I always Liked the style and ride of them, I test drove an early 318 powered 1980 Model, but ended up buying a left over 1979 Firebird Formula 301 4bbl 4-speed, it wasn't any faster than the Mirada, but the manual trans made it more fun, and it was almost $4000 cheaper. I like everything about this one exept the fake convertible top. Never understood adding that to a car as I never considered any convertible to look good with the top up. But that's just my opinion.
Gawd and they're a head ache ass well. (The drop top) I was at the BMW dealership years ago interviewing for a job and the guy was going over everything. I noticed a hard top convertible that was disassembled, and I made some comment on what a nightmare it looked to be. He said that you have to go to a special school just for BMW drop top repair. Crazy!!
Ex neighbor has one and has owned it since new. 1981 Mirada, red with white top. I remember seeing it when I was a little kid in the early 80s right after he bought it (he was a friend of my grandpas). I used to think it was a convertible. So shiny and new... he still has it but it is setting in a storage lot with about 50 of his other cars he has bought over the years and never sold. It is in poor shape now, a pity to see - paint is all faded and the top all tattered. I will have to snap a pic someday. It is also in the lot with his daughters 1990 Pontiac Sunbird convertible that he bought brand new for her. It is in bad shape too, been setting in there for years with the top rotted off of it. I remember when he bought it for her... she had turned 16, I was 14 and was very jealous. lol.
I also could never understand the fake convertible top, Ford did it also with the Lincoln. Some have done it, to me it just doesn't look rite with the top down....and it sure looks fugly with the top up! This pic below is interesting, no info with it but it looks like it could be a factory photo? And a Cordoba, top looks a lot better without the little plastic window.......... Imperial........
