o First find a diecast body that has the wheelbase you want or an existing TJET body you want to reproduce.
o There are two ways for the 1st step. Some people grind out and mount the diecast to a TJET first and make the inside mold ( also called male mold) and some people make the outside mold (also called female mold) first. I make the outside mold first as I want to make the resin body as thin as I can.
o So you have the trusty diecast car in your hand. Look at it close if the bumpers are molded to the body great if they are separate pieces great but if they are molded into the bottom of the car you have to do the 1st step a little different. If the bumpers are molded to the body or separate pieces then drill the two rivets out on the bottom of the car and remove everything except the glass and if separate the bumpers. If the bumpers are molded into the bottom of the car take your trusty Dremel tool and cutting disk and cut through the bottom of the diecast just behind the front rivet and in front of the rear rivet. Then remove everything except the glass.
o Now fill the entire inside of the diecast with Kleen Klay, it should be squishing out the side windows, and wheel wells and at least 1/4 inch below the bottom of the body. Now clean up the side windows making sure they are indented (clay is pushed in from the side of car), indent the wheel wells and clean up the edges where the clas meets the front and rear bumpers and side of car.
- Slots In Bumpers Of 70s Cars Pictures
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BUY WITH CONFIDENCE AT WINDY CITY MUSCLE CARS. 4 flush joint casing. 1973 1974 Barracuda / Cuda Premium Chrome Front Bumper with Jack Slots. NEW 70 71 72 Cuda. 1976-86 2pc TYCO HO SLOT CAR Satellite Bumpers 8536 Bne. $6.29 1 TYCO VEGA & PINTO FUNNY Slot CAR PROP ROD Clear RARE. 70-71 Duster 67-71 Valiant Rear Bumper W/O Jack Slots Triple Chrome Plated AMD (Fits: 1969 Plymouth Valiant) 1 out of 5 stars (1) 1 product ratings - 70-71 Duster 67-71 Valiant Rear Bumper W/O Jack Slots Triple Chrome Plated AMD. I'm sure a lot of us remember when those big (and ugly, in my opinion) bumpers first appeared on new cars, starting with the 1973 models, because of a standard the NHTSA set on April 9th, 1971. I think the same standards for bumper protection parameters still exists, but I'm glad we haven't seen those big bumpers on new cars for about 3 decades.
o Now polish up the car and remove all fingerprints etc.
o I then place the car on a flat piece of plastic. I use old CD cases, Ziplock top that I have cut etc, just a thin piece of plastic. I then take a small mold box with the bottom cut out of it over the car and tape the edges of the box where they meet the flat plastic.
o I then mix up enough silicone to fill the box which is normally one bathroom cup filled 3/4 with part A and one bathroom cup filled 3/4 with Part B and mix. I use Smooth-on's OOMA 25.
o Come back after 90 mins and remove the Mold from the box and the car from the mold
o I then slosh cast this mold to get a shell to mount posts to and reinsert into outer mold to make the inner mold. I coat the mold with a light dusting of Baby Powder. I then heat the mold for 1:30 1:45 mins in the microwave. I mix up 1/4 teaspoon of Part A and Part B of resin. I pour it in the mold and by tilting the mold back and forth and side-to-side I keep the resin flowing covering all the body. When the resin gets as thick as molasses and almost ready to set up I tilt the mold forward and turn upside down with the front of the mold (front of body) tilted down slightly.
o I remove the body clean it up, remove the windows I want to remove and add body mounting posts.
o The first bodies I made, I used JW's body mounting posts and epoxied them in. I now use some of my older inside molds and pour resin into their body post cavities and make resin posts that I glue to the body using resin. I like these better as they are easier to work with, i.e, grind down.
o After I have the body post on, drilled and mounted, I will use this body to go back inside the mold. I put tooth picks in the body post screw holes. I cover the outside mold with vaseline every place the inside mold silicone might touch the outside mold when its poured. Silicon sticks to silicone.
o I then place the mold box on the top of the outside mold as shown here.
o Then I mix up some OOMA 25 and pour in the inside.
o Then, I carefully pull the molds apart.
o Clean all the vaseline off both molds, and I'm ready for my first pour. I use 1/2 teaspoon of Part A and Part B of resin. I use Smooth-on's 300 and 320 as well as MicroMarks EasyFlo 300 and Bare-metal foils Poly S. For some reason I always miss a little of the vaseline but you will see where it is by looking at your first casting it will show on the surface anywhere you missed the vaseline.
o Get Smooth-ons Starter kit, it has everything except the Kleen Klay which I get from Micro Mark.
o I use plastic Bathroom Cups and Cheap plastic measuring spoon sets from Walmart. I swirl the parts A and B around in the cup to mix it. I use plastic bottles from the Candy making Hobby section of Walmart these are used for applying chocolate and have red caps to close them. I pour the parts A and B of the resin into their own bottle, this makes it very easy to pour and measure, they are cheap enough that I just throw them away and buy new ones when I run out. The molding box I got from my local Hobby shop. A lot of guys use Leggos for molding boxes.
o Now what is different for 1/43rd is I make the mold box out of Foamboard and Hot glue except for on end of the mold box and I use fun tac (the sticky stuff you use to hang kids drawings on the wall). I do this so I can more easily remove the mold and not tear up the box. However when I did the Willy's the box I had was not tall enough I found a small cardboard box that would work and put plastic wrap in the box then put the diecast then poured the silicone.
o In the pictures above, you see two tooth picks sticking out of the mounting posts I now glue tooth picks to the bottom edge of the car on each side behind the front wheels and in front of the rear wheels, also I glue thee to the front and rear of the body, with one in the middle and the other two right where the bumpers start to bend. These are to keep the air bubbles from forming along the bottom side edges and on the front and rear. I did not do this with the GT40 and regretted it. All the bodies I have done since have the extra air vents. Also on the Artin Monte Carlo I added a vent to the piece that rides on the rear axle, one on the front of each support. I wish now I would have added two: one at the highpoint on each support. I use approximately two bathroom cups full of Part A and two cups of Part B of the silicone to make the outside and 1 3/4 Cup each for the inside mold. It takes a tablespoon of part A and a tablespoon of Part B of resin to make a body
KITS
I strongly recommend Smooth-on kits for price and the 1 : 1 silicone mixing ratio. Here are all the kits I know about.
www.smooth-on.com
➢ SuperSamplers - Everything You Need to Make a Mold & Casting
o Smooth-On's SuperSamplers provide a very economical introduction to our line of mold making and casting products. For just $25 or $30, users can make a one-time purchase of a SuperSampler kit that includes a mold rubber, Smooth-Cast 300 liquid plastic, a mold release/sealer combo pack and our essential 40-page booklet:
➢ Silicone SuperSampler
o Each Silicone SuperSampler contains working samples of OOMOO 30 silicone mold rubber and Smooth-Cast 300 liquid plastic, Ease Release 815 release agent for silicone, SuperSeal , and the 'How to Make Molds & Castings' booklet.
➢ $25.00
www.bare-metal.com
➢ Mold Making Starter Kit
➢ Our starter kit has everything you need to make your own molds and castings.
➢ RTV Mold Material, Casting Resin, Handbook, Klean Klay
➢ We have assembled the Experts-Choice™ Mold Making and Resin Casting Starter Kit with the beginner in mind. If you have never made a mold or casting before, you can now get started with all the products you need in one convenient package.
➢ The Prop Builders Molding and Casting Handbook is a very informative reference book. There are interesting hints and tips on mold making and casting all kinds of objects. The book is fully illustrated and each section is well explained and thought out. There are even instructions on how to build a vacuform machine.
➢ The kit supplies you with enough mold material to make a good-sized mold or several small ones. Experts-Choice™ Mold Material LV is a fast curing 1:1 by volume soft rubber that is easy to mix and pour. Our molding compound is very low in viscosity so it will virtually de-air itself for a bubble free mold.
➢
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We also include 16 ounces of Por-A-Kast® resin. Por-A-Kast® is a 1:1 by volume casting resin that pours almost like water. Por-A-Kast® will pick up detail down to a fingerprint. This resin mixes easily and has a 1-½ minute pot life and a 5-7 minute cure time. Your castings can be de-molded in 10-15 minutes.➢ Also with the starter kit is one pound of Klean Klay, a non-hardening re-useable clay, stirring sticks, and mixing cups. We also provide you with our own instructions that will help you understand how each product works. And should you find yourself in need of any help, Bare-Metal is always happy to answer your mold making questions; just give us a call.
➢ One pound of Experts-Choice™ Low Viscosity Mold Material
➢ One 16 oz. Trial size kit of Por-A-Kast® polyurethane resin
➢ One pound of Klean Klay re-usable non-drying clay
➢ The Prop Builders Molding and Casting Handbook
➢ Stirring sticks and Mixing cups
➢ This kit is a $64.40 value and sells for a special introductory price of only $59.95
www.micromark.com
➢ Price $69.95
➢ The same materials and techniques that professionals use to build their models. Our silicone mold rubber and urethane casting resins faithfully reproduce even the most microscopic details, so you can be assured of getting exact duplicates of your most highly detailed patterns. And they're so easy to use, you can make perfect castings in as little as 15 minutes!
➢ Our Complete Starter Set contains everything you need to begin resin casting, including one each of the following:
o #82083 ONE-to-ONE/RAPID is an economical general purpose mold rubber that is easy to mix: Simply stir equal volumes of A and B together and pour. Use over and over to make many resin castings, even those with slight undercuts. 30 minute pot life, 4 hour cure. De-airs without vacuum. 3.2 lb. kit contains approx. 32 fl. oz. total material.
o #82057 CR-600 Casting Resin (provides more time for mixing and pouring) 7 minute pot life; demold in 30 minutes. 2.4 lb. kit contains approx. 32 fl. oz. total material.
o #80475 Rubber-To-Rubber Mold Release. Required when making 2 part RTV molds. Keeps mold halves from sticking together. 2 fl. oz.
o #80476 Kleen Klay. A special synthetic clay that will not contaminate silicone rubber. Use for containing flow of RTV during mold making and for making simple molds. (Place a little talcum powder on the part and press it into the clay. Then carefully remove the part and pour resin into the cavity.) 1 lb.
o #80352 Mixing Set. Includes six 8 oz. calibrated plastic mixing cups, six stir sticks, three brushes.
o #82664 Rubber-To-Resin Mold Release. Makes it easy to remove resin castings from molds. 14 oz. spray.
www.hobbyengineering.com/SectionBM.html
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➢ Item: 1262 $70.00
o The Super Casting Kit contains everything you need to make a mold and cast your part in 1 day! All measuring tools are included for the Alumilite and the QuickSet Rubber. All products are non-toxic and can easily be used in your home. The Mini Super Casting Kit contains all of the same materials as the Super Kit includes but in smaller quantities. (note: the Mini Super Casting Kit does not contian Mold Release Powder) Mfr. # 10500
o Super Kit Includes:
• AB28 Kit Alumilite Regular
• 1 lb. QuickSet RTV Silicone Rubber
• 1 lb. Alumilite Synthetic Modeling Clay
• 2 oz. Rubber to Rubber Mold Release
• 1 oz. Measuring Cups
• Stir Sticks
• How-To Booklet
➢ Item: 1263 $30.00
o The Mini-Super Casting kit includes sample quantities of everything you need to test the process for yourself: QuickSet RTV Silicone Rubber and Alumilite Synthetic Modeling Clay for making molds, regular AB28 Alumilte casting plastic, 1 oz. masuring cups, stir sticks and a how-to booklet . Mfr. # 10560
From the 1960s through to the early 1980s, giant beasts roamed the highways of America. Bedecked in chrome and vinyl, wearing whitewall tyres and powered by huge, lazy engines, these land yachts were the biggest of the big. We've unearthed 21 of these dinosaurs, and all of them stretch the tape measure to at least 214 inches (5.4 metres) in length. Let's set sail.
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
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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. Hlotse postal code abbreviations.
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.
➢ This kit is a $64.40 value and sells for a special introductory price of only $59.95
www.micromark.com
➢ COMPLETE RESIN CASTING STARTER SET
➢ Price $69.95
➢ The same materials and techniques that professionals use to build their models. Our silicone mold rubber and urethane casting resins faithfully reproduce even the most microscopic details, so you can be assured of getting exact duplicates of your most highly detailed patterns. And they're so easy to use, you can make perfect castings in as little as 15 minutes!
➢ Our Complete Starter Set contains everything you need to begin resin casting, including one each of the following:
o #82083 ONE-to-ONE/RAPID is an economical general purpose mold rubber that is easy to mix: Simply stir equal volumes of A and B together and pour. Use over and over to make many resin castings, even those with slight undercuts. 30 minute pot life, 4 hour cure. De-airs without vacuum. 3.2 lb. kit contains approx. 32 fl. oz. total material.
o #82057 CR-600 Casting Resin (provides more time for mixing and pouring) 7 minute pot life; demold in 30 minutes. 2.4 lb. kit contains approx. 32 fl. oz. total material.
o #80475 Rubber-To-Rubber Mold Release. Required when making 2 part RTV molds. Keeps mold halves from sticking together. 2 fl. oz.
o #80476 Kleen Klay. A special synthetic clay that will not contaminate silicone rubber. Use for containing flow of RTV during mold making and for making simple molds. (Place a little talcum powder on the part and press it into the clay. Then carefully remove the part and pour resin into the cavity.) 1 lb.
o #80352 Mixing Set. Includes six 8 oz. calibrated plastic mixing cups, six stir sticks, three brushes.
o #82664 Rubber-To-Resin Mold Release. Makes it easy to remove resin castings from molds. 14 oz. spray.
www.hobbyengineering.com/SectionBM.html
Slots In Bumpers Of 70s Cars
➢ Item: 1262 $70.00
o The Super Casting Kit contains everything you need to make a mold and cast your part in 1 day! All measuring tools are included for the Alumilite and the QuickSet Rubber. All products are non-toxic and can easily be used in your home. The Mini Super Casting Kit contains all of the same materials as the Super Kit includes but in smaller quantities. (note: the Mini Super Casting Kit does not contian Mold Release Powder) Mfr. # 10500
o Super Kit Includes:
• AB28 Kit Alumilite Regular
• 1 lb. QuickSet RTV Silicone Rubber
• 1 lb. Alumilite Synthetic Modeling Clay
• 2 oz. Rubber to Rubber Mold Release
• 1 oz. Measuring Cups
• Stir Sticks
• How-To Booklet
➢ Item: 1263 $30.00
o The Mini-Super Casting kit includes sample quantities of everything you need to test the process for yourself: QuickSet RTV Silicone Rubber and Alumilite Synthetic Modeling Clay for making molds, regular AB28 Alumilte casting plastic, 1 oz. masuring cups, stir sticks and a how-to booklet . Mfr. # 10560
From the 1960s through to the early 1980s, giant beasts roamed the highways of America. Bedecked in chrome and vinyl, wearing whitewall tyres and powered by huge, lazy engines, these land yachts were the biggest of the big. We've unearthed 21 of these dinosaurs, and all of them stretch the tape measure to at least 214 inches (5.4 metres) in length. Let's set sail.
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
Slots In Bumpers Of 70s Cars For Sale
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. Hlotse postal code abbreviations.
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.
Slots In Bumpers Of 70s Cars And Trucks
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.
1979 Lincoln Continental Mark V – 230.3 inches / 5.85 metres
233 inches / 5.92 metres -> 1979 Lincoln Continental Town Car/Coupe
