The Moby Dick of Cars – 10 Biggest American Automobiles
In America, we have a long legacy of gigantic automobiles. From Cadillac to Lincoln, and not only the luxury brands. Before the worth of an auto was counted in Miles Per Gallon and the amount of recycled materials it was built from, our roads flowed with many great whales. Your grandparents drove a “boat” and even today some still do. Have a look at Automopedia’s 10 favorite BIGGEST rides. Let us know what you think (we know you will) or if we missed any other road-worth beasts.
10. Hummer (Civilian Model)
Arnold was one of the first to privately own a Hummer Civilian Model – better known these days as H1. Hummer became the pinnacle of self-righteous American motoring. Sizing up at a weight of 8,114 lbs it’s no light ride. Of course, every suburban mom on both the East & West coasts needed one, who cares if it holds enough gasoline to get you to the next station?
9. Cadillac Escalade
Tony Soprano wasn’t the only Escalade driver – but he, and Bob Dylan, made them famous (Yes, Mr Dylan, anti-establishment icon, pimped Caddy’s in a commercial). Escalade’s 5,800 lbs curb weight is kinda on par with other classic rides from GM’s make – but hell, it sure ain’t no Coupe Deville!
8. Oldsmobile Toronado
Remember Oldsmobile? Even if you do the Toronado is a somewhat obscure vehicle from the deceased make. With a production run that began in 1966, Toronado’s have become a hot commodity with classic car collectors (CCC’s as we call them around here) – especially the 70’s models. Toronados held a massive wheelbase for a 2-door coupe of 119.0 in – and unfortunately died out quickly in the early 90’s, soon to be followed by the entire brand.
7. Cadillac Eldorado
Another icon – of the American automotive type that is. Hunter S. Thompson drove one in Las Vegas, Boss Hogg chased them Duke Boys in another – Eldorado means Cadillac to many enthusiasts. In its 49 year run (1953–2002) Eldorado has had TTops, fins, and almost always a drop-top. Built like a tank and truly a beautiful beast.
6. Buick GSX
Buick GSX variants were actually high-performance sport conversions of popular coupes like the Riviera and Wildcat. Basically, take an already huge, steel car like an early 70’s Riviera and drop a 340 to 400 cubic-in. engine in it. We’d like to point out the “Slayer” tag on this particular one above.
5. Ford Gran Torino
Before Clint Eastwood shot up foreigners for trying to steal his, the Ford Gran Torino was a massive “intermediate car” produced by Ford Motor Comp. on and off between 1968 and 1976. With an average curb weight sizing in between 3,000 & 3,500 lbs, Gran Torino still had a top speed fast enough to encourage its adoption into NASCAR.
4. 1960’s Lincoln Continental
Best known for its limo-size and suicide doors, the third-generation Lincoln Continental has become a favorite ride of Rockabilly punks and car show participants. It’s massive length of around 220 in. and width of just under 80 in. leaves us wondering how many SMART cars you can fit in a ‘64 Continental. The best part(s)? How about the 460 cu. motor and a convertible 4-door – nice!
3. Hummer H2
Ok, H2 is smaller then the original civilian Hummers, but really, did we need another? H2 still clocks in at 6,614 lbs – and also gets just as crappy gas mileage as its predecessor! Yeah, it’s easy to jump on the anti-Hummer band wagon, but hell – even the band wagon gets a better mpg rating.
2. Ford Excursion
First you thought Explorer and Expedition were unnecessary SUV’s from Ford – well look back a few years at Excursion. This massive soccer-kid hauler was only produced from 2000 until 2005, and weighs almost as much as the H1 (7,190 lb to be exact). One of the only pluses of Excursion is that it was an American made diesel option vehicle.
1. Cadillac Fleetwood
All big-car-bashing aside, who doesn’t love the old school 1950’s Cadillac Fleetwood? Its massive wheelbase and curb weight of around 5,000 lbs makes it perfect for a Presidential Limo or mafia cruiser. Fleetwood was produced continuously from 1947–1996 and saw a one-year resurrection in 1999.
Let’s not forget the 1972 Pontiac Granville. 27 feet and 400cu’d, four barreled, gas guzzling, convertabled American joy.
What, no ‘61 Crown Imperial?
It’s the Oldsmobile *Toronado,* BTW. Otherwise, nice trip down Memory Freeway.
gah! thanks for the good eye!