During 1970 Chrysler faced serious challenges but also introduced key new models. As buyer preferences shifted, Chrysler struggled to adapt its lineup. However, two new Chrysler vehicles pointed towards the brand’s future direction.
Chrysler was plagued by outdated designs and quality control issues. Dated styling on models like the Imperial hurt sales. Reliability problems caused by rushed production led to recalls. Chrysler’s full-size models simply could not compete with fresher designs from GM and Ford.
Despite these difficulties, Chrysler forged ahead with advanced vehicles. The innovative full-size 1970 Chrysler C300 brought bold “Fuselage” styling and performance to mainstream midsize models. Additionally, Chrysler evolved the muscle car formula with the compact Chrysler 300 Hurst.
Most significantly, 1970 saw Chrysler launch its first minivan. The Town & Country “van wagon” was a novel family vehicle and forerunner of the personal luxury trend. This pioneering minivan concept resonated with buyers and paved the way for Chrysler’s 1980s minivan success.
Though enduring growing pains, Chrysler planted important seeds in 1970 by experimenting with rotary engines, concept cars, and lean burn technology. The company emerged with a fresh vision focused on practical performance and family functionality. These innovative new Chrysler models provided the blueprint the brand needed to get back on track.
1970
1970 Chrysler 300 Convertible
Few of these were sold, bucket seats were standard with a floor shifter for the automatic transmission
Base price: $4580.00
A 1970 Chrysler 300-H
300-H – came with a Hurst shifter, fiberglass hood with scoop and a 375hp big block engine
Cost: $4,824.00
1970 Imperial
new for ’70 was the grill, side lights and wheel covers. This Crown model was the least expensive
Cost: $5,779.00
1971
1971 Chrysler Newport
Sticking with full sized cars this base line Royal came with an enlarged V-8 and sold well
Base: $4190.00
1971 Town & Country Wagon
A little shorter than other Chryslers this wagon could be ordered with either 2 or 3 rows of seating and weighed over 4500 lbs.
Cost: $5,000.00
1971 Imperial LeBaron
Crown was dropped leaving only the LeBaron models, anti-lock brakes were offered for the first time, the two-door coupe sold for $6,632.00 
1972
1972 Chrysler Newport
at the bottom end of pricing this entry level four door was a best seller at
$4051-$4435.00
1972 Chrysler New Yorker
The Brougham was the top of the line and came with a 440 cid block which had reduced horsepower this year.
Cost: $5,350.00
1972 Imperial LeBaron
Never a sales match for Cadillac or Lincoln, Chrysler still hung on to the line even though only 9100 were sold this year.
Base price: $6550. 
1973
1973 Chrysler Newport
With emission standards getting tighter the trend was to reduce horsepower in all their models so this Custom trim model had the 440cid engine but only 215 horsepower
Base Price: $4316.00
1973 Chrysler New Yorker
This ‘Mariner’ edition only came in this aqua blue with blue/white upholstery and little round port holes in the rear pillar selling for around
Cost: $4,500.00
1973 Chrysler Imperial
This would be the LeBaron’s last season for this 1969 body style, it two saw it’s big engine shrink in horses to only 215hp
Base: $7057.00
1973 Imperial
This pic was from a Chrysler Imperial magazine ad
1973 Chyrsler Newport
With emission standards getting tighter the trend was to reduce horsepower in all their models so this Custom trim model had the 440cid engine but only 215 horsepower
Base Price: $4316.
1973 Chrysler New Yorker
This ‘Mariner’ edition only came in this aqua blue with blue/white upholstery and little round port holes in the rear pillar
Cost $4997.00
1974
1974 Chrysler Newport
The big car line got shorter this year and lost some of that luxury feel
Cost $4677. (base model)
1974 Chrysler New Yorker Brougham
The top of the line Brougham model was priced almost $600. more than the 1973 same model. This and a energy crises hit Chryslers sales hard.
Cost: $6063.
1974 Imperial LeBaron
Receiving a makeover didn’t help sales of the luxury car which saw a price increase over last year of $750.00.
Cost: $7804. (mid-line)
1974 Chrysler Imperial (rear view)
1975
1975 Chrysler Cordoba
Desperate for a smaller car in the market the Cordoba was hailed as a personal luxury coupe, this was the smallest Chrysler since World War II.
Base price: $5072.
1975 Chrysler Newport
Now sat on the same size frame as the New Yorker
Base: $5008.00
1975 Chrysler New Yorker
Bucking the trend for simpler and smaller they made this model even more plush (and expensive) with leather, velour or brocade interiors
Base price: $6424.00
1975 Imperial
This was the last year for Imperials, but the body style would become a New Yorker Brougham for ’76.
Cost: over $9000. (LeBaron model)
1976
1976 Chrysler Cordoba
With the help of Ricardo Montalban and the “rich Corinthian leather” Cordoba sales soared
Cost: $5392. (nicely equipped)
1976 Chrysler Cordoba (rear view)
1976 Chrysler New Yorker Broughman
Still a full sized car in a market that shunned large cars, sales dipped again
Base price: $6737.00
1977
1977 Chrysler Newport
Received a facelift and some luxury features were now available on base models.
Base: $5434
1977 Chrysler New Yorker
With Imperial gone this became the top of Chrysler line, it’s big V-8 was now called a lean burn V-8 to reduce emissions.
Base price: $7215
1977 Chrysler Cordoba
The new T-top was a $605.00 option, also available was a padded elk grain vinyl roof or the standard vinyl roof.
Base price: $5418.00
1977 Chrysler LeBaron
Rolled out midyear, aimed at a “mature” audience, it sold well.
Base: $5494
1978
1978 Chrysler Cordoba
Gets a new front end design and now offers a sunroof, sales are so good Chrysler resists the move to downsize
Base price: $5811.00
1978 LeBaron
The Medallion (shown) was the top LeBaron but a budget priced “S” model sold better.
Base price $5878.00 (Medallion Trim)
1978 Chyrsler New Yorker Brougham
The Brougham came in a St. Regis model with padded roof and opera rear viewing windows for an additional $650.00
Base price: $7702
1978 New Yorker (rear view)
They were still full sized in an era of downsizing however next year would see the New Yorker shrink a little.
1979
1979 Chrysler Cordoba
No more big engines, the heftiest V-8 for Cordoba was a 360-cid.
Cost: $6337
1979 Chrysler 300 Coupe
Yes it was a Cordoba, launched at mid year it had it’s own style elements with a new grill, standard bucket seats, a 195hp engine, it cost $1700.00 more than a Cordoba.
Base cost: $8025.00
1979 Chrysler Le Baron
The Medallion series was still the best Le Baron but now you could get it with a six cylinder
Base: $5790
1979 Chrysler New Yorker
Almost 10 inches shorter it did get rear vent windows right next to the non-moving opera windows.
Base price $10,026
New Yorker Fifth Avenue
This edition came with a Loredo grain vinyl roof and some interior woodgrain.
Cost: $11,540
1979 Chrysler Newport
Had a newly designed grill and exposed headlights to differentiate it from the downsized New Yorker the other difference was its considerably lower priced.
Base price $6720
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