american land yachts

8 Classic American Luxury Land Yachts You Can Still Buy For Cheap

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When it comes to American classics , a few things come to enthusiast's minds. Muscle cars may be the most thrilling and iconic types of old-school American cars, and it's hard not to love their tire-shredding V8 power and un-apologetic brutal spirit . But, when it comes to luxury and comfort, a type of American classic known as "land yachts" is some of the best you can get for a pure luxury experience.

Incredibly, and often unnecessarily large, V8-powered, and plush on the inside, a land yacht refers to full-size luxury cars of the '60s and '70s, back when some genuine craftsmanship was used to make luxurious interiors, and massive bodies gave some boat-like handling, gliding over the road in great comfort . Often playing second fiddle to muscle cars, there are many truly luxurious classic American land yachts out there you can buy for not all that much money. So, read on, to see 8 such cars you can get for under $15,000.

9 Cadillac Eldorado (9th Generation)

The very definition of a "land yacht," when it comes to big and comfortable American cruisers, really doesn't get better than an old-school Cadillac. Especially so, the Eldorado stood out as the top-of-the-line model within GM's crowd of luxury cars.

A nameplate representing the top end of Cadillac's already high-end lineup since 1953, the Eldorado was a massive 2-door luxury beast fitted with the best luxuries whatever period it was sold in had to offer. For its 9th generation starting in 1971, the Eldorado shared a platform with the Buick Riviera and Oldsmobile Toronado, but was the supreme luxury model, with seats inside that are plusher than most sofas could ever hope to be, as well as a massive 500 cu-in V8. Not too hard to find in good shape for around $15,000 , the Eldorado is about the most luxurious car you can buy for this price.

8 Buick Riviera (3rd Generation)

Back when Buick used to stand for great luxury and style, the Riviera was a long-running model within Buick. Evolving with an incredible boat-tail design for its 3rd generation, this Riviera was a proper luxury car through and through.

Introduced for 1971 and lasting until '73, the unique Bill Mitchell-directed boat-tail design 3rd gen Riviera has also had a distinct interior design compared to its predecessors and successors. Designed with a dashboard that envelopes the driver and passenger, the Riviera's interior is among the most well-appointed for its time. Also supremely comfortable and powerful, the 3rd gen Riviera came equipped with a Buick 455 cu-in V8 with up to 265 hp. While you'll have to look for a '73 model if you want one at this price, the boat-tail Buick Riviera can be found for around $15,000 .

RELATED: 10 Coolest Features Found In The 1972 Buick Riviera

7 Buick Electra/Electra 225 (3rd & 4th Generation)

While the Riviera is a properly luxurious land yacht, it was slightly sportier and slightly smaller than its big brother - the Electra. One of Buick's range-topping luxury cars, the Electra was a massive uncompromising luxury cruiser.

Taking over the Super and Roadmaster nameplates in 1959, these two cars became the Electra, and Electra 225 respectively. As one of the top-end Buick models, the Electra 225 was and would continue to be packed with all the greatest features of the time. Entering its 3rd generation in 1965, the Electra could be had with engines like the Buick 455 cu-in V8 laying down 370 hp, and continued to use it through its 4th generation starting in '71 (though choked down by new emissions requirements). Incredibly large and luxurious, Electra examples from both the 3rd and 4th generation can be had in good shape for around $15,000 .

6 Lincoln Continental (5th Generation)

Ford's most luxurious car of decades past, the Lincoln Continental is iconic as a ridiculously big and luxurious coupe, being the ride of choice for past Presidents. Massive in every sense, the 5th generation Continental offers some great land yacht value.

A historic nameplate for Lincoln, the Continental first came about in 1940 as a stylish and luxurious coupe and convertible. Using large V8s for most of its model life, the Continental received a 462 cu-in V8 in 1966 , though shrunk slightly for the '70s, remaining at 460 cu-in up until 1979. Sold from 1970 until '79, the 5th gen Continental brought it up to modern specs and was packed with the greatest luxuries and features of its day - aiming squarely at Cadillac and their previously mentioned Eldorado. Not hard to find for around $15,000 in good shape, a 5th gen Continental fits the land yacht bill like few other cars do.

RELATED: A Detailed Look At The Lincoln Black Label Continental

4 Oldsmobile Toronado (1st Generation)

You won't be finding a perfect examples at this price point, but when it comes to running and driving ones in need of a little work, you can own Oldsmobile's most unique looking stand-out luxury cars from their golden age for not much money at all.

Introduced in 1966, the Toronado replaced the Starfire as Oldsmobile's stylish personal luxury coupe , with plenty of innovation, power, and luxury inside. Getting its power from an Olds 425 V8, the Toronado made 385 hp and was the first FWD American car since the 1930s. The Toronado lasted until the '90s, but generations following the first became less spectacular and were choked down significantly by new regulations, dying in the '90s as an unremarkable machine, de-valuing the Toronado name significantly. Shockingly cheap for how innovative, luxurious and awesome it is, a '66-'70 Toronado can be found in decent condition for around $10,000 .

3 Oldsmobile 98 (8th & 9th Generation)

One of the longest-running names in Oldsmobile's history, the 98 stood out as the flagship luxury land yacht within Oldsmobile's lineup, being more conventional than the Toronado. Similarly seeing its nameplate dragged, a 98 can be found for relatively cheap.

Originating in 1940, the Oldsmobile 98 (also referred to as "Ninety-Eight") stood for the top dog in Oldsmobile's lineup. With their Series 60 being the small entry-level car for 1940, the Series 90 was the full-size king, and with an inline-8 (later a V8) under the hood was known as the 98 (Series 90 + 8 cylinders). Remaining on sale until 1996, the best mix of affordability and classic luxurious land yacht spirit can (arguably) be found in the 98's 8th, and 9th generations, spanning 1965 until 1976. You'll be looking at a price of over $15,000 for a decent '60s example, but the still large and luxurious early '70s ones can be found for around $10,000 in good condition.

RELATED: 10 Coolest Oldsmobile Classics You Can Buy For Peanuts

2 Pontiac Grand Prix (2nd Generation)

A nameplate dragged as far down as possible, the Grand Prix's final generations were frankly terrible plastic-filled commuters, but the early ones stood out as fantastic blends of power, luxury, and style rolled into one awesome personal luxury coupe.

Re-designed for 1969 , the Grand Prix's 2nd generation broke from the previous elegant styling, and combined tough muscle car looks with its land yacht proportions. Those muscular looks weren't just for show either, as the 2nd gen Grand Prix was powered by a choice of big V8s up to a 428 cu-in-unit pumping out 390 hp in '69. A similar mix of muscle car and luxury cruiser on the inside, the 2nd gen Grand Prix's styling may not be to everyone's taste, but at under $15,000 for a decent running and driving example offers a great deal for a big and luxurious classic muscle car.

1 AMC/Rambler Marlin

One of the most distinct-looking and unique of AMC's '60s classics, the Marlin was a short-lived model based on the personal luxury coupe formula, but with some unique twists to its design. Mostly forgotten today, the Marlin offers a great classic luxury bargain.

Debuting at the 1964 Chicago Auto Show as the Tarpon concept, designer Richard "Dick" Teague penned the flowing lines and dramatic fastback. Built on the Rambler American platform, the Rambler Marlin debuted in 1965 as a luxurious fastback coupe. A slow seller for AMC, the Marlin was updated in '67, now built on the AMC Ambassador platform as an AMC model - but was killed off that same year. A widely ignored, but comfortable cruiser, the Marlin can be found for around $10,000 in good shape.

NEXT: This Is How Much A Classic AMC Marlin Is Worth Today

Car Culture
Classic cars

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.

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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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Ten Great Land Yachts

Remember when roads were as smooth as a calm sea, cars were long as boats, and you felt like the captain of your land yacht? We do . Here's ten great land yachts.

Jay Leno star Donald Osborne on great American Land Yachts

WORDS: ELLIOTT HUGHES | PHOTOGRAPHY: AUDRAIN AUTO MUSEUM

The Audrain Automobile Museum in Newport, US is currently celebrating the era of goliath American luxury cars with its latest exhibit: Land Yachts – Cruising the Interstate Highways. The 14-car exhibit started on June 3, 2022 and runs through to September 4. Magneto caught up with Audrain CEO and automotive historian Donald Osborne for his take on the exhibit and this consummately American sub-breed of automobile.

So what is a Land Yacht?

A Land Yacht is the quintessential thought of American cars from the 1940s to the 1970s. They were designed to take advantage of how Americans drive and the roads we drive, which are long, straight and smooth. They’re roads that you want to cover effortlessly, so a Land Yacht is a car that puts its power out in a subtle way – they’re relaxed. It’s a car that shows the pressure under its grace as opposed to showing grace under pressure.

Is Land Yacht a derogatory term?

I think for a lot of people the term is pejorative, but I don’t think it is. Yachts come in all different shapes and sizes: there’s cruising yachts, luxury yachts and racing yachts, and we’ve got examples of all those things here in the exhibit. When Mercedes-Benz introduced its V8, the whole idea was unstressed performance, which is typically American and not very German. I think Land Yachts are deserving of a new look.

How has the public response to the exhibit been so far?

It’s been terrific! The display had big shoes to fill after the supercar exhibition that saw record attendance to the museum. It’s not quite meeting those numbers just yet, but it’s far surpassing the numbers of the show that was on this time last year, so it’s been a terrific opening. People are absolutely loving it, and it highlights the variety of cars we put on display.

Why do Land Yachts resonate so strongly with people?

One factor is that Land Yachts come from the age of the Sunday drive – destination-less touring – which is something that people don’t relate to a great deal or have such experience of today. Nowadays it’s about getting from point A to point B as quickly and as efficiently as possible. Another reason is that Land Yachts are a great exemplar of national characteristics in cars, which is something that started to end in the 1970s. Since then, national characteristics began to blur and cars have become more and more homogenised.

What American national characteristics are embodied by Land Yachts?

As an American, I’m very proud of what these cars represent in terms of the confidence of the country and its geography. I’ve driven across the country five times, and these are the cars you’d want to do it in – it’s what they’re built for. It’s similar to the GT cars built to cross the European continent; they’re designed to just get you to wherever you’re going.

What do you think was the first Land Yacht?

This is like going back into the minefield of the first supercar! I think Land Yacht is very much a post-war American term, and that’s one of the reasons the oldest car in the exhibition is a 1948 Hudson Commodore. Because it’s only after World War Two that we began to think of motoring in this way – Interstate Highways weren’t really begun until 1956.

There’s still a lot of affection for Land Yachts. What killed them off?

It started with the fuel crisis, which meant people started buying more fuel-efficient models. There was a feeling – which is ironic given the current rise of the SUV and crossover – that the roads shouldn’t be filled with these giant cars, and that smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles were the answer. It was dangerous having all these giant cars on the road, because they would just crush a smaller model in an accident – that meant adding safety equipment, which increased weight. The increased weight and the elimination of performance with emissions requirements made big cars sort of untenable.

Cars today are bigger and heavier than ever before. Could the Land Yacht make a comeback?

I would like to say yes, but I don’t think the way the US market has evolved is related to customer demand, but rather the manufacturers themselves. American car makers have decided they’re in the truck business rather than the car business, because trucks offer a higher level of profit than a car. So, the effect of this is that people are now buying big trucks and putting cabs over the beds to make them into sedans or station wagons, because even SUVs don’t have the luggage capacity. People still buy millions of cars in this market that aren’t made by American manufacturers, so there’s still a very big market for cars. It would certainly be interesting to see if a manufacturer could introduce a car that they felt could replace the large four-door pick-up truck.

What’s your favourite car that’s included in the exhibit?

The Chrysler 300G (above). I love everything about it; it’s absolutely amazing because of that wonderful duality of waft and capability. I’d also have to say the Hudson Commodore, because it looked to a time ahead – the Interstate Highway Act was passed in 1956.

The Long Time No Sea Pippa Garner car is certainly unusual. What’s the story behind that?

It’s a Land Yacht doubled! It’s already based on a ‘68 Buick LeSabre, which is a Land Yacht in itself. Then what Pippa did to the car – by putting the windshield, steering wheel and seats from a Datsun 210 up in the back window of the LeSabre and devising an absolutely ingenious and slightly Rube Goldbergian set of levers and shafts so the car can be driven from up there – is absolutely astonishing. And the styling of the Buick with that wonderful side crease that actually looks like a bow wave is absolutely perfect. It even has a bow railing! I had this car on a segment on Jay Leno’s Garage , and he absolutely fell in love with it. When I found it was available, I said: “We have to have it.”

Have you ever owned a Land Yacht?

Yes, I had a 1973 Buick Centurion Convertible, and I’m actually looking for another one now that I’m thinking about what that car offered and the experience that it offered. Although it’s a four-speed manual, my Mark 7 Jaguar also offers a very similar driving experience because it is so incredibly comfortable and large enough to be in charge. It’s a terrific thing to experience these cars. I love them!

The Audrain Automobile Museum’s Land Yachts – Cruising the Interstate Highways exhibit runs through September 3, 2022. For more information, tickets and the full line-up of cars on display, click here.

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An Ode to Land Yachts

Classic cars are like rolling time capsules—giving us a glimpse back in time. The mid-century American classics on eBay Motors reveal an era when Detroit designers were unhampered by efficiency and safety standards. In the 1950s and 1960s, gas was cheap, engines were giant, and trunks were huge. Slabs of sheet metal connected two chrome bumpers to create ultra-long vehicles often adorned with fanciful fins.

Land yachts, as these behemoths were called, were the top-of-the-line models available in the dealership’s showroom. The cars had long lists of options—all with pillowy rides and plush interiors.

1974 Cadillac Coupe DeVille

Cadillac was the most prominent purveyor of land yachts. The length of today’s 2018 Cadillac XTS sedan is a modest 201 inches, compared to the 1974 Cadillac Coupe de Ville that measured to nearly 231 inches. The ’74 Caddy was powered by a whopping 500 cubic-inch (8.2-liter) engine.

1967 Cadillac Fleetwood Seventy-Five

Not long enough? Then check out the eBay Motors listings for this pair of 244.5-inch-long 1967 Cadillac Fleetwood Seventy-Five personal limos—a model that stretched to 252 inches by 1975.

1959 Cadillac Roadster

The Bruce Springsteen 1981 tune, Pink Cadillac , pays homage to land yachts like this glorious reworked and befinned 1959 Elvis-inspired convertible, which is modest at a mere 225 inches in length. (Elvis made pink Cadillacs famous when he bought one in 1955, although boxing great Sugar Ray Robinson drove his earlier pink/fuchsia Caddy around Harlem—and on a European tour—in 1951.)

1958 Chrysler Imperial

Chrysler also made cruise-worthy sedans in the 1950s. Its 1956 Imperial extended the measuring tape to 229.6 inches. This 1958 Imperial comes close at 225.7 inches, as does this 1962 Chrysler 300 now available on eBay Motors with an overall length of 215.3 inches.

1976 Buick Electra

The Buick Electra 225—sometimes referred to as the “deuce and a quarter”—was named for its length. The name was retained into the mid-1970s even though the model grew to 233.7 inches—as seen in this one-owner surviving 1976 Buick Electra Landau Coupe. The 1975 Elektra was the longest Buick ever built, at nearly 19-and-a-half feet.

Of course, you could cheat by stretching any number of cars, SUVs, and trucks into a limousine —but those don’t count.

If you get serious about buying any of these land yachts, you’ll want to double-check the length of your garage. Or consider one of these portable, flexible carports .

About the Author

Mark C. Bach has oil in his veins and remembers feeler gauges and brake springs. He has a love for all things that move, especially old-school muscle cars. Bach writes for a variety of outlets, including Chevy Classics and FuelCurve.com, and maintains Route66pubco.com.

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Mark IV Survivor: 1976 Lincoln Continental

The 1970s Lincoln Continental Mark IV was a true land yacht. In production from 1972 to 1976, it was up to 228 inches in length by 1976 (a full 19 feet) and weighed more than 5,200 lbs. That automobile that size took a powerplant equally big, Ford’s 460 cubic inch V8 engine. The seller’s luxury cruiser is said to have just 49,000 miles and looks like a stout survivor, but few details are otherwise provided. It reminds me of the car that William Conrad drove as the overweight private detective on the Cannon TV series.

The Mark IV directly competed with Cadillac’s Eldorado in the personal luxury car segment. It shared its platform with the similarly large Ford Thunderbird and came with hidden headlights and a Continental-style trunk lid. A vinyl roof was standard fare and included opera windows as part of the styling. During the car’s last year (before morphing into the Mark V), several “Designer Series” packages were offered providing different tastes in trim. No mention is made if this Mark IV was outfitted with any of them.

Sales of the Mark IV almost set a record in 1976 at 56,000 units. And that was despite the gasoline price increase that beset the industry in the mid-1970s. The MSRP of a 1976 Mark IV was $11,600, which equates to about $60,000 today. We wish we could tell you the story behind this 48-year-old Lincoln, but no details are provided. The seller simply says it’s “very clean” and “runs perfect.”

The body, paint, and interior all look great, so it becomes a matter if this bigger-than-life style of automobile is your cup of tea. Located in Baldwin, New York, this Continental is available here on craigslist for $14,000. Thanks for the cool tip, Mitchell G. And is your garage big enough to handle this Fabulous Ford?

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This is kind of cool and kind of absurd. I mean, look at the front overhang several feet past the front wheels, and the unharmonious roof. Not to mention the wheezing yet ginormous 460. Still, this disco-malaise-mobile deserves to be preserved.

Worked on many of them at the dealership.

I don’t make purchases in NY anymore.

Did you get robbed or car jacked?

Love those LAND YACHTS! Although I actually preferred Town Cars of this era, this looks to be a bon marche and MONUMENT to an era unfortunately never to be seen again 😕. But I’m still thinkin Lincoln, happily piloting my 2007 Town Car Signature Limited as the last gasp of traditional American Luxury sedans!

We love our 2020 Lincoln sedan. Keeping it forever. This is our third one, never been better.

I don’t believe this to be a DESIGNER SERIES, but still a beautiful car at a reasonable price.

Didn’t every designer series either have the designer’s name in script in the opera windows and/or the designer’s logo somewhere on the car? Bill Blass had the BB logo on the trunklid in ’79 and didn’t have opera windows, but I think all the ones with the windows had the embedded script to identify them.

This looks to be the Cartier edition.

To the seller, keep the Continental and ditch the POS in the garage! 😉

And worth every bit! Much better than today’s Glorified trucks masquerading as Luxury vehicles and still guzzling gas! 🏰 On to VERSAILLES! 👑

Lol 🎯 👑 right on Rick. The thumbs up may not be working, so here you go. 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍

Stan, you ARE the MAN! Welcome to the GREAT AMERICAN LAND YACHT SOCIETY(GALYS) 👍 to you! LOL 🏆 😆 🤣 . 🇺🇸 🎆 G 🎇 A🧨L 🎆 Y 🇺🇸 S! 👑

So I’m coming home from work in my 1978 Grand Marquise. Black with a gray top. 32 k miles at the time. I stop at the gas station for a snack.As I come back to my car a few people are looking at it. People ask the normal questions. What year, has been repainted ect. Then a guy says what kind of gas mileage? I look at him and say who cares, atleast I’m not driving that pos and do a head bob toward a Corrolla or Civic. Whatever it was. He says “that’s my car”. Oops! sorry!!LOL

👏 BRAVO! Give those revolting Peasants the clap👏 as you Drive your GRAND MARQUIS on to VERSAILLES! Let them eat your dust.

Gee TANKS! 😁That’s a GAS🤣

Cruising down hill with the engine off.

I remember these well! And still love em! I had a 76 Pucci Edition. This was I believe the Cartier Edition. Someone correct me please? If my situation would allow I’d grab this in a heartbeat! Can’t say enough about style, power, ( of the time…) and comfort! My wife has a Navigator and we love it. I’d love to add this one to our small collection. Best fortune with the sale!

I’d definitely want more info. Too bad sellers are so lazy not providing the info we’d want to know: tire condition, mechanicals like sunroof, windows, and stereo functioning properly, any indications of rust, etc. etc. Not enough info here to pursue unless I was right around the corner.

I think the Cartier Ed had the red slats on the seat cushion and back rest as well as sig on opra glass

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Classic American Land Yacht: 1972 Pontiac Grand Ville for Sale

Pontiac may not be the first brand that comes to mind when discussing classic American land yachts, but the Grand Ville stands as a testament to its legacy. Produced from 1971 to 1975, this series boasted grandeur and size, reminiscent of its competitors of the era.

Manufactured across Michigan, Kansas, and California, the Grand Ville offered various body styles, including two- and four-door hardtops, a convertible, and a wagon. Sharing similarities with contemporaries like the Chevrolet Caprice and Buick LeSabre, it boasted a front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout.

Measuring a substantial 226.2 inches bumper to bumper, akin to the modern Cadillac Escalade ESV, the Grand Ville made a statement on the road. Powered by a V8 engine, the 1972 model showcased in the photos features a 455 ci powertrain paired with an automatic transmission.

Listed for $21,900, this Grand Ville has accrued 75,634 miles under the ownership of one individual for the past 24 years. Its classic design, coupled with a well-maintained appearance, adds allure to potential buyers seeking a piece of automotive history. Interested parties can explore further details through Garage Kept Motors, where this Grand Ville awaits its next journey on the open road.