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20 Best Classic American Sedans From the ’60s

Vukasin Herbez February 4, 2018

14. 1969 Buick Wildcat

The Buick Wildcat is one of the most interesting yet almost forgotten models popular back in the day. Buick introduced the Wildcat back in 1963. The Wildcat was something between a personal luxury model and a muscle car. It featured restrained and elegant styling like the rest of Buick’s lineup.

But it also had powerful engines, a sporty trim and an impressive performance. In 1967, Buick offered the Wildcat as a four-door, boosting its appeal and improving sales numbers. For 1969, the Wildcat got a new look and a powerful new 455 V8 with 370 HP. This helped transform the Wildcat into a hidden performance car with room for six adults.

15. 1960 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham

Even though most enthusiasts recognize the 1957 to 58 Eldorado Broughams, Cadillac made some exclusive 1959 to 60 models car fans consider the finest Cadillacs they ever built. The production wasn’t performed by Cadillac at all, but by Italy’s famous Pininfarina coachbuilder.

But the price was three times the price of a standard Cadillac. So in its two-year production run, they only built 200 cars. The 1959 to 60 Eldorado Brougham featured updated equipment, an air suspension and a 389 V8 engine. It had styling similar to the regular Cadillacs, but with some different details.

16. 1965 Chevrolet Caprice

When Chevrolet introduced the Caprice model in late 1965 and early 1966, nobody expected it would be so successful. In fact, it spanned five generations and millions of cars. They designed the Caprice as a luxury version of the Impala with more powerful engines, luxury and a few distinctive external differences.

For example, in the 1966 model, the base engine was a V8, and not the standard straight six. Also, all models had a vinyl roof as standard. For performance lovers, Chevrolet offered their 396 and 400 V8 models in the Caprice four-door hardtop.

17. 1965 Dodge Coronet

They presented the fifth generation of the Dodge Coronet intermediate model in 1965. It immediately became one of the best mid-size sedans on the U.S. market. The Coronet was available in six body styles and several trim levels.

Interestingly, Dodge offered its mighty 440 V8 engine with 375 HP as an option on all Coronets. And they built several Coronet sedans with the 426 Hemi engine. This made them the fastest American sedans of the ’60s and ’70s.

18. 1969 Chrysler New Yorker

Chrysler ended the ’60s on a high note with the brand new and influential “Fuselage” styling. The rounded sides and lower, sleeker profile looked modern in comparison to other models. In fact, they used “Fuselage” styling throughout the Chrysler range. So all new full-size Mopars, including Dodge, Plymouth and Imperial had this look.

The mechanics on the 1969 to 71 New Yorker weren’t exactly new. But they improved the suspension, chassis and drivetrain. The biggest engine you could get was the 440 V8, which moved this big sedan down the road with authority.

19. Mercury Park Lane Brougham

As a luxury division of Ford Motor Company, Mercury offered upscale features, elegant designs and powerful engines. But the Park Lane Brougham was the most luxurious Mercury. In fact, it was close to Lincoln in terms of prestige and elegance.

They introduced it in 1967 and sold it through 1968. The Park Lane Brougham had a plush interior and vinyl roof. It also came with leather seats along with a special list of optional extras.

20. Checker Marathon

One of the most characteristic American sedans of the ’60s is the legendary Checker Marathon, famously known as the New York Taxi. They introduced the Marathon in 1960 and sold it through 1982. It was available with a straight six or V8 engine from Chevrolet. They designed and built the Marathon to be a dependable, tough machine.

And that is why it was the definitive taxi vehicle for decades in New York and in many other cities, as well. The Marathon was available as a sedan and wagon. But it also came in the form of the interesting, rare 12-seater Aerowagon.

These are the 20 best classic American sedans from the ’60s. They stood out due to their innovative designs and powerful engines. Most car fans appreciate their contributions to automotive history.

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