Finding a truly comfortable car today seems impossible. Modern vehicles prioritize efficiency and technology over spaciousness and ride quality. The solution lies in understanding our automotive past. Between 1963 and 1979, carmakers built colossal machines designed for pure comfort. These overlooked classics offered luxurious interiors, smooth rides, and distinctive styling.
These twenty vintage behemoths offered comfort and style.
20. 1963 Dodge Custom 880 (Exterior)
When Chrysler needed a quick fix for their lineup gap, the Custom 880 was born. This 214.8-inch full-sizer borrowed Chrysler’s rear with Dodge-specific front styling. Stacked headlights and a horizontal grille created its distinctive face, while tasteful chrome highlighted clean body lines. Available in sedan, hardtop, convertible, and wagon configurations, it filled a crucial market segment. Dealers breathed easier with these emergency models on their lots – finally something to sell against Impalas and Galaxies.
1963 Dodge Custom 880 (Interior)
Six adults fit comfortably in the Custom 880’s bench seats – pure 1960s practicality. Power came from a standard 361 cubic inch V8 making 265 horsepower, with an optional 383 V8 delivering 305 horses for the lead-footed. The dashboard featured a clean horizontal speedometer flanked by essential gauges in a metal panel. Options ranged from basic to relatively luxurious with available power goodies. Their production ceased in 1965, making them historical footnotes in Chrysler’s scramble to correct a costly market misjudgment.
19. 1975 Dodge Charger SE (Exterior)
Nothing showcases the muscle car’s transformation like the 1975 Charger SE. Stretching 216 inches, this fifth-gen model traded performance for luxury pretensions. Rectangular headlights, vertical-slat grille, and opera windows announced its country club aspirations. Clean, slab-sided panels followed Chrysler’s “fuselage” philosophy, while massive safety bumpers bookended both ends. The once-feared stoplight predator had become a personal luxury pet – neutered by emissions regulations and changing tastes.
1975 Dodge Charger SE (Interior)
Velour, shag carpeting, and woodgrain transformed the once-sporty Charger into a rolling living room. The cabin seated five, though tall rear passengers sacrificed headroom to the formal roofline. Under the hood, the 318 V8 struggled to produce 150 horsepower after emissions equipment took its toll. Round gauges sat in a rectangular housing with controls logically arranged. Sales slumped to just 31,000 units – buyers apparently preferred their luxury cars from brands without recent racing pedigrees.
18. 1970 Ford LTD (Exterior)
Despite growing fuel concerns, the 1970 LTD dominated American sales charts. This 216.1-inch beauty featured hidden headlights behind a Thunderbird-inspired grille stretching across its face. Clean lines with subtle creases kept things classy, while optional vinyl roofs added formality. Standard front disc brakes improved stopping power considerably over the competition. The 121-inch wheelbase ensured a cloud-like ride quality targeted at comfort. Chrome dressed the windows, wheel arches, and rockers – perfect for an era when subtlety hadn’t yet become fashionable.
1970 Ford LTD (Interior)
“Quieter than some Rolls-Royces” wasn’t just marketing fluff for the LTD. Extensive insulation and careful engineering created a genuinely hushed cabin. Engine options ranged from a 302 cubic inch V8 to the mighty 429 producing 360 horsepower. The dash presented clear gauges in a simple layout adorned with convincing woodgrain. Bench seats accommodated six adults easily, with optional center armrests for long-distance comfort. Those 7.75 million sales between 1969-1978 tell the real story – Americans loved these comfortable cruisers.
17. 1971 Buick Riviera (Exterior)
Few cars polarized opinion like the ’71 Riviera with its dramatic “boat-tail” styling. Every one of its 227.4 inches made a statement, from the tapered rear end to the pronounced haunches flowing from doors to tail. A vertical grille flanked by exposed headlights created a distinctive face unlike anything else on the road. Standard equipment included expected luxury touches like power steering, brakes, and automatic transmission. Bill Mitchell’s design team created a showstopper that still turns heads today – either in admiration or confusion.
1971 Buick Riviera (Interior)
Fighter jet inspiration permeated the Riviera’s cockpit with its wraparound dashboard flowing into the doors. A 455 cubic inch V8 generated 315 horsepower, giving this 4,400-pound luxury coupe reasonable acceleration despite tightening emissions controls. The innovative Max Trac system provided early traction control capability in adverse conditions. Bucket seats and console created a driver-focused environment that belied the car’s size. The design proved too radical for traditional Buick buyers, resulting in just 33,000 sales for 1971.
16. 1969 Dodge Polara (Exterior)
Chrysler’s obsession with aircraft styling birthed the “fuselage” 1969 Polara. This 222.8-inch cruiser featured rounded bodywork mimicking airplane fuselages, with minimal character lines. Hidden headlights disappeared behind a broad horizontal grille on upscale trims. The tail featured distinctive full-width lights integrated cleanly into the rear panel. Offered in five body styles including hardtops, sedans, convertibles, and wagons, it covered all market bases. Chrome appeared more sparingly than on earlier models – a sign of changing tastes as the sixties wound down.
1969 Dodge Polara (Interior)
Space for six full-grown adults defined the Polara’s cabin priorities. Engine choices started with a 318 V8 making 230 horsepower and topped out with the muscular 440 Magnum V8 producing 375 horses. The horizontal speedometer and grouped gauges provided clear information at a glance. Higher trims received woodgrain accents and improved upholstery, while base models maintained a simpler approach. Though never matching Ford and Chevy sales figures, these Polaras developed a dedicated following that continues among Mopar enthusiasts today.
15. 1980 Plymouth Gran Fury (Exterior)
As the 1970s ended, so did America’s traditional full-size era with this 1980 Plymouth. The 221.5-inch R-body sedan represented Chrysler’s last hurrah before downsizing became mandatory. Stacked rectangular headlights flanked a simple grille in a body designed more for function than fashion. Plymouth marketed these primarily to fleet customers – police departments and taxi companies bought the majority. The bumpers protruded noticeably to meet 5-mph impact standards. Most civilians never noticed them unless getting pulled over.
1980 Plymouth Gran Fury (Interior)
Practical durability defined the Gran Fury’s cabin. Vinyl upholstery stood ready to endure years of abuse while basic gauges provided essential information without fuss. Civilian models received the 318 V8 with 155 horsepower, while police packages got the beefier 360 V8 making 195 horses. The massive interior easily accommodated six adults with generous legroom throughout. Production ended after 1981, making these the last of Plymouth’s traditional full-sizers before front-wheel-drive platforms took over. These workhorses typically disappeared after hard fleet service – surviving examples are increasingly scarce.
14. 1973 Chevrolet Impala Custom Coupe (Exterior)
Just before the energy crisis struck, Chevy rolled out the ‘73 Impala Custom Coupe. At 221.9 inches, this two-door hardtop showcased GM’s pre-5mph bumper styling with clean, squared fenders and a tasteful roofline. The horizontal grille housed dual headlights up front, while Chevy’s trademark triple taillights adorned the rear. Standard power steering and front discs made handling this large coupe surprisingly manageable. This generation marked the end of unfettered automotive styling before federal regulations permanently altered Detroit’s design language.
1973 Chevrolet Impala Custom Coupe (Interior)
Sprawling bench seats welcomed six adults into the Impala’s spacious cabin. The standard 350 V8 made 145 horsepower, while the optional 455 Turbojet delivered 245 horses for highway passing. Clear instrumentation included a horizontal speedometer and logical secondary gauges. Woodgrain accents and color-matched carpeting showed attention to interior design often lacking in competitors. The Impala outsold nearly everything else on American roads despite looming fuel concerns – proving Chevrolet had mastered the full-size formula.
13. 1976 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible (Exterior)
Advertised falsely as “the last convertible,” the ’76 Eldorado drop-top became an instant sensation. Its 224.1-inch body featured sharp-edged styling with rectangular headlights flanking Cadillac’s egg-crate grille. The power top disappeared completely under a hard boot when lowered. Vertical taillights maintained a connection to Cadillac’s tailfin heritage. Cadillac produced exactly 14,000 of these land yachts. America’s love affair with convertibles would resume just a few years later, deflating speculators who’d hoarded these as investments.
1976 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible (Interior)
Luxury oozed from every surface inside the Eldorado. Six-way power leather seats and genuine wood trim created an atmosphere of opulence. The streamlined dash housed clear gauges and logical controls for the standard automatic climate control. A massive 500 cubic inch V8 – the largest ever in a production car – moved this 5,153-pound convertible with adequate authority. When automotive historians discuss “peak American luxury,” this Eldorado inevitably enters the conversation.
12. 1976 Ford Thunderbird (Exterior)
Before downsizing took hold, personal luxury peaked with the ’76 Thunderbird. Measuring a substantial 225.7 inches, this seventh-generation model concealed headlights behind a vertical-slat grille. Opera windows and a standard padded vinyl roof established its formal credentials. Weighing over 5,000 pounds, this massive two-door prioritized presence over efficiency. Special “Lipstick” editions featured matching bright red exterior/interior combinations. The following year would bring radical downsizing, making this the final chapter in the “bigger is better” Thunderbird story.
1976 Ford Thunderbird (Interior)
Driver and passenger enjoyed a cockpit-like experience with wide bucket seats separated by a substantial console. The 460 cubic inch V8 made 220 horsepower, delivered through the smooth Cruise-O-Matic transmission. Aircraft-inspired gauges clustered in round pods faced the driver. Available options included quadraphonic 8-tracks, power moonroofs, and rich leather upholstery. The T-Bird’s focus on front-seat luxury meant rear passengers were clearly an afterthought. These final full-size Birds represent the pinnacle of 1970s personal luxury before fuel economy concerns changed everything.
11. 1977 Dodge Royal Monaco (Exterior)
The curtain began closing on big Chryslers with the 1977 Royal Monaco. This 225.7-inch C-body rode on a generous 124-inch wheelbase with formal styling and hidden headlights that disappeared when not needed. Sharp body creases defined the squared-off shape, reflecting the era’s move away from curves. The hardtop model featured a distinctive pillarless design with all windows down. Dodge dealers knew this generation represented the end of an era – the following year would bring smaller R-bodies to replace these traditional land yachts.
1977 Dodge Royal Monaco (Interior)
Traditional values defined the Royal Monaco’s cabin. Cloth bench seats accommodated six adults with generous space in all directions. The straightforward dash housed clear gauges and simple controls for all vehicle systems. Engine options included the 318 and 360 V8s, with the larger making just 170 horsepower. Thoughtful touches included front and rear ashtrays and an optional digital clock. The Royal Monaco disappeared after just one year, taking with it Dodge’s traditional full-size formula. These final big Dodges stand as monuments to an automotive philosophy focused on space above all else.
10. 1978 Ford Country Squire (Exterior)
Looking back at automotive history, the 1978 Ford Country Squire stands as a monument to station wagon excellence at 225.7 inches long. Distinctive wood grain panels instantly identified it as Ford’s premium family hauler, while quad rectangular headlights and chrome-outlined windows created its unmistakable profile. The substantial 119-inch wheelbase provided remarkable stability even when fully loaded, complemented by body-on-frame construction that suburban families relied on for years. Punch the gas pedal on a family road trip and that 460 cubic inch V8 would remind everyone this wood-paneled behemoth still had some muscle hiding underneath its family-friendly exterior.
1978 Ford Country Squire (Interior)
The Country Squire’s interior emphasized function and comfort for up to eight passengers across three rows. With seats folded, the cargo area expanded to 91.5 cubic feet—enough for virtually any family hauling need from vacation luggage to DIY supplies. Large dashboard controls allowed easy operation even with winter gloves, while the optional 460 cubic inch V8 moved this 4,881-pound wagon with surprising authority. While neighbors might splurge on power windows and locks, most families appreciated how Ford delivered practical luxury without breaking the household budget—making these rolling living rooms the backbone of 1970s suburban America.
9. 1970 Buick Electra 225 (Exterior)
Why did they call it “deuce and a quarter”? Because the 1970 Buick Electra 225 measured exactly 225 inches in overall length. The dramatic styling refresh introduced a formal roofline and distinctive side sculpting, while hidden headlights created a clean fascia behind the vertical-slat grille. Four VentiPorts adorned each fender—signaling eight cylinders under the hood—while wraparound chrome bumpers added visual heft and protection. Those lucky enough to purchase this pinnacle of Buick styling unknowingly secured an automotive milestone/ This was the last full-sized Electra before federal regulations would forever transform American car design.
1970 Buick Electra 225 (Interior)
Buick engineers packed their 1970 flagship with a new 455 cubic inch V8 generating 370 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. Spacious bench seats accommodated six adults with room rivaling more expensive luxury marques, complemented by aircraft-inspired controls set in genuine woodgrain panels. Standard features included power windows, seats, locks, and automatic climate control—items that remained costly options on many competitors. Those massive torque figures didn’t just provide effortless acceleration—they let you smoke those Cadillac owners at stoplights while still arriving at the country club looking completely unruffled.
8. 1972 Lincoln Continental Mark IV (Exterior)
Has American luxury ever been more extravagantly expressed than in the 228.1-inch 1972 Lincoln Continental Mark IV? Sharp body creases and minimal curves created formal architecture unlike anything else in the personal luxury segment, with the long hood housing a massive 460 cubic inch V8. Hidden headlights flanked the prominent vertical grille adorned with Lincoln’s star emblem, while sharp-edged fenders framed the body with precision. Every time an owner arrived at a fine establishment, this second-generation Mark’s formal styling commanded attention in ways flashy sports cars could only dream about.
1972 Lincoln Continental Mark IV (Interior)
Exclusivity defined the Mark IV’s interior with special editions by Bill Blass, Gucci, Givenchy, and Cartier offering unique color schemes. Bucket seats divided by a wide center console created a cockpit-like environment unusual for American luxury cars, enhanced by thick-pile carpeting and extensive sound insulation. The dashboard featured a horizontal speedometer spanning nearly the entire width, while the leather-wrapped steering wheel housed fingertip cruise controls. Those distinctive rectangular opera windows weren’t just design elements—they framed rear passengers like miniature celebrities, turning heads at every stoplight while establishing a styling trend competitors would rush to copy.
7. 1970 Imperial Crown (Exterior)
Few understood true luxury like Chrysler’s 229.3-inch 1970 Imperial Crown, positioned as a distinct marque above the company’s other offerings. Clean architectural styling avoided gaudy chrome trim, relying instead on perfect proportions and sharp body lines to communicate status. Split grille work and concealed headlights created a distinctive face unlike other Chrysler products, while the nearly eight-foot hood established dramatic proportions. Choosing an Imperial over a Cadillac or Lincoln announced someone who appreciated engineering excellence and distinctive design.
1970 Imperial Crown (Interior)
Innovation separated Imperial from lesser luxury cars, with electroluminescent gauges eliminating harsh direct lighting during night driving. The 440 cubic inch V8 delivered 350 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque, moving this 4,900-pound sedan with surprising authority. Six adults enjoyed exceptional comfort with a fully-reclining front passenger seat—rare for 1970—while automatic temperature control maintained perfect cabin conditions. Interior dimensions exceeded both Cadillac and Lincoln rivals in key measurements, providing more shoulder and legroom. Discerning buyers who chose Imperial over its pricier competitors enjoyed more spacious comfort with more standard features.
6. 1975 Cadillac Coupe DeVille (Exterior)
When did Cadillac reach its peak? Many point to the 1975 Coupe DeVille stretching 230.7 inches from bumper to bumper. Designers seamlessly integrated federally-mandated 5-mph impact protection into the body lines, while stacked rectangular headlights flanked the imposing egg-crate grille. An expansive padded vinyl roof covered the formal roofline, complementing the sculpted hood concealing a massive 500 cubic inch V8—the largest engine in any post-war production car. Anyone fortunate enough to experience these final full-sized Cadillacs enjoyed what enthusiasts now recognize as the ultimate expression of traditional American luxury before the energy crisis changed automotive priorities forever.
1975 Cadillac Coupe DeVille (Interior)
Opulence reached new heights inside the Coupe DeVille with glove-soft leather or plush velour upholstery covering seats engineered for transcontinental comfort. The innovative cornering lights activated with turn signals to illuminate dark roadsides, while the industry-first optional driver’s side airbag and rear-wheel anti-lock brakes provided safety technology years ahead of competitors. Thick insulation created a serene environment regardless of outside conditions, complemented by standard six-way power seats, cruise control, and automatic headlight dimming. No modern luxury coupe can match what the DeVille offered—space for your entire poker club plus enough trunk space for everyone’s luggage and a set of golf clubs with room to spare.
5. 1978 Chrysler New Yorker Brougham (Exterior)
Where did traditional American luxury make its last stand? In the 231-inch 1978 Chrysler New Yorker Brougham—the final year of Chrysler’s prestigious C-body platform. Formal design elements included a wide waterfall grille with quad rectangular headlamps and sharp body creases that avoided appearing overdone. Opera windows adorned the thick C-pillars while the standard vinyl roof featured a distinctive “coach lamp” for nighttime illumination. That glowing coach lamp served a dual purpose beyond helping locate your car in crowded lots. It announced your arrival with old-world elegance.
1978 Chrysler New Yorker Brougham (Interior)
Comfort reigned supreme in the New Yorker with pillow-top seats and fold-down center armrests front and rear. The 400 cubic inch V8 (360 in California) generated 190 horsepower and 305 lb-ft of torque, while unique gauge clusters with soft green illumination reduced eye strain during night driving. Luxury touches included an AM/FM stereo with foot-operated station search and the era’s essential CB radio option. Power accessories and automatic climate control came standard, along with a cavernous 20.8 cubic-foot trunk. Even today’s supposedly practical crossovers can’t match what this luxury liner offered families packing for road trips. You had space for everyone’s luggage without leaving a single item behind.
4. 1974 Oldsmobile 98 LS (Exterior)
How did Oldsmobile achieve record sales? Models like the 232-inch 1974 Ninety-Eight LS played a crucial role. Clean, formal lines maintained the division’s identity through subtle rocket-inspired styling cues, while the prominent vertical grille and quad headlights created an instantly recognizable face. Federally mandated bumpers integrated surprisingly well compared to competitors’ awkward solutions, complemented by tasteful opera windows that added visual interest without disrupting the clean roofline. The tremendous success of these perfectly proportioned sedans helped propel Oldsmobile to third place in domestic sales—clear evidence that American buyers recognized genuine value regardless of brand prestige.
1974 Oldsmobile 98 LS (Interior)
Under the hood, Oldsmobile’s flagship carried the 455 cubic inch Rocket V8 producing 210 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque despite emissions equipment required on all 1974 models. Supportive seats wore either soft cloth or optional leather, while genuine walnut trim surrounded ergonomically placed controls—an unusual consideration for the era. Climate control maintained perfect temperature automatically, with power assists for windows, seats, and locks included in the base price rather than as costly add-ons. Smart shoppers who chose the Ninety-Eight over comparable Cadillacs could almost afford a weekend lake cottage with the price difference.
3. 1979 Lincoln Continental Mark V (Exterior)
What represents the pinnacle of 1970s personal luxury? The 233-inch 1979 Lincoln Continental Mark V—the longest two-door production car of its era. Sharp-edged styling featured a massive hood with power dome housing either a 400 or 460 cubic inch V8 depending on market. Hidden headlights flanked the vertical grille topped by Lincoln’s star hood ornament, while the standard vinyl roof emphasized formal proportions with distinctive oval opera windows. Those final full-sized Mark coupes sitting in showrooms nationwide represented automotive freedom now lost to history—a time when personal expression through magnificent automotive presence outweighed practical concerns about fuel consumption.
1979 Lincoln Continental Mark V (Interior)
True luxury asserted itself in the Mark V’s cabin through details like the Cartier-branded crystal analog clock centered in the instrument panel. Individual bucket seats and a wide center console created a driver-focused environment unlike other American luxury cars, while Collector Series editions (famously promoted by Tom Selleck) added gold-tone accents and premium leather upholstery. The powerful V8 moved this 4,800-pound coupe confidently while delivering reasonable economy through its efficient 3.00:1 rear axle ratio. Weekend getaways or cross-country tours made perfect sense in the Mark V—its massive trunk swallowed enough designer luggage for the most fashion-conscious traveler, proving genuine luxury never forces compromise.
2. 1975 Buick Electra 225 (Exterior)
Among America’s most impressive automobiles, the 1975 Buick Electra 225 commanded attention at 233.4 inches from bumper to bumper. Clean styling avoided excessive ornamentation while the distinctive waterfall grille and quad headlights projected quiet confidence rather than flashy pretension. Despite substantial dimensions, careful engineering kept weight under 5,000 pounds—lighter than many competitors. Small opera windows adorned the C-pillars following mid-70s luxury trends, while a subtle trunk kick-up improved aerodynamics without sacrificing cargo capacity. While competitors struggled with awkward-looking federal bumpers, Buick’s designers somehow transformed these mandatory additions into integrated elements that enhanced the car’s elegant proportions. It seems like a good contender for Clint Eastwood’s car collection.
1975 Buick Electra 225 (Interior)
Driving comfort remained paramount with wide bench seats upholstered in soft velour or optional leather that stayed supportive during all-day highway cruising. The 455 cubic inch V8 delivered 205 horsepower and 345 lb-ft of torque—still providing smooth, quiet power despite emissions-related reductions from previous years. Softly illuminated gauges reduced eyestrain during night driving, while automatic climate control eliminated constant temperature adjustments. Power assists for steering, brakes, windows, and seats came standard rather than as costly options. Family vacations became hassle-free with the 16.7 cubic-foot trunk easily swallowing a week’s luggage for four. Buick understood that genuine luxury includes bringing along everything that enhances your travel experience.
1. 1973 Imperial LeBaron (Exterior)
Could any car better represent American automotive extravagance than the 235-inch 1973 Imperial LeBaron? This measurement secured its place among history’s longest production cars, creating unmatched road presence. Hidden headlights and a distinctive waterfall grille visually separated Imperial from lesser Chrysler models, while federally-mandated bumpers integrated better than many competing designs. Tasteful opera windows adorned substantial C-pillars, complemented by rear wheel skirts creating a clean side profile. Take this land yacht on a winding mountain road and the sophisticated torsion-bar suspension revealed its true engineering brilliance—handling curves with surprising composure while competitors wallowed uncomfortably through the same turns.
1973 Imperial LeBaron (Interior)
Engineering prowess defined the Imperial’s cabin, with unique electroluminescent gauges improving nighttime visibility without harsh direct lighting. The 440 cubic inch V8 produced 215 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque, effortlessly moving this 5,000-pound luxury flagship. Front seats with a center armrest converted to a three-across bench when needed—versatility competitors lacked. Industry-first power-adjustable pedals accommodated different driver heights, while automatic climate control, power features, and expansive interior dimensions exceeded both Cadillac and Lincoln offerings. Today’s collectors eagerly seek these final expressions of Imperial as Chrysler’s distinct luxury division.
