In the 70’s Chrysler produced this Imperial LeBaron Coupe. It was the Biggest American Luxury Car ever made. Weighing in at close to 7,000 Pounds it was huge, and sucked gas like mad.
This car was often referred to as a boat. And no car was a bigger boat than the Chrysler Imperial LeBaron. This car, released in 1971, was the Moby Dick of automotive boats, and it set the standard for the really long cars of the 1970s.
The holy child of a Chrysler New Yorker and the Dodge Monaco, the Imperial LeBaron goes down in automotive history for being one of the longest cars ever built. Measuring nearly 20 feet in length. It also boasted the longest fender in automotive history.
Powered by Chrysler’s massive 440 cubic inch V8 engine. The Chrysler Imperial 440 V8 was fitted with a huge Carter AFB 4 barrel carburetor that drank gas as fast as it could be filled up. But at .40 cents a gallon who really cared. It would probably cost $200 to fill the Imperial up today.
This car was a two door. Yes, that’s right. Nearly 20-feet long and only a two doors. It was like motoring down the intercostal waterway in your yacht. Just point the massive boat in the direction it’s driver wanted to go.
The interior was also awesome and what a ride this huge slab of Detroit steel this baby was. Doc used to love these cars as drivers back in their day.
Sadly times changed, and with emission regulations forcing Chrysler to detune the engine to be compliant, it signaled the end of this era was coming.
Chrysler kept making versions of their humongous Imperial until 1973. This was 2 years before unleaded fuel chocked the life out of most American cars.
Whatever happened to the good old days? 🙂
FidoSysop
I'm a former Auto Dealer and Mechanic born in the 50s. In 1991 Doc's Place Bulletin Board System was born on the Fidonet Network. Since the net went public I've been studying and mastering it becoming a tech-savvy hobbyist webmaster. I.blog my opinion about many worthy subjects and maintain a large conservative archive!
!971 through 1973 Imperial 2 doors are tops. A Very nice riding power house. I had a 71 2 door and it was super. Big 440 TNT power and comfort. It was a Jade Green color(gorgeous when waxed up). Love to have another one. Miss them terribly. Car manufacturers need to make REAL cars again.
Oh yeah Detroits finest iron land yacht. I’ve owned several in my younger days. Probably cost $200 today to fill it up ??
Oh yeah Detroits finest iron land yacht. I’ve owned several in my younger days. Probably cost $200 today to fill it up ??