1975
That was the year it all began. American autos were still guzzling gas, but beginning to feel the pinch of mandated pollution control. This was the year of the catalytic converter and the birth of a new Mopar--
the Chrysler Cordoba .

"This is my car..." claimed the Latin spokesman we all remember. Adorned with bronze-like medallions on all sides, the Cordoba glistened from metallic paint and chrome accents. And oh, the spacious interior with "fine Corinthian leather". This was somebody's car!

In my opinion, this inaugural year produced the most desirable version. With its long curvaceous hood-lines, round front lights, and squared-off rear end, this car coined the word "style" when compared to other efforts of the day. The Cordoba incorporated the little known "cab-rearward" design!

The Cordoba, believe it or not, was touted as "The New Small Chrysler". This nameplate was to become a success story, accounting for an amazing sixty percent of Chrysler's sales for the 1975 model year.