS; in 2017, the latter was replaced by the Lincoln Continental . In 2011, General Motors ended production of
1242-559: The G-body for several chassis (with Cadillac later shifting its largest sedans to rear-wheel drive). In 2012, the Tesla Model S became the first fully electric full-size car sold in North America. For the 2013 model year, the Chevrolet Impala became the final American-market full-size sedan sold with a front bench seat . By the mid-2010s, full-size cars began seeing a steep decline in sales in North America, with SUVs replacing much of
1296-695: The United Kingdom, this class is referred to as the executive car , while in Europe, it is known as E-segment or F-segment . The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Fuel Economy Regulations for 1977 and Later Model Year (dated July 1996) includes definitions for classes of automobiles. Based on the combined passenger and cargo volume, large cars (full-size cars) are defined as having an interior volume index of more than 120 cu ft (3.4 m ) for sedan models, or 160 cu ft (4.5 m ) for station wagons. From
1350-630: The car appear heavier than the predecessor versions at a time when other cars in this class were being downsized to smaller dimensions such as the Ford Thunderbird in 1977 as well as the Chevrolet Monte Carlo and Pontiac Grand Prix in 1978. The Cordoba's sales decline in 1978 and 1979 could also be attributed to the introduction of the smaller Chrysler LeBaron in mid-1977 which was available in both sedan and coupe models and offered similar personal-luxury styling and options. At
1404-499: The development project. All except Grand Era would be used on later Chrysler, Dodge, and Eagle vehicles, though only the Dodge Mirada would be related to the Cordoba. However, losses from the newly introduced full-size C-body models due to the 1973 oil crisis encouraged Chrysler executives to seek higher profits by marketing the model under the more upscale Chrysler brand. The car was a success, with over 150,000 units sold in 1975,
1458-528: The early 1970s fuel crisis. In response to the 1978 implementation of CAFE , American manufacturers implemented downsizing to improve fuel economy, with full-size vehicles as the first model lines to see major change. While General Motors and Ford would reduce the exterior footprint of their full-size lines to that of their intermediates, AMC withdrew its Ambassador and Matador full-size lines (to concentrate on production of mid-size vehicles). To save production costs, Chrysler repackaged its intermediates using
1512-448: The erstwhile full-size names, moving on to exiting the segment in 1981. During the 1980s, manufacturers further reduced the exterior footprint of several model lines from the full-size segment into the mid-size class to comply with more stringent CAFE standards. With the 1982 model year, Chrysler exited the full-size segment entirely, with the mid-size Dodge Diplomat and Plymouth Gran Fury serving as its largest sedan lines. Following
1566-457: The first small Chrysler. The Cordoba was available with smaller, more economical engines than other Chryslers, and rode on a 115 in (2,921 mm) wheelbase , 9 in (229 mm) less than its next largest sibling. Córdoba is the name of a city in Spain , which was intended to evoke some noteworthy meaning with customers. However, the only thing remotely Hispanic about Chrysler Cordoba
1620-625: The first time since the late 1970s. For the 1992 model year, Chrysler introduced a new front-wheel drive full-size car line, replacing the Eagle Premier/Dodge Monaco with the Chrysler LH cars (Dodge Intrepid, Eagle Vision, Chrysler Concorde/New Yorker/LHS). The same year, the Buick Roadmaster was introduced, becoming the first rear-wheel drive GM model line adopted outside of Chevrolet and Cadillac since 1985;
1674-494: The full-size sedan category in the United States were the Dodge Charger, Chevrolet Impala, and Chrysler 300. The large car segment has been declining in the United States accounting for 3.6% of new vehicle sales in 2021, down from 6.6% in 2016. The models in this category included the Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Nissan Maxima, and Toyota Avalon. They have been discontinued after the 2023 or 2024 model years. The trend in
Chrysler Cordoba - Misplaced Pages Continue
1728-583: The full-size segment for compact cars and minivans, Chrysler gained reentry into the full-size segment in 1988 with the Eagle Premier (also produced as the Dodge Monaco ). Developed by AMC before its acquisition by Chrysler, the Premier was a version of the front-wheel drive Renault 25 adapted for North America. The Saab 9000 took a special position at the end of the 1980s, as for a long time it
1782-477: The full-size segment. At the end of the decade, demand for sedans (of all sizes) shifted towards vehicles of other layouts, reducing or shuttering production of sedans entirely. In 2018, Ford announced the sales of all Ford-branded passenger cars (except for the Mustang ) would end in North America by 2022. General Motors announced the closure of several manufacturing facilities in the United States and Canada, with
1836-491: The introduction of the Ford Flathead V8 in the 1930s until the 1980s, most North American full-size cars were powered by V8 engines . However, V6 engines and straight-six engines have also been available on American full-size cars, especially until the 1950s, and have become increasingly common since the downsizing of full-sized cars in the 1980s. The lineage of mass-produced full-size American cars begins with
1890-516: The large car market segment in United States is toward the SUV. Richard Basehart John Richard Basehart (August 31, 1914 – September 17, 1984) was an American actor. He starred as Admiral Harriman Nelson in the television science-fiction drama Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea (1964–68). He also portrayed Wilton Knight in the pilot episode of the TV series Knight Rider (1982), and provided
1944-556: The mid-1950s, including Fellini's La Strada and Il Bidone . Basehart made his film debut with Repeat Performance (1947). So confident was Eagle-Lion Films in his performance that the film was first screened in his hometown. He soon appeared as the killer in the film noir classic He Walked by Night (1948) for Eagle-Lion, then he appeared as a psychotic member of the Hatfield clan in Roseanna McCoy (1949), as
1998-474: The miniseries written by Peter Arnett called Vietnam: The Ten Thousand Day War that covered Vietnam and its battles from the Japanese surrender on September 2, 1945, to the final American embassy evacuation on April 30, 1975. Basehart appeared in the pilot episode of the television series Knight Rider as billionaire Wilton Knight. He is the narrator at the beginning of the show's credits. He accepted
2052-546: The narration that was heard during the opening credits throughout the entire series. Basehart was equally active in cinema, receiving National Board of Review Awards for his performances in Fourteen Hours (1951) and Moby Dick (1956). He was further nominated for a BAFTA Award for his role in Time Limit (1957), the only film directed by Karl Malden . He appeared in a number of British and Italian films in
2106-403: The patron of their production of Macbeth, one Sir Roger Haversham, played by John Wiiliams . Basehart played a supporting role as a doctor in the feature film Rage (1972), a theatrical feature starring and directed by George C. Scott . Basehart made a few TV movies, including Sole Survivor (1970) and The Birdmen (1971). Both were based on true stories during World War II . Also in
2160-400: The price to $ 4,241.65. A total of 3,741 Newport Cordobas were produced for 1970, of which 1,868 were two-door hardtops, and 1,873 were four-door hardtops. Chrysler initially designed the 1974 Cordoba to be the all-new Plymouth Sebring for 1975, which was to share bodies with the Dodge Charger SE. Instead, a decision was made to position the model as a personal luxury car and introduce it as
2214-472: The production of the Chevrolet Impala and Buick LaCrosse ending in 2020. As of 2022, full-size cars from Asian manufacturers include the Lexus LS , Genesis G80 / G90 , Nissan Maxima , and Toyota Avalon . Another car from an Asian manufacturer, the eighth-generation Hyundai Sonata , is classified by the EPA as full-size despite being marketed as a mid-size model. In 2018, the three highest-selling cars in
Chrysler Cordoba - Misplaced Pages Continue
2268-563: The right amount of amount of neoclassic styling with the prestige of the Chrysler nameplate." The Cordoba was introduced by Chrysler for the 1975 model year as an upscale personal luxury car, competing with the Oldsmobile Cutlass , Buick Regal , and Mercury Cougar . However, the Cordoba was initially intended to be marketed under the Plymouth marque. Model names Mirada , Premier , Sebring , and Grand Era were associated during
2322-442: The same time, Chrysler's financial position and quality reputation were in steady decline. Rising gas prices and tightening fuel economy standards made the Cordoba's nearly 3,700 lb (1,700 kg) weight with 360 cu in (5.9 L) or 400 cu in (6.6 L) V8 engines obsolete. For 1979 a $ 2,040 "300" option package was offered on the Cordoba, featuring an all-white exterior, " Chrysler 300 "-style grille, and
2376-559: The then-popular rectangular headlights in a stacked configuration (the Dodge Charger SE kept its round headlamps for 1978 rather than the rectangular stacked design of the Cordoba). A Chrysler designer, Jeffrey Godshall, wrote in Collectible Automobile magazine that this restyling was viewed as "somewhat tacky" and eliminated much of the visual appeal that 1975 through 1977 Cordobas had been known for. The restyle also made
2430-488: The “fuselage aesthetic." Its advanced features included a cantilevered roof with no A-pillars between the windshield and the side windows, as well as a thermostatically controlled air intake with horizontal experimental headlights inside the grille . The Chrysler Newport Cordoba name was introduced in the spring of 1970 as a specially trimmed individual model based on the Chrysler Newport available in either two-door or four-door hardtop body designs. This full-size model
2484-402: Was "able to collect 26 top 10s and $ 334,000 in career earnings." There are examples of Chrysler Cordobas available for collectors. However, the cars were not viewed as valuable or worth saving after the 1990s, with good examples going to the scrap yards. There is not much aftermarket support for these vehicles so collectors may encounter challenges if a complete restoration is needed. Regarding
2538-527: Was a "limited edition luxury car, designed to introduce you to Chrysler" and consisted of an exclusive "Cordoba Gold" paint with matching wheels, wheel covers , and grille fascia, the side molding had textured vinyl inserts, an "Espanol" vinyl roof cover featured a distinctive pattern, and the hood ornament included an "Aztec" eagle. The Aztec motif continued into the interior with textured antique gold vinyl seats and door panels as well as special dash and glovebox appliqué. Chrysler marketing described these as
2592-581: Was a relatively constant dimension, as the American federal government required the addition of clearance lights on a width past 80 inches. In 1960, following the introduction of compact cars (such as the Chevrolet Corvair , Ford Falcon and Plymouth Valiant ), the "full-size car" designation came into wider use. In the 1960s, the term was applied to the traditional car lines of lower-price brands, including Chevrolet, Ford, and Plymouth. As
2646-546: Was discontinued after the 1980 model year. The 1980 and 1981 LS model (which was intended to be the "300") featured an aerodynamic-appearing nosecone (nearly identical to that on the Mirada ) with a "crosshair" grille. Other features of this model were the deletion of the vinyl roof cover and a monotone color exterior. The second-generation Cordoba sales were down substantially. The U.S. automobile industry's downsizing of vehicles also affected personal luxury models. For example,
2700-433: Was his eloquent praise of its "rich Corinthian leather " interior. Chrysler had previously sought to evoke a Spanish exotic flair in their products when they introduced the 1929 DeSoto Six with model names of "cupe", "coche" and "de Lujo", or Spanish for "coupe", "coach", and "deluxe", while the roadster was called the "Roadster Espanol". The single-body style coupe model was one of Chrysler's few genuine successes during
2754-492: Was its name. Even the car's emblem is a stylized version of the Argentine cordoba coin , and there is also a Córdoba Province, Argentina . The marketing theme was also carried out with the somewhat baroque trim inside the vehicle. The first spokesperson for the car was Richard Basehart ; however, Chrysler secured movie and television actor Ricardo Montalbán as the car's advertising spokesman through its entire run. Notable
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#17327726805302808-490: Was married three times. After the death of his first wife Stephanie Klein, he married Italian Academy Award-nominated actress Valentina Cortese , with whom he had one son, actor Jackie Basehart ; the couple divorced in 1960. In 1962, he married his third wife, Diana Lotery, with whom he had two children. He and Diana remained married until his death in 1984. Basehart died in Los Angeles on September 17, 1984, following
2862-467: Was the 225 cu in (3.7 L) Slant six rated at 95 hp (71 kW; 96 PS). The detuned 318 cu in (5.2 L) 130 hp (97 kW; 132 PS) V8 was an option (standard on the Imperial, with EFI), and the (code E58) 360 cu in (5.9 L) 185 hp (138 kW; 188 PS) V8. This higher-output option was not popular, with fewer than 100 cars ordered and
2916-425: Was the only imported car to be classified as a "large car" by the EPA. From the 1980s to the 1990s, the market share of full-size cars began to decline; along with the increased use of mid-size cars, vans, and SUVs grew in use as family vehicles. Between 1960 and 1994, the market share of full-size cars declined from 65 to only 8.3 percent. From 1990 until 1992, both GM and Ford redesigned its full-size car lines for
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