Presented here are federal guidelines for parking space design. One of the most noteworthy dimensions on the layout maybe the suggested length of a singe parking space: 20 feet.
Now, a parking spot 20-feet long works just fine for most contemporary rides, as the average midsize car (think Toyota Camry) comes in at about 16-feet long, and even the long-wheelbase Cadillac Escalade ESV comes in at just under 19 feet. Forty years ago, however, these parking spaces might have proven a wee small.
At an average length of 233 inches (19.4) feet, the longest cars of 1975 might have just squeezed into one of the federally sized sparking spots, provided there wasn’t a concrete parking barrier in place consuming a precious foot or 2 of space.
If you owned or spent time with one of these substantial vehicles, tell us about it. And let us know how difficult it was to park your ride.
Hard to Park: The Longest Cars of 1973
Hard to Park: The Longest Cars of 1977
Hard to Park: The Longest Cars of 1979
Hard to Park: The Longest Cars of 1988
Cadillac Fleetwood Sixty Special Brougham: 233.7 inches (19.5 feet)
Body Style: Sedan
Base Price: $10,427
Buick Electra: 233.4 inches (19.5 feet)
Body Style: Sedan and Coupe*
Base Price: $6064 (coupe)
Lincoln Continental: 232.8 inches (19.4 feet)
Body Style: Sedan and Coupe*
Base Price: $9214 (coupe)
Chrysler Imperial LeBaron: 232.7 inches(19.4 feet)
Body Style: Sedan and Coupe*
Base Price: $8698 (coupe)
Buick Estate Wagon: 231.8 inches (19.3 feet)
Body Style: Wagon
Base Price: $5460
*Sedan and coupe are same length
Ugly Vehicles, Part 4: 1975-1984