Comfortable trans America cruiser!!!

[larrybuck]

Hi! Just doing some more dreaming for fun,

As most of you who travel much by vehicle long distance; our major roads, and freeways much of the time leave much to be desired quality wise, especially
in the right (slow) lane/s.

If I had the money to just cruise around the states, I was thinking....what would be the right older smooth riding car that could take plenty of that abuse
without needing shock/spring replacements often, and would be somewhat interesting to look at while budget friendly, and not theft bait!!!

Here's what I've thought of so far....

1969/70 Full size Ford, was the smoothist ride I've ever had so far...
the power steering for the '69 was preferred for years after by the
NASCAR guys, and you could safely cruise fast using only your little finger!!!

'67 to '70 Galaxie 500's with sport roof would be nice, though a wagon, or sedan more low key but not quite as aero obviously.

"69 Pontiac Gran Prix?

'67-69 Eldorado?

'61 Oldsmobile 98 or Starfire for interesting looks?

A big tank, but do late '50's Buick's really feel like riding on a cloud????

I'm thinking a 6.2 diesel for all the GM's mentioned, even in the Fords!!!

Would love your input!!

Budget might dictate a paint faded Country Squire wagon..

Hidden headlights a big style plus!!!

Can't wait for your ideas!!!!!

[Frank Lee]

My '59 Bel Air would be a fine ride for such a trip, especially if it was fitted with some drivetrain upgrades for fuel efficiency like EFI and a m/t or a/t with OD and lockup. P.S. and a cruise control.

[larrybuck]

Sounds nice Frank! I love Chevs., but sometimes not the money they rate.
Care to share a pic. of your '59???

[Frank Lee]

Notice the similarity between the '59's tail lights and the Viper's headlights?

[zjrog]

As a teen, I had a 68 2 door Thunderbird. Cushy ride, ridiculous power with the 429. Back seat was curved like a cocktail lounge. And the trunk held three friends headed for the drive-in movies. Hidden headlights, leather seats and power everything.

Oh great, I know where there is one for sale... Wife would kill me.

[Beau]

Originally Posted by Frank Lee

Notice the similarity between the '59's tail lights and the Viper's headlights?

The 59 taillights have always been my favorite.

BTW - I have a 1957 Chevy 4 door 210 wagon (hot rod).

[slowmover]

The torsion-bar suspension Chryslers from 1957 onwards were easily 20 or more years ahead of GM and Ford (not until the respective 1977 and 1979 downsize/redesign).

The drivetrain was bulletproof. And brakes were often larger.

All this were good reason MOPAR had the police car line-up locked up for several decades.

Wheelbase of 122" and curb weight of 4000+ confers all the size advantages (a flattened curve afterwards) plus a V8 of up to/around 400-cid is the best performance/economy compromise.

The luxury cars (130" WB and 5000-lb) usually had MUCH better seats plus quieter interiors.

Saw 45 of the 48 states from the backseats of cars like these (all brands) from 1959-1976 growing up.

Running the Interstates is great . . but the crowds of today make it more of a chore when combined with major metro sprawl.

A 1967 Imperial Crown Coupe would be my choice for handling, braking, acceleration and most especially, ride comfort. MPG of 16, stock, could be bettered with EFI + OD trans.

.

[tpotts]

57 Caddy Eldorado is a sweet Ride. Really liked my 66 GT0. Both of which burn gas!!!

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

I like the old wagons too. Regarding engines, a Diesel swap sounds perfect, specially if you would also consider the usage of WVO when easily available. I have already seen several American full-size sedans and wagons from the 50s to early 70s retrofitted with 4-pot Diesels and 5-speed manual transmissions out of compact trucks in Uruguay. Considering both the lighter weight from such setups and the higher efficiency from a more modern transmission with a wider ratio (and overdrive), that's a great deal. If you wouldn't use it for towing a heavy trailer, even a Mercedes-Benz OM617 backed by an AX-15 could be a reasonable option.

[user removed]

Get a 95-99 Buick Riviera. My 95 would push 30 MPG and put me to sleep driving it in about 3 hours.

regards
Mech