10 Of The Most Luxurious Classic American Cars

In the modern age, European luxury cars are often seen as the premier automobiles in this segment of the market. However, American manufacturers have a long history of building exquisite automobiles for well-heeled customers, particularly in the pre-war era. The luxury automobiles built during the Roaring '20s and even throughout the Great Depression represent some of the most extravagant and opulent cars ever produced. Even during the post-war era, American luxury continued and fine cars continued to roll out of factories in Detroit and elsewhere.

Still, the producers of American luxury cars have made some big mistakes along the way. The Cimarron by Cadillac lacked nearly every quality of a good luxury car, and the V8-6-4 engine proved to be a technical disaster. Chrysler once sold the Imperial as its own luxury marque and its premium Chrysler models have recently fallen a bit short of the luxury mark. 

However, despite some dips in quality and image over the years, American luxury has seen a rebound as of late. There are many models of American cars produced over the last 100 years that exemplify high standards of craftsmanship and engineering that are built with premium products that deliver sublime motoring experiences. Though each car must be evaluated within the context of the era in which it was built, it should be easy to say that these 10 American cars are the most luxurious.

Looking back through the long history of the American auto industry, it would be hard to argue that there is a more luxurious automobile than the Duesenberg Model J, even by modern standards. Produced from 1928 through 1934, it sought to be the best car in the world, with ownership claimed by the industry moguls, royalty, and movie stars of the day. In fact, one was even owned by the infamous Al Capone.

Like most luxury cars of the day, the Model J was sold as a chassis with running gear and completed by a coachbuilder. This offered buyers finely detailed bespoke craftsmanship to tailor each car to their unique desires. Furthermore, Fred Duesenberg was a talented engineer with the highest standards who also loved to race. That led to Duesenberg cars having the most powerful engines on the market, built with unheard-of specifications such as dual overhead camshafts, four valves-per-cylinder, and an output of 265 or more horsepower.

These were gorgeous automobiles. An abundance of brightwork accompanied the luster of the flowing fenders, and each bespoke-built car received individual flourishes. The silky smooth mechanicals complemented extravagant interiors. Upholstery swaddled passengers in hand-stitched leather as they were surrounded by highly polished wood with gleaming chrome accents. Precision gauges populate the dashboard with crystal faces protecting the sensitive instrumentation. 

The Model J was the pinnacle of engineering and luxury in its day and the craftsmanship rivals anything in the modern era, putting it at the top of many lists of most luxurious automobiles.

Cadillac has always been known for making large cars, even back to its earliest models. However, it was in the 1970s that they grew the most, with various models mere inches away from the 20-foot-long mark. However, while they may have been excessively and egregiously large, they were extremely luxurious.

If luxury is measured by comfort — which is a not insignificant part of many luxury products — the 1970s Eldorado delivers a two-door car that comes with plenty of style and class. Propelling this much sheet metal down the road requires a lot of torque, and that is where Cadillac's biggest production engine ever comes in. This car and others received the Cadillac 500 cubic inch V8, an engine size usually reserved for trucks –- large trucks. The 365 horsepower produced is impressive but not as much as the torque rating, which was 535 lb-ft. Additionally, the engine drove the front wheels, eliminating a transmission tunnel and leaving much more legroom for passengers.

With this much space, buyers could get leather-clad power seats that emulated living room furniture. Many buyers opted for plush velour upholstery that is missing -– and missed -– in modern interiors. Cadillac also offered an impressive list of standard features, including electronic level control, automatic climate control, power everything, automatic parking brake release, and a soft close trunk. Sadly, shortly after their introduction power ratings fell drastically. The 500 was dropped in 1978, replaced by a 425 that only mustered a sad 180 horsepower. Thankfully, the cars remained comfortably appointed.

While this model has yet to be delivered to customers, it is in production and will likely prove to be the most exclusive luxury car built in the United States in decades. In a special section of General Motors Global Technical Center called the Artisan Center, manufacturers are putting together the all-new and all-electric Celestiq six at a time with an annual output estimated at 500. With a highly limited output of cars built by a small team of specialists, this car is set to be something very special.

The Cadillac Celestiq will be riding on GM's new Ultium EV platform slated to offer a range of approximately 300 miles while offering drivers 600 horsepower of propulsion on tap. The cars are being built by hand, with customization of each car specifically for the buyer, who will take delivery at Cadillac's House of Vanderbilt reception center in Michigan. OLED screens galore greet all occupants with a technically immersive experience, and power options cover nearly everything possible, including the doors themselves. 

The rest of the interior will be filled with premium leather and high-quality trim pieces. All of this will be covered by multiple panoramic glass panels with the ability to block the sun variably at the touch of a button. The full list of luxury appointments requires a stand-alone article to properly discuss, but with a price tag of $340,000, rest assured this will be the most opulent sedan built anywhere, American or not.

For many years, Chrysler marketed a luxury car under the Imperial marque. These cars were meant to compete with Cadillac and Lincoln, and most of them were quite luxurious for their time. However, in the early '70s, it seems as though the degree of luxury of a car was measured in its overall length, and Chrysler wanted to offer the most luxury by offering literally the most car possible. With a length of over 19 feet, the Imperial LeBaron of 1969 to 1973 is one of the longest non-stretched production sedans ever made. While length does not automatically translate to luxury, the LeBaron offered it in spades.

Cars of this size offer acres of seating real estate. The LeBaron is no different with its split bench up front and single bench in the rear, both available in brocade fabric or tufted leather. Some of its luxury touches include his and hers armrests up front and a pillow located on the C-pillar for weary travelers, accompanied by a lavaliere strap to aid with ingress and egress. Early models were blessed with unrestrained 440 V8 engines providing 480 lb-ft of torque to move these land barges along the highway in serene comfort. The suspension exists only to provide a soft ride to make passengers feel like they are gliding along, oblivious to any bumps in the road.

The Imperial LeBaron is a hard car to park. However, for cross-country trips with a family of five, there is hardly a better place to be. This is an American luxury car for the whole family.

In the early years, Cadillac was known for building large and luxurious cars built to the highest standards, with coachbuilders often completing a chassis to order with a custom-built body. However, after WWII that kind of car building mostly made way for more mass-produced cars of all classes. By 1955, Cadillac had a range of luxury cars in its showrooms ready to take home just as they left the factory with another one ready to replace it.

The 1950s was a very good time for Cadillac. The brand was held in very high esteem and its cars were considered among the best in terms of luxury vehicles. However, top brass at the GM division sought to outdo themselves with a limited run of cars called the Eldorado Brougham. Built separately from all other Cadillacs and mostly by hand, the Brougham demonstrated Cadillac's ability to build a car of the highest possible standards. The car came with power steering, brakes, locks, and seats that featured a position memory, which was unheard of at the time, and power from a 365 V8 with dual or triple carburetors. 

The interior was plush and roomy, surrounding passengers with premium materials. Comfort was further ensured by a novel self-leveling air suspension, a state-of-the-art feature for 1957. In addition, the rear doors were hinged at the back, switches prevented the car from going into drive if they were open. Alas, it was too expensive to keep going. Priced at about $13,500, it was more expensive than a Rolls-Royce and even more luxurious.