31k Mile Survivor: 1981 Dodge Mirada
The Mirada was the Dodge equivalent of the Chrysler Cordoba. Based on a modified Aspen chassis, the Mirada was in production from 1980 to 1983 while Chrysler Corp. was still staying afloat financially (it was the K-Car that would pull off that feat). This nice 1981 Mirada looks to be in swell survivor condition with as little as 31,000 miles. Located in Chesapeake, Virginia, this seldom-seen Mopar is available here on craigslist for $5,950. Our thanks to another great tip from Tony Primo.
Dodge positioned the Mirada as a sporty luxury car to differentiate it from what might be considered the more affluent Chrysler Cordoba. The vehicle was downsized to help boost fuel economy at a time when the Feds were scrutinizing U.S. automaker gas consumption averages. It sported a Landau roof which the stylists were not in favor of but was preferred by chairman Lee Iacocca. The nose of the Mirada gave a nod to that of the 1930s Cord 810/812. Sales dropped by more than 50% in 1981, down from 28,600 in 1980 to 11,900. Demand would trickle off after that and the Mirada was gone after 1983.
We don’t know the history of this Dodge, but it was no doubt babied over the past 40 years. It has a 318 cubic inch V8 which was the biggest available at the time, paired with an automatic transmission. It’s well-loaded as you might expect, with leather upholstery, AM/FM stereo, allow wheels, and dual exhaust. The seller points out some “extras” under the hood without naming them.
The body, paint, roof, and passenger compartment all look up to snuff. And the seller says it runs and drives, but not how well, so it may be ready to show up next weekend at Cars & Coffee. No doubt lots of folks will ask you what it is. $6,000 doesn’t go far these days on a used car – is this Dodge worth it?
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Comments
*SIGH* If only this were the CMX model sans the goofy “convertible look” vinyl top, I’d be trying to get it! Still, a very nice looking car that shuould make the new owner happy. GLWTS!! :-)
I owned a Mirada CMX back in 1982. Black with black canvas type top and tan cloth interior. Many people asked if I could put the top down for them! It wouldn’t be a CMX without the top. It would just be a Mirada.
Maybe things changed after 1980, as there are listings for CMX coupes with a targa type band across the top, and/or a landau vinyl top, in addition to the (most realistic looking) full “convertible” one. I stand corrected on this ’81 model. :-)
Load it up w the HD police pkg parts from the Caravelle.
Chrysler was doing a lot with a little back then. This car was a mere stepping stone. Building on the short lived louvered grill theme that recalled ’30s Cords. A much better look than the gun sight/Penastar a la Mercedes look that followed. This vehicle is a fine example of where we were in a very turbulent social/economic period of our nation.
Very nice car. Always liked them I had a buddy that had about 20 of them ..one was even tubbed with a supercharger. The Cmx was the top of the heap back then. What more can you get for 6k these days. Somebody will be getting a good deal.
That’s my old car… could not find a window for it…had a crack in it…I looked for years and then sold this car…that’s no way 31k miles..131k….it’s originally from south dakota…I met few other owners online..great car And I miss it…thst damn windsheild was impossible for me to find….so I let her go…
Saw one online a few years ago that had been restored in what they called Nightwatch Blue Metallic. Whatever, but a really beautiful car. I am amazed these didn’t sell better.
Nice car, it looks like it doesn’t need anything. It would be a good value at $6K.
My dad bought one for mom and love that car still bro sold it though. Still want one .. good memories . For sure red burgendy diamond tuck interior .. all. The good stuff and had a 318 love that car
These cars were very good drivers and handled well. Acceleration was good, not great, but then again, this is not a muscle car. Even the muscle cars of the 80s sucked.
I was working at the largest Dodge dealership in New Jersey at the time, Dodgeland, owned by the Toresco family.
I got to use the assistant managers demo from time to time. It’s too bad I didn’t get paid enough to buy one. 😞🤭
Dominic Toresco, never did a bigger a$$hole walk the earth…..
Better wuthout the fake convertible top. The one I saw online had a chrome band over the middle of the roof just behind the door. Pretty sharp car. Did these have the usual poor Chrysler power steering or did they finally fix that by this time?
Let’s see if I have this straight:
The B platform 1st gen Cordoba / Dodge Charger. Charger name was used from 75 – 78.
78 – 79 had the Dodge Magnum
80 – 83 was the J platform Cordoba Gen 2 / Dodge Mirada
Yes?
You are correct.
I came very close to buying a used mirada. Really liked and wanted it looked great and was only about $1200 but after a test drive in the rain in the evening when one of the back wheels locked up every time coming to a stop ,the wipers kept stopping halfway across the window then starting back up on their own timing and the engine shuddering and stalling while sitting at red lights a couple times and me being mainly a GM and Ford owner except for a few mid 70s darts swingers and scamps I got the impression this dodge had alot of electrical gremlins I didn’t want to deal with. The 318 worked great and had no problem getting the tire spinning in the rain and always wanted an earlier cordoba with a 440 4 barrel so this Mirada looks like a good deal for today’s. Market if it’s working good as its looking
These were cool cars back then, imo. I used to have a TCR slotless race track and I think one of my cars Dodge Mirada.
I really liked the Dodge Magnum from this time period. The little flip up headlight lenses were cool. If you search “1979 Dodge Magnum” there’s a sweet black one with red interior and t-tops! Sooooo cool!!!!
Never a big MoPar fan even though I’ve owned a few, I really liked these. Didn’t see many when they were new, almost never see them now. Looks like a good comparison to the Monte Carlo and Thunderbird. Right car, wrong time I guess. If they had of built these in the last 20 years with the new gen HEMI, they probably would have sold better.
I lived through the 70’s & 80 when most of these Mopars were new. The praising comments that are left make me laugh. I can tell you why these things didn’t sell. In the midwest, where people deal with all 4 seasons these things didn’t get it done. Fuel economy was worst of the big 3. Seats, window cranks, carpets and body molding fell apart. If it was cold and rainy they ran like crap. And when you tried to trade them off you got nothing for them