land yacht cars meaning

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What Is a Land Yacht?

A land yacht is a large automobile commonly manufactured in the United States (US) from 1950 to 1980. Given the title land yacht for the type of ride and driving characteristics exhibited by the large vehicles, these long and wide automobiles appeared to float down the road when cruising at highway speeds. Commonly given to large, four-door sedans, the land yacht moniker was also given to station wagons and some motor-homes in the 1970s. The large automobiles gave way to smaller, mid-sized vehicles in search of improved fuel mileage in response to the nationwide fuel shortages of the 1970s.

The lavishly appointed interiors of the large land yachts mimicked those of the luxurious, ocean-going vessels the vehicles are named after. Thick padding in the seats create a very comfortable cruising position from which the automobile is piloted. These vehicles are very long and wide, therefore, the bumps of the road are softened by the vehicle's suspension system, resulting in a smooth, boat-like ride. The vehicle appears to float down the road as the heavy land yacht uses extra heavy-duty suspension components to smooth the imperfections of the highway, thereby preventing bouncing. The steering in these large vehicles is often sloppy and unresponsive, giving a feel of a ship's rudder as there is a noticeable delay in response to steering input.

Although very comfortable, the land yacht typically used excessive amounts of fuel that made long, extended trips uncomfortable for the owner's pocketbook. In the height of the American land yacht production, the size of a vehicle's rear fins was often the greatest visual appeal and best selling point. The 1959 Cadillac holds the title of the largest rear fins ever produced on an American automobile, with the Cadillac fins measuring 6-fee-long (1.83m). Excessive chrome and vinyl tops were common options on the large vehicles.

As the automobile began to be downsized in the US, the motor-home began to take on the title of land yacht. The over-sized camper resembled a yacht, with its tall sides and ship-like overall appearance. Another factor that added to the nickname was the appearance of several motor-homes once parked in a campground. The large campers lined up side to side in the campground gave an appearance of yachts in a harbor, all lined up and tied to a dock. On-board bathrooms, kitchens and entertainment systems also added to the yacht-like title for the campers.

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Definition of land yacht

Examples of land yacht in a sentence.

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'land yacht.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

1967, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Dictionary Entries Near land yacht

Cite this entry.

“Land yacht.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/land%20yacht. Accessed 4 May. 2024.

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How Do Land Yachts Work? (Discover the World of Land Yachting)

Have you ever dreamed of sailing through the air, feeling the rush of wind in your hair? Well, you don’t need the ocean to achieve this feeling – you can experience the thrill and freedom of land yachting! A land yacht is a lightweight vehicle that’s propelled by wind and steered with a sail, allowing you to glide across land with ease.

In this article, we’ll explore the world of land yachting – from the design of a land yacht to the safety tips you should keep in mind.

So get ready to experience an adventure like no other – let’s discover how land yachts work !.

Table of Contents

Short Answer

Land yachts are a type of sail-powered vehicle that is designed to move over land, usually on a flat surface.

They use a sail to catch the wind and propel the vehicle forward, similar to a sailboat.

The driver of a land yacht uses the rudder to steer, and can also adjust the sail and the height of the mast to adjust the speed.

Land yachts can reach high speeds, making them popular for recreational use.

What is a Land Yacht?

A land yacht is a type of sailboat designed to traverse the open terrain of land rather than the ocean or other bodies of water.

These yachts are typically equipped with a three-wheeled frame, a large sail, and a rotating mast that can be adjusted to catch the wind.

The wheels are used to steer the yacht, providing an exciting and adventurous ride that allows people to explore open areas such as deserts and beaches.

The land yachts design is tailored to harness the power of the wind and its ability to propel the yacht forward.

The position of the sail and the angle of the mast can be adjusted to maximize the yachts speed, while the wheels are able to provide directional control in order to steer the yacht.

Land yachts are a unique and fun way to explore open areas, and have become increasingly popular in recent years.

They provide an exhilarating experience, and can be a great way to experience the outdoors in a new and exciting way.

Land yachting is becoming a popular activity for those looking for an adrenaline-filled adventure, and can be a great way to explore the world around you.

The Design of a Land Yacht

Land yachts are designed with a frame that is usually made from aluminum or steel, and can be built in a variety of sizes to accommodate a single rider or a larger group.

The three-wheeled frame is designed to allow for a stable ride and easy maneuverability, and the wheels are typically made from a lightweight material such as plastic or rubber.

The sail is mounted on a rotating mast, which can be adjusted to catch the wind effectively and propel the yacht forward.

The mast is also adjustable to allow for the changing direction of the wind, and the steering of the yacht is done via the wheels.

In addition to the frame and sail, land yachts come with rigging, which is the set of ropes and pulleys that attach the sail to the frame and mast.

This rigging is adjustable and can be adjusted to capture the wind more effectively, allowing for greater speed and control.

The rigging also includes a brake system that allows the rider to slow down or stop the yacht with ease.

Land yachts also come in a variety of styles and designs, from traditional sailboats to modern, aerodynamic designs.

The frame and sail can also be customized to suit the riders needs, with color and design choices available to make the yacht look unique and stylish.

Overall, land yachts are designed to provide an exciting and adventurous ride on land, allowing riders to explore open areas such as deserts or beaches.

With the adjustable rigging and frame, the yacht can be tailored to the riders needs, allowing for a safe and comfortable ride.

How a Land Yacht is Propelled

The key to land yachts is how they are propelled.

It uses the power of the wind to move the vehicle, much like a sailboat does in the water.

This is done by mounting a large sail to a rotating mast that can be adjusted to catch the wind.

The wind then fills the sail, providing thrust and pushing the yacht forward.

The sail can be adjusted to catch the wind coming from different directions, allowing the land yacht to change direction and navigate around obstacles.

The wheels of the land yacht are used to steer it, allowing it to turn in different directions.

The size of the sail is important when it comes to propelling the land yacht.

The bigger the sail, the more wind it can catch, and the faster the vehicle can go.

The size of the sail can be adjusted to suit the conditions of the environment, allowing the land yacht to travel at a comfortable speed.

It is also possible to adjust the angle of the sail to make it more efficient, allowing the yacht to make the most of the available wind.

In addition to the sail, some land yachts also have a motorized propeller that can be used to help propel the vehicle.

This can be helpful if there is not enough wind to fill the sail, or if the terrain is too challenging for the yacht to travel through.

The motorized propeller can also be used to help the yacht travel up steep hills or through shallow waters.

Land yachts are an exciting way to explore open areas such as deserts and beaches.

They provide a unique and thrilling ride, with the rider able to take advantage of the wind to travel quickly and navigate around obstacles.

With a little practice, anyone can master the art of land yachting and enjoy the adventure of exploring new places.

Steering a Land Yacht

Steering a land yacht is a unique experience that requires skill and practice.

Unlike a boat that uses a rudder to control its direction, a land yacht uses its wheels to steer.

The wheels are connected to the sail by a complicated system of ropes and pulleys.

By adjusting the angle of the sail in relation to the wind, the yacht will turn left or right depending on the direction of the wind.

Additionally, the wheels can be used to turn the yacht in the same manner as a car.

In order to steer a land yacht, the driver must be familiar with the principles of sailing and the forces that act upon the sail.

The driver must be aware of the wind direction and the angle of the sail relative to the wind.

The driver must also be aware of the terrain in order to choose the best line for the yacht to travel.

The driver must also pay close attention to the rope and pulley system connected to the wheels and the sail.

By adjusting the ropes, the driver can make small adjustments to the sail in order to optimize the yachts speed and direction.

This can be a difficult task, as the driver must maintain a delicate balance between speed, direction, and terrain.

The most important part of steering a land yacht is practice.

With enough practice, a driver can master the art of sailing and be able to maneuver their yacht with ease.

With practice, a driver can become an expert at land yachting and enjoy the thrill of exploring open areas with the wind at their back.

The Benefits of Land Yachting

Land yachting is an exciting and adventurous way to explore open areas such as deserts and beaches.

It offers a unique experience that is not found in traditional sailing, allowing you to explore new places and have a thrilling ride.

Land yachting has many benefits that make it a great activity for those who want to try something new and exciting.

First, land yachting is a much simpler form of sailing than traditional sailing.

It requires less skill to learn and operate, and is generally easier to maneuver.

This makes it a great option for anyone looking to take up a new hobby or just enjoy some time on the water.

Second, land yachting is often much less expensive than traditional sailing.

Since land yachts are designed to be used on land, they often require less maintenance and upkeep than traditional sailing vessels.

This makes them more affordable, allowing more people to enjoy the experience.

Third, land yachting is a great way to explore and experience new places.

Since land yachts are designed to be used on land, they are able to access places that traditional sailing vessels cannot.

This makes it a great way to explore areas that may otherwise be inaccessible.

Finally, land yachting is a great way to get exercise.

While sailing, you will be active and moving, which can help to keep your heart healthy and your muscles strong.

Additionally, being in the sun can help to give you a healthy dose of Vitamin D.

Overall, land yachting is an exciting and adventurous way to explore open areas such as deserts and beaches.

With its simplicity, affordability, and ability to access remote areas, land yachting is an appealing activity that anyone can enjoy.

Where to Go Land Yachting

Land yachting can be an incredibly exciting and adventurous experience.

Whether you’re looking for a thrilling day trip or a weekend getaway, land yachting is a great way to explore the great outdoors and take in the sights and sounds of nature.

Land yachting is an activity that can be enjoyed on a variety of terrains, from beaches and deserts to open fields and more.

For those looking to explore the great outdoors, land yachting is a great way to get out and about and explore the world in a unique and fun way.

Beaches and deserts are great places to try out land yachting, since they provide plenty of open space and the wind can be used to propel the yacht.

Open fields, such as large grassy areas or fields with no trees, can also be great spots to go land yachting.

Another great place to try out land yachting is on a lake.

Lakes provide plenty of open area for the wind to catch the sail and propel the yacht, and it’s a great way to explore the natural beauty of the area.

Lakes are also less likely to have obstacles such as trees or rocks that can get in the way, which makes it a great option for those looking for a safe and enjoyable experience.

No matter where you choose to go land yachting, it’s important to make sure you have the right equipment and supplies.

Make sure you have the right size sail for the wind conditions in the area, as well as a helmet and protective clothing.

It’s also important to be aware of the terrain and make sure there are no obstacles that could get in the way.

Land yachting is a great way to explore the outdoors and take in the sights and sounds of nature.

With the right safety precautions and equipment, land yachting can be an exciting and unique experience that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

So why not give it a try? It’s sure to be a great adventure!.

Safety Tips for Land Yachting

Land yachting is a thrilling and adventurous way to explore open areas such as deserts and beaches, but it is important to remember that safety should always come first.

Before you set out on your land yachting expedition, there are a few key safety tips to remember: 1.

Wear protective clothing Land yachting can be a fast and bumpy ride, so make sure to dress appropriately.

Wear a sturdy pair of shoes, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt to protect yourself from any debris that may be kicked up.

Wear a helmet Land yachting can be a dangerous activity, and you should always be prepared for the worst.

Wear a helmet to protect your head in case of an accident.

Check the weather Make sure to check the weather forecast before you set out on your journey.

Strong winds can make land yachting dangerous, so make sure the conditions are suitable for your activity.

Check your equipment Before you go, make sure to check that all your equipment is in good working order.

Check your sail and mast to make sure they are properly rigged and adjusted, and make sure your wheels are secure and in good condition.

Stay aware While land yachting, be aware of your surroundings at all times.

Pay attention to any changes in the wind direction, look out for any obstacles, and be ready to adjust your course if necessary.

By following these safety tips, you can make sure that you have a safe and enjoyable land yachting experience.

Remember to always use caution and common sense, and you’ll be sure to have a great time.

Final Thoughts

Land yachting is an exciting, adventurous way to explore the world! With its unique design, a land yacht is propelled by the wind and steered by its wheels, making it a thrilling ride.

With the right safety precautions, land yachting can be an unforgettable experience.

So what are you waiting for? Get out there and explore the world of land yachting today!.

James Frami

At the age of 15, he and four other friends from his neighborhood constructed their first boat. He has been sailing for almost 30 years and has a wealth of knowledge that he wants to share with others.

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Land Yachts: What Are They and Why Are They Still so Popular?

Author: Jason / Date: December 29, 2022 / Tags: classic cars

(RareCarMarket.com) – Aside from big SUVs and pickup trucks, the modern era seems to be all about fitting more into less or going for a minimalist approach altogether. To put it in simple terms, times have changed, and cars are much smaller and more convenient than they used to be. However, while the era of overly large and luxurious cars may be long over, the popularity of these vehicles remains. Here are some of the most notable land yachts to grace the world’s roadways.

1973 Buick Riviera

One of the most illustrious cars to come from a Buick factory is the Riviera. The Third Generation of this model came with a boat-tail design, making it a true land yacht. The interior was just as beautiful as the exterior, complete with some of the best features on the market, including seats that some say were more comfortable than a high-dollar couch. 

1973 Imperial LeBaron

Imperial created what’s likely the largest land yacht to touch American roadways; the LeBaron. Coming in at over 19.5 feet long, it wasn’t just massive, it had a state-of-the-art interior complete with leather seats and wood trim. Some enthusiasts believe the Imperial LeBaron is one of the most impressive cars to come from that era. 

2021 Rolls-Royce Boat Tail

While land yachts and their oversized bodies aren’t as mainstream as they once were, there’s still a high demand for them. Evidence of that is in the fact that a luxury car manufacturer like Rolls-Royce would design and produce one, albeit not on a mass scale. The $28-million Boat Tail is the most unique land yacht to hit the road — and the most expensive. Rightfully so, given the fact it has two refrigerators, rotating cocktail tables, and a parasol that unfolds from the back. Oh, and the car’s entire floor acts as a resonance chamber for its sound system, just for good measure. With a price tag like that, it’s no surprise there are only three of them in the world. 

Unnecessarily large vehicles may not be as popular as they once were, but they still hold a special place in the hearts of many. Perhaps there’s enough love for these behemoths that one day they’ll make a significant comeback. 

Copyright 2022, RareCarMarket.com

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Definition of land yacht noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

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Sometimes just shooting the breeze with some like-minded racers is all that's needed for great race-series inspiration. For example, the other night, over beers at a Denver watering hole , several LeMons racers— including one who built a Checker Marathon into a road-racer , one who built a Renault Le Car into a credible mid-engined Nissan V6-powered R5 Turbo , and one who drove 2,000 miles in the worst car in human history — brainstormed the race series that we're sure will be bigger than NASCAR: Spec Land Yacht!

The AMC Ambassador would be a fine Spec Land Yacht machine.

The basic idea of a spec racing series is pretty simple: the cars are supposed to be identical to one another, so that the drivers can feel that they are battling mano-a-mano on a level playing field, jousting like knights of old or some such gibberish. Spec Miata , the most efficient means ever devised for destroying once-happy little sports cars, is the best-known, but you've also got your Spec 944 , Spec E30 , and so on.

Those races might be sort of fun for the participants, but only the most tedious and/or obsessed of race fans would want to sit through one of those events. Not so with Spec Land Yacht! Everything about this spec series will be aimed at optimizing the stuff that made chase scenes in cop TV shows and movies of the 1970s and 1980s so great: the scream of skinny tires being abused, flying hubcaps, large-displacement V8s whooshing through restrictive factory exhaust systems, and more flying hubcaps!

All Spec Land Yacht cars will need Brougham, Landau, and/or d'Elegance emblems.

So, let's get into the basic rules of Spec Land Yacht. Rather than just sticking to a single make/model, the Spec Land Yacht organizers understand that all proper land yachts are more or less the same , and so this series will be open to any 1958-1990 passenger car with a wheelbase of no less than 109 inches and a minimum factory curb weight (3,500 pounds for 1958-69 cars, 3,600 pounds for 1970-1979 cars, and 3,700 pounds for 1980-1990 cars), and that has appeared as a participant in a chase scene in at least one cop show or movie released during the 1970-1989 period. There will be no limits on engines or transmissions (trust me, race organizers don't want to get bogged down in the quagmire of running-gear inspections if they can avoid it), but all cars must have a single functional tailpipe with an inside diameter of no more than 2-3/4" and mufflers that limit maximum noise to 85 decibels.

The Douglas Xtra Trac 2 all-season radial, size 215/70R15, will be the only tire allowed in Spec Land Yacht competition.

The reason that competitors won't gain much from modified engines or manual transmissions will be the spec tire of the series: the Douglas Xtra Trac 2 all-season radial , available in great quantity at any of 4,900+ Walmart stores across the country. This skinny, long-wearing tire, with a tread compound as hard as the finest old-growth mahogany, will ensure that each Spec Land Yacht competitor will present a spectacle of iffy traction and exciting squealing noises. Imagine the glorious sight of a trio of Lincoln Continental Mark VIs going three-wide into a corner, Xtra Tracs shrieking!

And just to make things more interesting, Spec Land Yacht's rules will mandate both factory steel wheels and full hubcaps… and if a car loses all four hubcaps, the driver will need to pit and apply a complete set of replacements (at the end of each race session, the wrecker crews will gather up all the hubcaps and the racers will be required to play poker to win them back, using hubcaps as chips). Each race team will need to bring at least a few dozen hubcaps as part of the crew's equipment.

You can get beater Lincoln Continentals for scrap value these days

There will be a few more refinements, all aimed at increasing the vintage-cop-show-style drama on the track— no limited-slip differentials allowed, for example— but you get the basic idea of Spec Land Yacht. Now all we need is some wealthy Cayman Islands-based investors looking to back a race series as part of a complex tax-avoidance scheme and we'll be ready to start booking tracks!

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Ten Great Land Yachts

Remember when roads were as smooth as a calm sea, cars were long as boats, and you felt like the captain of your land yacht? We do . Here's ten great land yachts.

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This is Answers of the Day - where we take the best ten responses from the previous day's "Question Of The Day" . It's by you and for you, the Jalopnik readers.

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10.) 1991 Chevrolet Caprice Wagon/Buick Roadmaster/Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser

Suggested by SpikeJnZ - Shomer Shabbos

Why It's So Smooth: This badge-engineered B-body wagon saw the revival of the Buick Roadmaster name. The wagon could be had with wood side panels, enough space for your 3 kids and a kiddy pool in the trunk, silky smooth suspension, and an LT1 (at least a detuned version of the Corvette's engine) under the hood of later versions. Alas, dwindling sales and growing popularity of SUVS ended its production.

Photo Credit: Wikipedia - Ksderby

9.) 1965 Mercedes-Benz 600

Suggested by LuckyChuck takes the racing line when he walks

Why It's So Smooth: Who says land yachts are limited to the U.S.? This 18-foot long , 5700 pound German cruiser was driven by Jeremy Clarkson and he promptly proved the car was designed to cruise in a straight line. So, sit back, grab a glass of champagne, and let the chauffeur do all the work. I guarantee you won't spill a drop of that Dom Pérignon.

Photo Credit: Ed Callow

8.) 1975 Cadillac Coupe De Ville

Suggested by War2d2: Secure In His Own Manhood

Why It's So Smooth: Measuring 19 feet in length, this coupé offered more interior space than some New York City apartments. You kind of start to wonder why this car was so long if it was meant to be a coupé… but then that goes out the window as soon as you sink into the driver's seat and feel the road roll pleasantly beneath you.

Photo Credit: RUD66

7.) 1959 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight Coupé Convertible

Suggested by John Carter

Why It's So Smooth: The 1959 Ninety-Eight was completely redesigned, as was the entire Olds lineup, and was offered with 371 cubic inch Rocket V8 and Jetaway Hydramatic Transmission. It just sounds so velvety, unless you mashed on the accelerator causing a jerk when shifting from first to second gear. So be gentle and you'll be effortlessly yachting on the sea that is America's road.

Photo Credit: ConceptCarz

6.) 1973 Chrysler New Yorker Brougham

Suggested by Rusty Van Horn

Why It's So Smooth: Let's take this up a notch, BAM! The New Yorker Brougham sported Chrysler's Fuselage styling and was a full 18 and a half feet long. Power came from a 440 cubic inch V8, though power was reduced to meet stricter fuel and emissions standards. I know Rusty said 1972, but he pictured a 1973 and I know he didn't say Brougham, but I know he meant to. Either way, this land yacht is a leather upholstered, silky smooth dream to ride.

Photo Credit: Alden Jewell

5.) 1975 Mercury Marquis Brougham

Suggested by I can be stig?

Why It's So Smooth: You get the bonus points! Your prize is recognition! The name Brougham was originally used for a sedan that was bodied as a coupé but later on it was used to distinguish between the more luxurious and standard version of a model. In 1976 a consumer survey was conducted and it was found that the Marquis was preferred to the Olds 98 and Buick ELektra. The following year the Grand Marquis was selected over the Cadillac Sedan de Ville, demonstrating the luxury, comfort, and overall classyness of this land yacht.

4.) 1971 Cadillac Eldorado

Suggested by Spiegel wants a large farva

Why It's So Smooth: The Cadillac Eldorado, named after the mythical land of gold, is the car of crazy Texas oil-men, purple-suited player haters, and Mafiosos. At 18 and a half feet, the Eldorado offered up a 500 cubic inch V8 for your yachting pleasure. It served as the pace car for the 1973 Indy 500, but that's the closest it will ever get to any form of motorsport. Best keep this lancha in a straight line.

3.) 1972 Buick Riviera

Suggested by ZeroOrDie

Why It's So Smooth: The Riviera is where you park your yacht. The Buick Riviera is a yacht! This boat-tailed land yacht just grew longer and longer that by 1973 it was almost 19 feet long. Its Corvette Stingray-inspired rear window and coupé body meant that you were cruising in style and the 455 cu. in. V8 provided silky smooth torque throughout the rev range. Just listen to that burble.

2.) 1973 Imperial LeBaron

Suggested by Buster Brew

Why It's So Smooth: The 1973 Imperial LeBaron was the longest non-limousine production vehicle at a whopping 21 feet. The LeBaron's styling was described as the Fuselage Look by Chrysler and this particular year's styling was an evolution of the Fuselage look. What does this all mean? Even more classy and stylish faring.

1.) 1961 Lincoln Continental

Suggested by rawtoast

Why It's So Smooth: The '61 Conti was a new design, but it was 2 feet shorter than its predecessors, although still 18 feet long. However, Ford used the "compactness" of this Continental as its main advertising point by having a woman parallel park the car to show how easy it is. This Continental was the first to have suicide doors and was considered the epitome of Lincoln styling. Sadly, this is the same car that John F. Kennedy was riding in the day he was assassinated.

Photo Credit: Part Durkin

‘Land Yacht’ Car Collection Heading To Museum

The Audrain Automobile Museum is set to feature this impressive collection.

The latest collection, “Land Yachts – Cruising the Interstate Highways”, is set to go on display this summer, and it’s full of car cool enough to fight the summer heat! From June 4th through September 4th, 14 example of large classic cars will be on display.

Learn more in the official press release below:

Audrain Automobile Museum’s Latest Exhibit

“land yachts – cruising the interstate highways”.

" Land Yachts, Cruising the Interstate Highways ,” the latest Audrain Automobile Museum exhibit, which opens on Saturday, June 4 th, invites automotive enthusiasts to travel back in time to when land yachts ruled the highways and the byways.  The exhibit runs from June 4 th through September 4 th and will feature cars as large and in charge as the motor yachts that grace the historic Newport harbor during the summer season.

On display in the museum’s intimate gallery will be 14 of the finest and best-known examples of “Land Yachts,” created between 1948 and 1970.

No exhibit on “Land Yachts” would be complete without a 1948 Hudson Commodore Eight.  The Commodore was the largest and most luxurious model produced by Hudson at the time.  Though the production period was paused from January 1942 through August 1945 due to the War, an all-new aerodynamic design was introduced for 1948, representing one of the first newly designed postwar automobiles when the hunger for new cars was hotter than ever. This example has covered just 27,000 miles since 1948 and has won a first-place award in every car show it has been entered in.

The epitome of 1950’s style and status were never more evident than in the 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz, the most elegant Caddy you could buy.  While most Cadillacs touted the best craftsmanship offered in a General Motors vehicle in the 1950s and appealed to more conservative wealthy buyers, the stylish flagship Eldorado 2-door model convertible was re-badged the Biarritz, named after the elegant seaside town on the coast of France.  Itshardtop counterpart became the Eldorado Seville. The Biarritz was a huge hit with the rich and famous who wished to see and be seen in this elegant car.

In the 1960’s “Land Yachts” also ushered in the era of muscle cars.  The 1955 Chrysler 300 hardtop was considered by many as the first real muscle car, with its famous 331 cu.in . Hemi V-8.  Designer Virgil Exner with Head Engineer Bob Rogers' “Forward Look” hit its stride in 1957, with the Chrysler's egg-crate grille and four headlights body lines led back to huge fins and cathedral window taillights. The 1961 Chrysler 300G would be the last iconic “big fin” car in the Chrysler "letter-car" series having been inspired by the 1955 Ghia Gilda concept car. A pricey $5800 limited production with the front heavily modified to accept four angled headlights framing an egg-crate grille with body lines heading back to huge fins and cathedral window taillights. Sales climbed to 1,280 300G hardtops and 337 convertibles being produced in 1961.

The 1970 Plymouth Superbird 2-door was both a large car and one of the most powerful to ever to take to the streets.  The Plymouth Road Runner Superbird along with its sister car, the Dodge Charger Daytona, showcased the design that changed NASCAR forever. With its extended nose cone and massive rear wing, the car was much faster and more capable than all competitors in 1970 and was the first NASCAR to surpass the 200 MPH barrier.  The Road Runner Superbirdlives on today as perhaps the most iconic muscle car of all time, and the car that changed NASCAR forever. While it was dominant on the racetrack, it carried a friendly persona off the track. The Road Runner cartoon was included in multiple places on the car, giving the car a friendly charm. The car also includes a horn that resembles the cartoon’s ‘meep meep’ sound. The overall design was seen as extreme by many enthusiasts, and was clearly designed to compete on the NASCAR circuit.

These are only a few of the cars that will be on display.  Click HERE for a full listing of the cars on display in the “Land Yachts – Cruising the Interstate Highways” exhibit opening on June 4th and running through September 4 th , 2022 at the Audrain Automobile Museum.

“Many of the cars in the exhibition are among the largest of all time and brilliantly communicate the postwar confidence and booming economy of the USA in the 25 years following World War II,” said Donald Osborne, Audrain’s CEO.  “These iconic vehicles are a fascinating look back at a time when the engineering and design philosophy of American companies was to build vehicles to take full advantage of the newly created smooth roads across the United States.  We invite you to travel back in time to when land yachts ruled the roads.”

About the Audrain Automobile Museum

The Audrain Automobile Museum has 7,500 square feet of gallery space at 222 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, Rhode Island.  The Museum annually produces four (4) curated exhibits, typically displaying 12-20 vehicles cars of a particular period, genre or theme in a non-touch, self-guided experience.  These exhibits attract more than 30,000 visitors per year.

Audrain Automobile Museum , Inc., is an IRS approved 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization. For more information regarding the Museum, please visit, www.AudrainAutoMuseum.org .

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8 Classic American Luxury Land Yachts You Can Still Buy For Cheap

Often playing second fiddle to muscle cars, there are many truly luxurious classic American land yachts out there you can buy for surprisingly cheap.

When it comes to American classics , a few things come to enthusiast's minds. Muscle cars may be the most thrilling and iconic types of old-school American cars, and it's hard not to love their tire-shredding V8 power and un-apologetic brutal spirit . But, when it comes to luxury and comfort, a type of American classic known as "land yachts" is some of the best you can get for a pure luxury experience.

Incredibly, and often unnecessarily large, V8-powered, and plush on the inside, a land yacht refers to full-size luxury cars of the '60s and '70s, back when some genuine craftsmanship was used to make luxurious interiors, and massive bodies gave some boat-like handling, gliding over the road in great comfort . Often playing second fiddle to muscle cars, there are many truly luxurious classic American land yachts out there you can buy for not all that much money. So, read on, to see 8 such cars you can get for under $15,000.

9 Cadillac Eldorado (9th Generation)

The very definition of a "land yacht," when it comes to big and comfortable American cruisers, really doesn't get better than an old-school Cadillac. Especially so, the Eldorado stood out as the top-of-the-line model within GM's crowd of luxury cars.

A nameplate representing the top end of Cadillac's already high-end lineup since 1953, the Eldorado was a massive 2-door luxury beast fitted with the best luxuries whatever period it was sold in had to offer. For its 9th generation starting in 1971, the Eldorado shared a platform with the Buick Riviera and Oldsmobile Toronado, but was the supreme luxury model, with seats inside that are plusher than most sofas could ever hope to be, as well as a massive 500 cu-in V8. Not too hard to find in good shape for around $15,000 , the Eldorado is about the most luxurious car you can buy for this price.

8 Buick Riviera (3rd Generation)

Back when Buick used to stand for great luxury and style, the Riviera was a long-running model within Buick. Evolving with an incredible boat-tail design for its 3rd generation, this Riviera was a proper luxury car through and through.

Introduced for 1971 and lasting until '73, the unique Bill Mitchell-directed boat-tail design 3rd gen Riviera has also had a distinct interior design compared to its predecessors and successors. Designed with a dashboard that envelopes the driver and passenger, the Riviera's interior is among the most well-appointed for its time. Also supremely comfortable and powerful, the 3rd gen Riviera came equipped with a Buick 455 cu-in V8 with up to 265 hp. While you'll have to look for a '73 model if you want one at this price, the boat-tail Buick Riviera can be found for around $15,000 .

RELATED:  10 Coolest Features Found In The 1972 Buick Riviera

7 Buick Electra/Electra 225 (3rd & 4th Generation)

While the Riviera is a properly luxurious land yacht, it was slightly sportier and slightly smaller than its big brother - the Electra. One of Buick's range-topping luxury cars, the Electra was a massive uncompromising luxury cruiser.

Taking over the Super and Roadmaster nameplates in 1959, these two cars became the Electra, and Electra 225 respectively. As one of the top-end Buick models, the Electra 225 was and would continue to be packed with all the greatest features of the time. Entering its 3rd generation in 1965, the Electra could be had with engines like the Buick 455 cu-in V8 laying down 370 hp, and continued to use it through its 4th generation starting in '71 (though choked down by new emissions requirements). Incredibly large and luxurious, Electra examples from both the 3rd and 4th generation can be had in good shape for around $15,000 .

6 Lincoln Continental (5th Generation)

Ford's most luxurious car of decades past, the Lincoln Continental is iconic as a ridiculously big and luxurious coupe, being the ride of choice for past Presidents. Massive in every sense, the 5th generation Continental offers some great land yacht value.

A historic nameplate for Lincoln, the Continental first came about in 1940 as a stylish and luxurious coupe and convertible. Using large V8s for most of its model life, the Continental received a  462 cu-in V8 in 1966 , though shrunk slightly for the '70s, remaining at 460 cu-in up until 1979. Sold from 1970 until '79, the 5th gen Continental brought it up to modern specs and was packed with the greatest luxuries and features of its day - aiming squarely at Cadillac and their previously mentioned Eldorado. Not hard to find for around $15,000 in good shape, a 5th gen Continental fits the land yacht bill like few other cars do.

RELATED:  A Detailed Look At The Lincoln Black Label Continental

4 Oldsmobile Toronado (1st Generation)

You won't be finding a perfect examples at this price point, but when it comes to running and driving ones in need of a little work, you can own Oldsmobile's most unique looking stand-out luxury cars from their golden age for not much money at all.

Introduced in 1966, the Toronado replaced the Starfire as Oldsmobile's stylish personal luxury coupe , with plenty of innovation, power, and luxury inside. Getting its power from an Olds 425 V8, the Toronado made 385 hp and was the first FWD American car since the 1930s. The Toronado lasted until the '90s, but generations following the first became less spectacular and were choked down significantly by new regulations, dying in the '90s as an unremarkable machine, de-valuing the Toronado name significantly. Shockingly cheap for how innovative, luxurious and awesome it is, a '66-'70 Toronado can be found in decent condition for around $10,000 .

3 Oldsmobile 98 (8th & 9th Generation)

One of the longest-running names in Oldsmobile's history, the 98 stood out as the flagship luxury land yacht within Oldsmobile's lineup, being more conventional than the Toronado. Similarly seeing its nameplate dragged, a 98 can be found for relatively cheap.

Originating in 1940, the Oldsmobile 98 (also referred to as "Ninety-Eight") stood for the top dog in Oldsmobile's lineup. With their Series 60 being the small entry-level car for 1940, the Series 90 was the full-size king, and with an inline-8 (later a V8) under the hood was known as the 98 (Series 90 + 8 cylinders). Remaining on sale until 1996, the best mix of affordability and classic luxurious land yacht spirit can (arguably) be found in the 98's 8th, and 9th generations, spanning 1965 until 1976. You'll be looking at a price of over $15,000 for a decent '60s example, but the still large and luxurious early '70s ones can be found for around $10,000 in good condition.

RELATED:  10 Coolest Oldsmobile Classics You Can Buy For Peanuts

2 Pontiac Grand Prix (2nd Generation)

A nameplate dragged as far down as possible, the Grand Prix's final generations were frankly terrible plastic-filled commuters, but the early ones stood out as fantastic blends of power, luxury, and style rolled into one awesome personal luxury coupe.

Re-designed for 1969 , the Grand Prix's 2nd generation broke from the previous elegant styling, and combined tough muscle car looks with its land yacht proportions. Those muscular looks weren't just for show either, as the 2nd gen Grand Prix was powered by a choice of big V8s up to a 428 cu-in-unit pumping out 390 hp in '69. A similar mix of muscle car and luxury cruiser on the inside, the 2nd gen Grand Prix's styling may not be to everyone's taste, but at under $15,000 for a decent running and driving example offers a great deal for a big and luxurious classic muscle car.

1 AMC/Rambler Marlin

One of the most distinct-looking and unique of AMC's '60s classics, the Marlin was a short-lived model based on the personal luxury coupe formula, but with some unique twists to its design. Mostly forgotten today, the Marlin offers a great classic luxury bargain.

Debuting at the 1964 Chicago Auto Show as the Tarpon concept, designer Richard "Dick" Teague penned the flowing lines and dramatic fastback. Built on the Rambler American platform, the Rambler Marlin debuted in 1965 as a luxurious fastback coupe. A slow seller for AMC, the Marlin was updated in '67, now built on the AMC Ambassador platform as an AMC model - but was killed off that same year. A widely ignored, but comfortable cruiser, the Marlin can be found for around $10,000 in good shape.

NEXT:  This Is How Much A Classic AMC Marlin Is Worth Today

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A History of Moscow in 13 Dishes

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Why is Moscow called Moscow?

Philologists and historians agree that Moscow is named after the river that flows through it. But, what is the actual origin of the Russian word ‘Moskva’ and what might it mean? This has been the subject of extensive debate, but the truth remains elusive.

The Finno-Ugric theory

At the beginning of the first millennium AD, Finno-Ugric tribes lived on the territory of Moscow. Because of this, some experts have proposed that Moscow's name comes from the Finno-Ugric language group. In languages of this group, the element ‘-va’ usually means ‘water’, ‘river’ or ‘wet’. The ‘mosk-’ element is phonetically related to the word ‘mosk’ in the Komi language – and means ‘cow’. It was thus concluded that the name of the Russian capital means ‘cow river’ or, metaphorically, ‘nursing river’. This explanation gained popularity thanks to the support of the famous historian Vasily Klyuchevsky. However, it was later realized that the Komi people never lived close to the River Moskva – and the theory was judged to be flawed.

In another language of the Finno-Ugric group – Meryanic – the word ‘maska’ means ‘bear’, and ‘ava’ means ‘wife’ or ‘mother’. This phonetic resemblance has given rise to the theory that the Moskva River's name means ‘Bear River’ or ‘River She-Bear’. Meryanic was spoken by the Merya people and, according to the most ancient Russian chronicle, the 'Tale of Bygone Years', this ethnic group did, indeed, live in the eastern part of Moscow Region in the 9th century. But, since no other rivers with names ending in ‘-va’ have been found in this area, researchers have also rejected the theory.

According to the third Finno-Ugric hypothesis for the origin of the word, the name can be interpreted as ‘muddy water’. But, according to this version, the ‘mosk-’ element came from the Baltic-Finnic languages, in which ‘musta’ signifies ‘black, dark’, while the ‘-va’ element came from the Komi language. The derivation of two parts of the same word from different languages is doubtful and, to date, experts have not lent their support to any of the Finno-Ugric theories of the origin of the word ‘Moskva’.

The Scythian and Ibero-Caucasian hypotheses

If the theory of the Scythian origin of the word is to be believed, the name of the capital is derived from the word ‘ama’ denoting a ‘strong river’. The Scythians, who were acquainted with mountain rivers, would hardly have described the Moskva River with its sedate and placid flow in this way. But, the principal argument against the theory is that the Scythians never lived close to Central Russia.

The Ibero-Caucasian hypothesis is a hybrid version according to which part of the word derives from Caucasian languages and part from Finno-Ugric ones. Proponents of the theory have identified the ‘-va’ element as Finno-Ugric, retaining the meaning of ‘water’, and they believe the ‘mosk-’ part is derived from the name of the Moschi, a Caucasian ethnic group . The trouble is that the latter supposition is based exclusively on the formal resemblance of the two words and no historical facts have been found in support of this explanation. 

Slavic derivation of the word

Hypotheses about the Slavic roots of the Russian capital's name are numerous. But, the gist of most of them is that it's not the word ‘Moskva’ that should be analyzed, but its old form, ‘Mosky’. In the Old Russian language, the root word ‘mosk-’ had the meaning of "liquid, marsh, dampness, moisture". The name ‘Moskva’ would, thus, denote a "marshy, boggy place". Additional corroboration is provided by the fact that the Moskva River flows out of a marsh that, subsequently, got the name ‘Moskvoretskaya luzha’ (Moscow River Puddle).  

But, this hypothesis does not take into account the fact that, before the Slavs, the territory of Moscow was inhabited by tribes speaking languages of the Finno-Ugric and Baltic group. The region's principal river would hardly have been without a name before the arrival of Slav tribes nor is it likely that a name thought up by the Slavs was the only one that has come down to us.

The Baltic hypothesis

The idea that Baltic tribes could have given the Moskva River its name was elaborated by Doctor of Philological Sciences Vladimir Toporov. He observed that in the Baltic region a large number of rivers have the ending ‘-va’ and also discovered that the Baltic languages had a whole family of words similar in meaning to Russian ones, containing the element ‘mosk-’. Another not insignificant aspect is that rivers with names ending in ‘-va’ are to be found west of the River Moskva and are almost non-existent to the east – in other words, it seems probable that the name of the river is derived from the languages of tribes that later settled west of Moscow.

Toporov's hypothesis has two theories of the meaning of the capital's name. The first repeats the hypothesis of the Slav origin of the word. The second explanation for the name is that it signifies ‘winding river’. In the Baltic languages, words with phonetic similarities to ‘mosk-’ can have the meaning ‘knot’ and the Moskva River makes 11 major twists and turns within the confines of the city alone.

The fanciful theory

There are also completely improbable and fantastic theories of the derivation of the word ‘Moskva’. For instance, because of errors in old chronicles, the myth arose in the 17th century that a Biblical figure was involved in the founding of Moscow. The story goes that Mosoch (also known as Meshech), a grandson of Noah, was on his way from Babylon along with his tribe and, having reached the Moskva River, which was to be named after him, he "gave origin to the Muscovites in his own name". According to this legend, Noah's grandson not only gave his name to the capital, but also became the ancestor of the Slavs.

All the accounts of the derivation of the capital's name are mere suppositions – and researchers still can't determine with certainty the etymology of the word ‘Moskva’.

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What is mineral sands mining and why are farmers wary of its potential to lead us 'out of climate crisis'?

Mineral sands are used to make everything from electric cars and smartphones to sunscreen.

As Australia enters what Trade Minister Don Farrell is calling a "golden age in critical minerals development", mining companies are eyeing vast stretches of farmland in Victoria and New South Wales for mineral sand mines.

But farmers are concerned about the loss of agricultural land and future health of areas earmarked for mining.

So, what exactly is mineral sands mining? And what does it mean for the environment and the communities that live there?

Minerals needed for renewable energy transition

Australian National University professor of economic geology John Mavrogenes says a global transition to renewable energy is needed to avoid climate catastrophe, and will not be possible without critical minerals.

Australia is home to some of the earth's largest recoverable deposits of critical minerals, including rare earths, titanium and zirconium, which are found in mineral sands deposits.

"It seems like a strange position to say that we're going to mine our way out of the climate crisis, because we're programmed to think that mining is bad, and green is good," Professor Mavrogenes says.

"But we're in this quandary where we're going to need a lot of magnets and batteries if we're going to do this, and that's going to take a lot of lithium and rare earths, and we're going to have to get them from somewhere."

Valuable commodity

The minerals in mineral sands are used in batteries, magnets, aerospace, defence technologies, and health care.

University of Adelaide chemical engineering professor Nigel Cook says the world needs vast volumes of these minerals if it is to transition to renewable energy technology.

"Demand for the critical rare earths ... is certainly strong and is likely to continue to increase in the future," he says.

According to the International Energy Agency, producing an electric car requires more than 200 kilograms of critical minerals, including rare earth elements for magnets and lithium for the car's battery.

Producing a wind turbine requires up to 2 tonnes of rare earths to produce permanent magnets.

Australia's race to become a critical minerals leader

Professor Cook says Australia has the potential to become a critical minerals superpower.

"We've got fantastic resources in this country. We've got the know how, we've got the skills. And there's a lot to be gained from this," Professor Cook said.

Australia is home to about one fifth of the world's potential supply of rare earth elements.

It is also home to the world's largest deposits of zirconium, the world's largest deposits of titanium-rich rutile, and the world's second-largest deposits of titanium-rich ilmenite.

But Australian production of critical minerals is small in comparison to China, which dominates both world production and processing of rare earths.

"The Chinese really are controlling the rare earth markets, as indeed they are for a number of other critical minerals as well," Professor Cook said.

"And this is really why the federal government here and also in the US especially have tried to divert investment to make sure that there's a plentiful supply of rare earths to avoid situations in which China might restrict exports."

In October 2023, the United States and Australia signed a compact with the aim of working together to build a "clean energy supply chain" outside China.

The same month, the Australian government announced it would increase the funding available for critical minerals mining and processing to $6 billion in an effort to boost Australian production.

The government is also calling for private investment, unveiling in January 2024 a list of 52 "high-quality, investment ready critical minerals projects" in need of private funding, including mineral sands projects.

Not without cost

University of Sydney postdoctoral research associate and Minerals Policy Institute chairperson Lian Sinclair says developing a critical minerals industry in Australia will not come without costs.

"For all mining, there's an issue of land clearance, which has some kind of biodiversity impact, or if it's land clearing of farmland, then it's a loss of farmland," Dr Sinclair says.

"There's water use involved, and then there's tailings ... the waste product that's left from initial stages of processing."

Once mining was completed, companies are required to rehabilitate mined land, but Dr Sinclair says there are "very few successful examples" of former mine sites being returned to healthy natural ecosystems in Australia.

A 2017 report by the Australia Institute concluded that despite thousands of mine closures in Australia since colonisation, just a handful had been successfully rehabilitated.

Health concerns

Rare earth mining from mineral sands also typically generates radioactive waste, due to low levels of radioactive minerals uranium and thorium present in monazite.

Dr Sinclair says companies must find ways to safely handle radioactive waste to keep workers and community members safe.

"How well are those heavy metals and radioactive materials being separated from the environment? And how can the company guarantee that they will be separated from the environment in the event of floods, or other disasters in perpetuity?" Dr Sinclair asked.

Fast-tracking onshore processing

To extract the maximum value from Australia's critical mineral deposits, Professor Mavrogenes says Australia should develop the capacity to process the minerals itself, rather than shipping them overseas.

"If we want to just make 10 per cent [of potential income from] this multi-billion-dollar annual industry, then we should just dig and ship, which is what we traditionally do in Australia," he said.

"If we want to cash in on more of the supply chain, we're going to have to get more technical, and we're going to have to extract them and do something with them."

The Australian government is attempting to fast-track the development of onshore processing, granting $1.25 billion in investment funding from the Critical Minerals Facility to the development of mining giant Iluka's Eneabba rare earths processing plant in Western Australia — due to be commissioned in late 2025.

A rare earths processing plant built by Lynas in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, began production for the first time in December.

And proposals are in the pipeline for processing plants at other mine sites, including VHM's proposed Goschen mineral sands and rare earths mine in northern Victoria.

Farmers oppose mines

The mineral sands mines proposed for the Murray Basin cover tens of thousands of hectares of farmland, including prime cropping country.

Victorian Farmers Federation president Emma Germano cautioned the government to take "a slow and precautionary approach to mining development to ensure food and fibre production is not jeopardised."

Astron Corporation's Donald Rare Earths and Mineral Sands Project, which has been granted a mining licence but is still seeking finance, covers 2,500 hectares of land in Victoria's Wimmera region , with more than 40,000 hectares of primarily agricultural land  under exploration.

WIM Resources' Avonbank mine, near Horsham in Victoria, covers 3,546 hectares  of cropping country, while initial stages of VHM's proposed Goschen mineral sands mine south of Swan Hill will cover 1,479 hectares of agricultural land .

Both projects have sparked opposition from farming communities, with dozens of submissions calling on the Victorian government to oppose the projects and formed the lobby group Mine Free Mallee Farms.

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