1. 1973 Chrysler Imperial LeBaron
The 1973 Chrysler Imperial LeBaron was a true behemoth, stretching 235.3 inches from bumper to bumper. This massive sedan was longer than some modern pickup trucks and had a turning circle that made U-turns feel like a three-point ordeal. Chrysler built it with an emphasis on luxury, meaning acres of velour, deep-pile carpeting, and a ride so smooth it felt like floating. It was also incredibly wide, often making drivers feel like they needed their own zip code to park it.
Despite its elegance, the Imperial was a bit of a handful in tight spaces, especially in city parking lots, Alan Petrillo shares in Curbside Classic. Parallel parking one of these was an event, requiring patience, skill, and sometimes an extra person to help guide the driver. The weight of the car—well over 5,000 pounds—also meant that fuel economy was more of a suggestion than a priority. Still, for those who wanted to glide down the highway in unmatched comfort, few cars did it better.
2. 1975 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham
At 233.7 inches long, the 1975 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham was one of the longest four-door sedans ever built, according to Tom Klockau from Curbside Classic. It had the unmistakable presence of a true land yacht, with massive chrome bumpers and a hood so long it looked like an aircraft carrier. Under the hood was Cadillac’s monstrous 500-cubic-inch V8, which delivered smooth but thirsty performance. The plush interior featured deep leather seats, thick carpeting, and a ride so soft it felt like floating on air.
Driving one of these through city streets required careful planning, as the sheer length made tight turns and parking a challenge. The rear overhang alone was so long that misjudging a parking spot could mean leaving part of the car sticking out. With fuel efficiency in the single digits, the Fleetwood Brougham was built for comfort, not economy. But for those who wanted the ultimate in American luxury, few cars could match its road presence.
3. 1977 Lincoln Continental Town Car
The 1977 Lincoln Continental Town Car was a rolling statement of wealth and power, measuring a staggering 233 inches in length. This full-sized luxury sedan was one of the last true land yachts before downsizing became the norm, Paul Niedermeyer explains in The Truth About Cars. Its squared-off design, massive chrome grille, and endless hood made it instantly recognizable on the road. Inside, passengers were treated to pillow-top seats, thick carpeting, and an ultra-quiet ride.
Despite its beauty, maneuvering this Lincoln was no easy task, especially in urban areas where parking spaces were getting smaller. The car’s size and weight made stopping distances longer, requiring plenty of road awareness. Fuel economy was atrocious, thanks to its big-block V8 that guzzled gas at an alarming rate. But for those who valued comfort and presence over practicality, the Continental Town Car was hard to beat.
4. 1969 Pontiac Bonneville
The 1969 Pontiac Bonneville was a true highway cruiser, stretching 225 inches in length. It was Pontiac’s top-of-the-line full-size sedan, offering a combination of performance and luxury, according to Bogdan Popa from Autoevolution. The sweeping body lines, long hood, and massive chrome bumpers gave it a commanding presence on the road. Inside, drivers were treated to plush seating, woodgrain accents, and a dashboard that looked like it belonged in a spaceship.
Handling a car of this size wasn’t for the faint of heart, especially when trying to squeeze into a standard parking space. Its rear-wheel-drive platform and big V8 engine meant it had plenty of power, but also a tendency to drink fuel like a fish. The sheer length made it difficult to see out of, especially when backing up. But for those who wanted a stylish and powerful land yacht, the Bonneville delivered in spades.
5. 1970 Buick Electra 225
Nicknamed the “Deuce and a Quarter” because of its 225-inch length, the 1970 Buick Electra 225 was a true full-size American sedan. Buick designed it to be both luxurious and powerful, with a massive 455-cubic-inch V8 under the hood. The long, sleek body was complemented by Buick’s signature vertical grille and chrome accents. Inside, it featured plush seating and a whisper-quiet ride, making long road trips a breeze.
Maneuvering the Electra in tight spaces was a challenge, thanks to its sheer size and over-boosted power steering. Parking lots often felt too small, and parallel parking required patience and skill. Despite its size, it had a surprisingly smooth and composed ride, floating over bumps with ease. The Electra 225 was a prime example of when bigger was definitely better in the world of American sedans.
6. 1978 Chrysler New Yorker Brougham
The 1978 Chrysler New Yorker Brougham was a true heavyweight, stretching 231 inches long and weighing in at over 4,800 pounds. It was built for comfort and presence, with a squared-off design that made it look even bigger than it was. The massive front grille and slab-sided body gave it a formal, imposing appearance on the road. Inside, the New Yorker was packed with thick velour seats, woodgrain trim, and enough space to make modern sedans feel cramped.
Driving one of these in city traffic was an exercise in patience, as its sheer bulk made quick maneuvers nearly impossible. The big 440-cubic-inch V8 under the hood provided decent power but came at the cost of laughably bad fuel economy. Parallel parking was a chore, especially since rear visibility was limited by the car’s long trunk. But on the highway, the New Yorker Brougham was in its element, delivering a ride so smooth it felt like floating on a cloud.
7. 1965 Ford Galaxie 500 XL
The 1965 Ford Galaxie 500 XL was a massive full-size sedan, measuring 213 inches in length. Ford designed it with both performance and luxury in mind, offering powerful V8 engines and a sleek, streamlined body. The signature stacked headlights and long, sweeping body lines made it one of the most stylish land yachts of its era. Inside, the Galaxie 500 XL featured bucket seats, a center console, and enough chrome accents to blind anyone in direct sunlight.
Despite its size, the Galaxie 500 XL had a reputation for solid handling, thanks to its well-balanced chassis. However, parking it in tight spaces was still a challenge, as its long hood and rear overhang required extra attention. The V8-powered models were quick for their size but also thirsty, guzzling fuel at a rate that would make modern drivers cringe. Still, for those who wanted a big, comfortable cruiser with muscle car potential, the Galaxie 500 XL was hard to beat.
8. 1974 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight Regency
The 1974 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight Regency was a true land yacht, measuring a staggering 232.4 inches long. Oldsmobile spared no expense in making it a luxury cruiser, with a plush interior, deep-pile carpeting, and thickly padded seats. The car’s massive chrome bumpers and squared-off design gave it a commanding presence on the road. Under the hood, the 455-cubic-inch V8 provided effortless power, though at the expense of fuel economy.
Maneuvering the Ninety-Eight Regency in tight spaces was a challenge, as its turning radius was enormous. The soft suspension made it perfect for highway cruising, but body roll in corners was significant. Parking one of these in a standard space often meant sticking out a bit, requiring creative positioning. But for those who valued comfort and luxury over efficiency, the Ninety-Eight Regency delivered a ride quality that was hard to match.
9. 1971 Mercury Marquis Brougham
The 1971 Mercury Marquis Brougham was a true beast of a sedan, stretching 224 inches from bumper to bumper. It was designed to offer near-Lincoln levels of luxury while maintaining a slightly lower price point. The long, straight body lines and massive grille gave it a formal, elegant look that stood out on the road. Inside, it featured thickly padded seats, woodgrain trim, and a ride so smooth it could put passengers to sleep.
Despite its luxury, driving one in traffic could be a nerve-wracking experience due to its sheer bulk. Parking lots felt like obstacle courses, and tight corners required extra space to navigate. The big-block V8 under the hood delivered plenty of torque but also ensured frequent stops at the gas station. Still, for those who wanted a full-size American sedan that commanded respect, the Marquis Brougham was an excellent choice.
10. 1959 Cadillac Series 62
The 1959 Cadillac Series 62 was one of the most flamboyant and oversized sedans of its era, measuring 225 inches in length. It was famous for its towering tailfins, massive chrome accents, and an overall design that screamed excess. The wraparound windshield and sleek body lines made it look futuristic at the time, setting it apart from anything else on the road. Inside, passengers were treated to deep, cushy seats, power accessories, and an ultra-soft ride.
Handling one of these in a crowded parking lot was no small feat, as the rear fins made it difficult to judge the car’s full length. Its massive V8 provided effortless acceleration, but the fuel economy was predictably poor. The sheer width of the car also meant squeezing into parking spaces required careful maneuvering. But as far as classic American land yachts go, few cars were as iconic as the 1959 Cadillac Series 62.
11. 1976 Chevrolet Caprice Classic
The 1976 Chevrolet Caprice Classic was one of the biggest sedans of the decade, measuring 222.9 inches long. It featured a long, squared-off body, massive chrome bumpers, and an imposing front grille that made it look even bigger. Chevrolet designed it to be a comfortable highway cruiser, offering a soft suspension and a smooth, isolated ride. The interior was spacious enough to rival modern full-size SUVs, with plenty of legroom for all passengers.
Despite its luxurious ride, the Caprice Classic was not the easiest car to maneuver in tight spots. The long hood and trunk made parking a challenge, and the power steering, while helpful, could feel overly light. The big-block V8 options provided plenty of power, but gas mileage was abysmal, especially during the fuel crisis of the mid-’70s. Still, the Caprice Classic remained a popular choice for those who wanted a full-size American sedan with classic styling.
12. 1967 Plymouth Fury III
The 1967 Plymouth Fury III was an absolute land yacht, measuring 218 inches in length. It was a favorite among police departments and taxi services due to its durability and strong performance. The squared-off body, prominent grille, and chrome detailing gave it a commanding presence on the road. Inside, it featured wide bench seats, a simple but stylish dashboard, and a ride quality that made long-distance cruising a pleasure.
Parking the Fury III required skill, as its long front and rear overhangs made it easy to misjudge tight spaces. Its big-block V8 options delivered plenty of power, but they also ensured frequent trips to the gas pump. The Fury’s size made it less than ideal for city driving, but on the open road, it was an effortless cruiser. For those who wanted a full-size sedan that was both tough and stylish, the Fury III was a standout choice.
