Much like SUVs and crossovers rule the roads of today, there was once a time where the large sedan reigned king. Starting in the 1950s, manufacturers began offering full-size sedans in bigger and bigger sizes. From Cadillacs to Buicks, these vehicles earned themselves the informal title of "land yacht" due to their exterior appearance and driving characteristics. They boasted a high level of comfort as well as spacious interiors, which made them ideal for the newly developed Interstate System of the United States and handling family life.
The popularity of these large classic cars would not last forever though. Starting with the 1973 oil crisis, manufacturers began facing pressure to downsize their fleets of land yachts in favor of smaller vehicles that were more economical. But that would not be before iconic vehicles like the Lincoln Continental and Imperial LeBaron were developed and produced. These sedans have become automotive legends. Both for their size and unique styling. Today, we are highlighting some of the largest sedans ever produced. Many are from American manufacturers, but European brands like Mercedes-Benz were not immune to crafting behemoth vehicles. The Mercedes-Benz 600 delivered on a large sedan as well as German engineering. For those buyers who prefer American, the Ford LTD had a total length of 209 inches by its third generation. By modern standards, Ford's current full-size SUV comes in at 210 inches.
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10Imperial LeBaron
The Imperial LeBaron was a vehicle built by Chrysler starting in 1956. They did not include Chrysler branding as the goal was to create a luxury line of cars. A variety of V8 engines were offered to it and it came in a range of different configurations.
Known as the "Imperial Generation," this iteration was offered until 1975. As of 1973, the vehicle had a wheelbase of 127 inches. This means the car handled things like potholes with ease.
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9Mercedes-Benz 600
The Mercedes-Benz 600 (W100) was produced from 1963 until 1981. Both short- and long-wheelbases were available. With LWB models measuring in at 246 inches.
Because of its notable size a weight, Mercedes had to develop a new V8 engine for the 600. It produced 250 horsepower. No surprise should be the fact that this vehicle was sought-after by famous individuals at the time, including none other than Elvis Presley.
8Cadillac Sixty Special Brougham
The Cadillac Sixty Special has a long history within the brand. The 1965 model came on the GM C-body Platform and featured a 133-inch wheelbase. The Brougham option package was also introduced which offered a variety of upgrades including a grained-vinyl roof covering.
Two V8 engines were offered to this vehicle and both came mated to a three-speed automatic transmission. After over 50 years of production starting in 1938, the final Cadillac Sixty Special rolled off the assembly line in 1993.
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7Oldsmobile 98
The Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight was the largest sedan built by Oldsmobile. Before being downsized after the ninth generation, it had a wheelbase of 127 inches. It also featured a standard 455 cubic-inch Rocket V8 engine.
This sedan was produced until 1996, marking an end to one of General Motor's iconic sedans. It was ultimately replaced by the Oldsmobile Aurora which took its place as Oldsmobile's top-level car.
61980 Bentley Mulsanne
The Bentley Mulsanne was produced by Bentley from 1980 to 1992. It came equipped with a 6.7-liter V8 engine which also had an available turbo option.
A maximum wheelbase of 124 inches was offered. And a BMW Goldfisch V16 was tested but was not offered to the public. A pure-wool headliner could also be had, making this a true luxury sedan.
RELATED: One Bentley To Rule Them All: The Mulsanne
5Pontiac Bonneville
The Pontiac Bonneville was produced from 1957 to 2005. The Third Generation had a length of 218.9 inches and a width of 78.7 inches. Options included things like air-conditioning and power windows. Things that we take for granted in modern automobiles.
By the Sixth Generation, the Bonneville fell prone to the popularization of downsizing vehicles. A lasting legacy of the Pontiac Bonneville was the introduction of the "Wide Track" slogan, which lasted well until the sundowning of the brand.
4Buick Electra 225
It doesn't get much bigger than the Buick Electra 225. With a wheelbase of about 126 inches and a massive length, this vehicle is the quintessential land yacht.
A healthy variety of engines could come equipped to this vehicle. All offering the displacement of a V8 engine. And, like most large vehicles at the time, either a hardtop or a convertible could be had with a wagon version being introduced later in production.
RELATED: This Is What Makes The 1960 Buick Electra Classic
3Ford LTD
The Ford LTD was a full-size sedan marketed by Ford until its discontinuation in 1986. Boasting a wheelbase of 121 inches and a total length of 224.1 inches, the vehicle was a success for the brand. It has even been featured in popular films such as Men In Black.
A range of V8 engines was offered to the Ford LTD in order to provide it with the power needed for its significant size. Also notable was the fact that features typically reserved for Ford's higher-end brands, like Lincoln were made available to the LTD.
2Rolls-Royce Silver Spur
Similar to Bentley, Rolls-Royce is well-known for their large sedans. The Rolls-Royce Silver Spur was the long-wheelbase version of the Silver Spirit. With a wheelbase of 124.1 inches. The model was first introduced in 1980 by the company and has been turning heads ever since.
This model was the first to feature a retractable Spirit of Ecstacy. Which is a spring-loaded mascot that can retract as needed. The Silver Spur is a reflection of Rolls-Royce's commitment to ride quality and near ridiculous luxury equipment.
1Lincoln Continental
How did you let somebody know you were successful in 1960? By pulling up in a Lincoln Continental. With its wheelbase of 131 inches and stylish design, there's no mistaking this vehicle for anything other than a large, luxury sedan.
This iteration of the Continental offered a single 7.0-liter V8 engine. Thanks to the configuration of its headlights and size, this vehicle earned the nickname "slant-eyed monster" in the Ford design studio. To date, it is the longest-wheelbase sedan produced by Ford.
Here's How Much A 1964 Lincoln Continental Is Worth Today Read NextShareTweetShareEmail Related TopicsAbout The AuthorEric Boman(13 Articles Published)
Eric Boman is a writer and automotive enthusiast based out of the Midwest. With experience writing for prestigious brands such as McLaren, he finds himself obsessed with all things mechanical and fast.
