The biggest and most flamboyant American cars
By: Tom Roberts (Motoring Research)
S E E D E D C O N T E N T
The biggest and most flamboyant American cars
We reveal the 21 longest American cars from the 'land yacht' era of the 1960s through to the early 1980s
From the 1960s through to the early 1980s, giant beasts roamed the highways of America. Bedecked in chrome and vinyl, wearing whitewall tyres and powered by huge, lazy engines, these land yachts were the biggest of the big. We've unearthed 21 of these dinosaurs, and all of them stretch the tape measure to at least 214 inches (5.4 metres) in length. Let's set sail.
1963 Dodge Custom 880 - 214.8 inches / 5.45 metres
Our first port of call is Dodge's short-lived Custom 880. Although still a large vehicle by modern standards, the era of the land yachts was one where size really did matter. Under pressure to compete with Chevrolet, Dodge rushed out its own version of the Chrysler Newport. A 361-cubic inch (5.9-litre) V8 engine with 265hp was standard, with a 383ci (6.3-litre) 305hp V8 optional. It wasn't enough, and the 880 was dead in the water by 1965.
1975 Dodge Charger SE - 216 inches / 5.48 metres
Most people immediately think 'muscle car' when the name Charger is mentioned. But by 1975, an icon of the horsepower wars was little more than a jaded luxury coupe. It may have had sumptuous 24-ounce shagpile carpeting inside, but the square exterior styling made it a nightmare for the NASCAR teams forced to use it on-track. Dodge only managed to sell 31,000 examples in 1975.
1970 Ford LTD - 216.1 inches / 5.49 metres
Between 1969 and 1978, Ford sold 7.75 million examples of the second-generation LTD and its Mercury sisters. It was also the biggest car offered by the Blue Oval during its lifetime. Styling for the 1970 model year included a grille inspired by the Thunderbird, combined with funky hidden headlights. Engine choices ranged from a big 302-cubic inch (4.9-litre) V8, through to a really big 429ci (7.0) V8.
1971 Buick Riviera - 217.4 inches / 5.52 metres
Big and bold was the look for the third-generation Buick Riviera, launched in 1971. A giant 'boat tail' rear end seems apt for a land yacht, but the radical styling proved unsuccessful with buyers. A 'Full-Flo' ventilation system, with a habit of sucking exhaust fumes and rain water into the cabin, probably didn't endear the Rivera to customers either. More impressive was the standard-fit 'MaxTrac' traction control for the 455-cubic inch (7.5-litre) V8 engine.
1969 Dodge Polara - 220.8 inches / 5.61 metres
Now we're getting into the realm of serious yachting as we sail across the 220-inch longitude. Adopting Dodge's 'fuselage' styling concept, the 1969 Polara was available in five different body styles. Engine choices were all V8s, ranging from a modest 230hp 381-cubic inch (6.2-litre) to the thumping 440-ci (6.5-litre) Magnum with 375hp and 480lb ft of torque. The sales brochure boasted of hidden windshield wipers, and carpets so plush you'd want to take your shoes off to drive.
1959 Chrysler New Yorker Town & Country Wagon - 220.9 inches / 5.61 metres
It might be from an earlier decade than the others on our list, and it also happens to be an estate. But the '59 Town & Country is still very much a land yacht. Standard-fit was the 'Golden Lion' 413-cubic inch (6.77-litre) V8 engine, with 350hp and a push-button three-speed automatic transmission. Optional extras included the 'Mirrormatic' electrically dimming rear-view mirror. Strange to think you often need to pay extra for an automatic dimming mirror on a new car almost six decades later.
1980 Plymouth Gran Fury - 221.5 inches / 5.62 metres
For a significant period of its life, the Plymouth Gran Fury existed to satisfy the demands of the fleet market, and this lifeline kept it alive. It may have been downsized for 1980, but this is still a huge vehicle. Police chiefs loved them, with a special package offered to boost the 360-cubic inch (5.9-litre) V8 engine to a 'massive' 195hp. By 1980, the land yacht era had capsized, and Plymouth ditched the Gran Fury part-way through 1981.
1973 Chevrolet Impala Custom Coupe - 221.9 inches / 5.64 metres
Chevrolet's marketing pitch for 1973 sounded more like a political campaign speech, rather than a way to sell cars. It was about 'building a better way to see America' and what could be better than seeing it from the vinyl and woodgrain interior of your Impala? Powering you across the country was a standard 145hp 'Turbo Fire' 350-cubic inch (5.7-litre) V8. But, if you really wanted to make progress, you could pick the optional 455-ci (7.5-litre) 'Turbo Jet' V8 with 245hp. That might have required several more stops for gas, though.
1976 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible - 224.1 inches / 5.69 metres
This is decadence! In 1976 Cadillac was very keen to stress that the Eldorado was the last American convertible. Features such as automatic climate control and plush six-way adjustable leather seats pushed the Eldorado's weight to 5,153lb (2,337kg). Thankfully, propulsion came from an extravagant 500-cubic inch (8.2-litre) V8, even if all that displacement could only generate 235hp. Owners might have been even more grateful for the standard ventilated disc brakes.
1976 Ford Thunderbird - 225.7 inches / 5.73 metres
Can you imagine how long polishing all the chrome on the Thunderbird's front bumper would take? And that's before you even get to the grille, the headlight surrounds, wing mirrors, and finally, the rear bumper. All that shine meant the Thunderbird weighed in at over 5,000lb (2,268kg). Power came courtesy of a 460-cubic inch (7.7-litre) V8, connected to a 'Cruise-O-Matic' transmission. An eight-track tape player was a $382 option, whilst the distinctive 'Lipstick' colour scheme added $546 to the $7,790 list price.
1977 Dodge Royal Monaco - 225.7 inches / 5.73 metres
If you were the kind of person who liked traditional value, combined with an added touch of luxury, then the Royal Monaco was for you. Slide around on the standard vinyl-upholstered seats, revel at the choice of two ashtrays in both the front and rear passenger compartments, and impress people with your hidden headlights. If you're really feeling flush, perhaps you might go for the option of a locking gas cap, or the unmitigated luxury of an electric digital clock.
1978 Ford Country Squire - 225.7 inches / 5.73 metres
Nothing says 'premium' like slapping simulated woodgrain to the side of a station wagon. From 1951 to 1991, Ford's full-size estate featured imitation timber trim. The 1978 Country Squire would be a final flourish for outlandish size, as the following year saw a smaller seventh-generation car. But in 1978, tipping the scales at some 4,881lb (2,214kg) meant even the largest engine option of the 460-cubic inch (7.5-litre) V8 could only push the Squire to a maximum speed of 111mph. Still, at least you wouldn't have to worry about varnishing that wood.
1970 Buick Electra 225 - 225.8 inches / 5.74 metres
It becomes evident how important size was in the land yacht era, when manufacturers were willing to incorporate length into a model name. Between 1959 and 1969, the length of the Electra had fluctuated, but for 1970 it returned to that eponymous measurement. Also new for 1970 was a 455-cubic inch (7.5-litre) V8 with an impressive 370hp and 510lb ft. It may have been vast, but the Electra 225 was certainly no slouch, making it one of the raciest yachts on our list.
1972 Lincoln Continental Mark IV - 228.1 inches / 5.79 metres
Aside from the Ford Thunderbird, the Lincoln Continental range of the 1970s is perhaps the best example of the personal luxury coupe genre. For those customers wanting to go completely overboard, Lincoln offered a range of designer special editions. Created by Bill Blass, Gucci, Givenchy, and Cartier, each car came with a bespoke colour scheme, plus a gold-plated plaque on the dashboard. The latter could even be engraved with the owner's name, just in case you forgot who you were.
1970 Imperial Crown - 229.7 inches / 5.83 metres
Chrysler had used the Imperial name since the 1920s, but between 1955 and 1975 it created a standalone marque to rival Cadillac and Lincoln. Life was tough for the third-generation range of Imperials, as being based on Chrysler platforms and bodyshells placed them at a disadvantage versus other luxury brands. Instead, the Imperial had to compete on features like a standard 440-cubic inch (7.2-litre) V8 engine with 350hp, or bench seating described as being like a sumptuous sofa - finished in cloth and vinyl.
1975 Cadillac Coupe de Ville - 230.7 inches / 5.86 metres
Across the 230-inch threshold we sail, and into what we can probably title as the 'super yacht' category. These next six cars are truly vast, and the de Ville is a perfect expression of the self-indulgence available. Interiors were offered in both leather or patterned velour, while the exterior featured a huge vinyl roof and cornering lights to help steer your ship. Airbags for the driver and passenger were an option, as was traction control and, of course, whitewall striped tyres.
1978 Chrysler New Yorker Brougham - 231 inches / 5.88 metres
By the late 1970s, land yachts like the New Yorker were bigger than disco music. But 1978 would be the final year of the Chrysler 'C-body' platform that saw service in many of the full-size machines on our list. A 400-cubic inch (6.6-litre) V8 came as standard, unless you happened to live in California or high-altitude states ,where the smaller and cleaner 360-ci (5.9-litre) V8 was mandatory. On the options list was a AM/FM stereo with a search function operated by a foot switch, and even a CB radio.
1974 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight LS - 232.4 inches / 5.90 metres
Another giant of the Chrysler 'C-body' era was the Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. Before the marque was made to walk the plank in 2004, Oldsmobile was the oldest surviving American car brand. The glory days came in the 1970s, and with cars like the colossal 1974 Ninety-Eight it's not hard to see why. Plus, any car with a 455-cubic inch (7.5-litre) V8 engine named 'Rocket' gains serious credibility. The record length for '74 models came from the need to incorporate federally mandated 5mph bumpers into the already vast design.
1979 Lincoln Continental Mark V - 233 inches / 5.92 metres
If you thought the Mark IV Continental was whale-sized, then we're going to need a bigger boat for the Mark V. With almost a further five inches in length, the Mark V was even more opulent and ostentatious. A vinyl roof was standard for 1979, as were the round 'opera' windows, and a Cartier-logoed clock. For true glitz, buyers could opt for The Collector Series, which was promoted by Tom Selleck. Gold-toned grille inserts, a crystal-like hood ornament, and acres of padded vinyl proved you were ready to celebrate the final year before downsizing would claim another victim.
1975 Buick Electra 225 - 233.7 inches / 5.96 metres
Having strayed a long way from the original 225 inches, by 1975 the Electra was now one of the biggest monsters roaming the turnpike. According to Buick, the 225 was for those who wanted to drive a luxury car without being pretentious. Although the promotional photo, taken outside a sprawling mansion, somewhat begs to differ, while interior options included plush patterned velour upholstery. Sadly, the steadfast 455-ci (7.5-litre) engine was now smothered by emissions and fuel-saving changes, producing just 205hp.
1973 Imperial LeBaron - 235.3 inches / 5.98 metres
This is it, the end of our epic voyage. It means we've come to the biggest land yacht, and one of the longest post-war American production cars, period. Federally mandated bumpers were responsible for making the LeBaron even lengthier in 1973, adding an extra 5.8-inches to its already imposing dimensions. After 1973, the Imperial brand would slip away, finally being cast adrift for good in 1975. Oil embargos and emissions regulations would be the factors that sunk the Imperial, and would do the same for the rest of the land yacht fleet by the early 1980s.
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Although I never bought a monster car, I did drive a couple of them. My dad gave me a 1974 Oldsmobile 98 as in its photo above, even the same colour, and I can't recall why he did. Although by that time he was driving Cadillacs. In an earlier story I posted here I explained that he test drove a 1959 Jaguar Mark VII that I fell in love with but he didn't like it and bought a 1960 Cadillac Coupe De Ville instead that was so long I think it needed 2 parking spaces to park it on the street. This is what it looked like. (internet image - the same colour). I think the Jaguar was about 2 feet shorter.
But my dad died in 1978 and I inherited his 1976 Cadillac Coupe de Ville, which I drove for a little while but I didn't like it so I traded it for a new 1980 Peugeot 604 that was a lot shorter and I liked it a lot better. It was known as "the Cadillac of France".
I had a 1989 Chrysler New Yorker that I drove around for a few years from 2015 through 2019. Former police vehicle in the black and white scheme. That thing was a monster with the 400 ci V-8 and a Holly Quad carburetor. It was stable on the highway and drove like a battleship! Only big problem was it was a gas hog to the max.
My dad had a 1955 Chrysler New Yorker that I drove down a long straight downhill double highway when there was no traffic on it as fast as it would go - at least more than 100 mph. Fastest I ever drove back in those days.
My girlfriend’s father gave me a Mercury Marquee to use while in school. Of course I took him up on the generous offer but was scared to drive it in the campus area with there narrow street and car street parking, but drove it anyway. Getting high first seemed to address it and toed rage.
I was and remained a sport car kind of guy.
The Mercury Marquis would have qualified to add to this article, and somehow I don't think of it as a sport car.
My first car was a '77 Cutlass Supreme. This thing was a beast in terms of it's size. I only paid $200 for it. It sat in a barn for 10 years. Originally bought it for the motor then realized the frame was in much better shape than the previous owner had told me. In fact it needed minor body and undercarriage repairs and it was back on the road within a month. Got me through Highschool and part of my military career before I sold it.
A pretty big car. I like its taillights.
Especially for a 120 pound 5 ft 2 in Jr. in high school. I loved that car. Handled great in town and on the highway.
Ah the bygone era of ‘’lead sleds’’.
To let people know what a "lead sled" is, here is an example...
In 1980 I had a 1968 Plymouth Fury I police car I bought for the 440 motor and drove it for a while. That was a big old car but it would run..The motor ended up in a Power Wagon pickup and is waiting to be rebuilt, so some of it lives on.
Bet it drinks a lot of gas.
It likes gas. The Power Wagon came with a snowplow 4 wheel drive and can carry a lot. I hope they finish fixing it soon. I won't push snow with it anymore, too hard on driver and truck.
Well, at least you can clear your own driveway with it. I had to hire someone to do it in Toronto.
Back then a lot of my friends had hand me down big cars from their parents or bought cheap
Yeah, as I've posted previously, my dad bought a car for my brother and me to share when I was 16 and my brother was 20, a 1950 Ford Custom Coach that had absolutely no bells and whistles.- 3 speed manual gearshift mounted on the steering column, nothing was automatic or power or electronic. Even though it wasn't a land yacht like the ones in the article, I absolutely loved that car.
Internet photo, mine was beige.