Corinthian Leather Meaning: A 1974 Ad Phrase, Not a Leather Type

Corinthian leather is a marketing name, not a kind of leather: an advertising copywriter coined it in 1974 for Chrysler's leather upholstery. The leather was made by a company in Newark, New Jersey, and never came from Corinth. The phrase tells you about an ad campaign, not about the hide, grade or finish.

This answer is part of our guide to leather types, textures and finishes.

Where the phrase came from

Copywriter Jim Nichols of the Omaha-based Bozell agency coined the term in 1974. Chrysler first used it in ads for the 1974 Imperial LeBaron. It became famous with the 1975 Cordoba and its spokesman, actor Ricardo Montalbán, who called it "fine", "soft" or "rich" Corinthian leather.

In this 1987 Late Night clip from the Letterman channel, Montalbán is asked about Corinthian leather at about the seven-minute mark, after talk about his TV roles. He says the leather was real, not vinyl, that writer Jim Nichols chose the word, and that it is a trade name with no geographic meaning.

Why "Corinthian"?

In the dictionary, Corinthian means "of Corinth", one of the classical orders of architecture, ornate, or luxurious. Author Paul Fussell wrote that the word was picked because a reference book suggested it connotes rich desirability. Another place-based leather name is explained in what is Italian leather?

Which car had fine Corinthian leather?

The 1975 Chrysler Cordoba is the car most tied to the phrase, after the 1974 Imperial LeBaron used it first. The word did not always mean leather: Ford used "Corinthian" to sell an optional vinyl seat material on the 1977 Maverick.

What was Corinthian leather made of?

Sources do not agree. Wikipedia names the maker, Radel Leather Manufacturing Company of Newark. One leather seller describes it as chrome-tanned, probably top-grain cowhide. Another says it was no distinct type and that its sourcing is unclear. For comparison, leather for upholstered furniture comes mainly from cattle, because it needs big, defect-free cutting areas.

How to read leather names today

Trade names are not grades: nappa, for example, is a generic term with no distinct test. For bags, belts, wallets and shoes, US guidance uses hide-plus-grade wording such as "Top Grain Cowhide". That pairing names both the hide and the layer; see what genuine leather means and what nappa leather is.

The Leather Collection custom leather jackets list the hide (sheepskin, goatskin, cowhide or buffalo) and the finish by name.

FAQ

What does the word Corinthian mean?

Of or relating to Corinth; as an adjective it can also mean ornate or luxurious, and it names a classical column style.

Is Corinth famous for its leather?

The name was not chosen for any leather from Corinth. Fussell wrote that the leather never saw Corinth.