The Chrysler Magnum in Brasil and Mexico

The Magnum name was apparently used in different ways throughout the world. In the United States, it was attached to a Dodge version of the Chrysler Cordoba. In Mexico, it went to a K-based car. Renato Cesar Pompeu showed us his Brasilian model, based on the Plymouth Valiant/Dodge Dart: " In 1979, 1980, and 1981 we had some modifications with new models: Magnum (2 doors), Le Baron (4 doors), Dart and Charger RT."

Rodolfo Rodriguez wrote: "Basically it a 1980s 2 door Dodge diplomat with a Carter Thermoquad carburetor and a 360 cid HP (5.9L) engine (in fact Chrysler Mexico never produced the 318 cid engine, that was one of the major differences between the Diplomat and the Mexican Magnum, because in the U.S. they stopped production of the 360 engine around 1980."

The Magnum in Mexico

Information and Photos By Lic. Leonardo Atilano Ponce

Magnums were sold in Mexico since 1981, with an 360 cid (5.9 liter) V-8 cylinder engine (the same one used by the 1975-80 Valiant Super Bees) and bucket seats.

When the K cars arrived, the first Magnum I remember to hear about was in 1983 and was announced like the "fastest car in Mexico" doing 0-100 kph in 10.4 seconds. I don't like the models from 1983 to 1985 because they where too boxy and agressive (and ugly too, in my opinion). In 1986 they were through a re-stylish process, in which they get a rounded fascia and rear end. As for my Magnum, here are its characteristics:

2.2 Turbo Engine (I don't know what turbo is it, I have always though that is a Turbo II, but I'm not sure)
5 speed Getrag Transmission (it has the Rev beside the 1st)
Goodyear 205/60/HR14 Eagle GT+4 tires
Monroe "sensatrack" gas shock absorvers
1988 model, "twilight" blue with grey
Recaro bucket seats

"Mopar98" wrote that these cars were going to be produced for the US market but they decided they were going to replace the K car in 1989-90. Motor Trend showed a picture of this car back in 5-86.

taken on Cuernavaca, Morelos, México

taken somewhere on the road between Real de Catorce and the higway to Matehuala, San Luis Potosí

taken on Cuernava

on the road to el Parque Nacional de El Chico, Hidalgo, México

beside the higway Guanajuato-Irapuato, also in México

The Magnum in Brazil

by Renato Cesar Pompeu

Here is my Dodge Magnum 1980, made in Brasil. 318 cid, Edelbrock 650 CFM carb, Edelbrock performer RPM manifold, MSD 6A, Accel wires and spark plugs, Crower cam etc. 350 HP.