It was the Brits who first used the term “Yank Tank” to describe the cars produced by American auto builders. And, compared to the cars sold in Britain after WWII–around the time the term Yank Tank came into use–the cars of the UK were certainly smaller, better handling, and more efficient than those sold Stateside. It is perhaps ironic then that the most-expensive American-built car in 1977 was, in fact, by definition a compact car.
Most-Expensive American Cars of 1977
Introduced in 1975, the Cadillac Seville was meant to emulate the best European vehicles by packing a modestly sized car with the latest technology (including fuel injection) and features.
Of course, that’s just the one car. Three of the remaining four cars on this list are proudly of the Yank Tank variety, and among the first American vehicles to cross the $10,000 line.
If you’ve ever spent time with any of these vehicles, tell us about it.
Also check out:
The 5 Most-Expensive Cars of 1972
The 5 Most-Expensive Cars of 1974
The 7 Cheapest American Cars of 1972
Cadillac Seville
Base Price: $13,359
Cool Option: Integrated CB radio ($230)
Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham
Base Price: $11,546
Cool Option: Signal-seeking AM/FM radio ($156)
Lincoln Versailles
Base Price: $11,500
Cool Option: Quadrasonic AM/FM 8-Track stereo ($92)
Lincoln Continental Mark V
Base Price: $11,396
Cool Option: 460-inch V8 with 4-barrel carburetor (replaces 2-barrel 400 V8, $133)
Cadillac Fleetwood Eldorado
Base Price: $11,187
Cool Option: Firemist paint ($153)
