The Greatest Trunk Space in Car History: Chrysler Imperial Lebaron and Other Giants
The quest to discover the car with the largest trunk space in automotive history has fascinated car enthusiasts for decades. This exploration delves into the legendary Chrysler Imperial Lebaron, its impressive trunk capacity, and how it compares to other mass-produced sedans and modern vehicles.
The Chrysler Imperial Lebaron
Amid the armchair discussions and heated debates, the 1956–1975 Chrysler Imperial Lebaron stands out. Its trunk volume of 20.5 cubic feet (581 liters) is widely considered the largest for any mass-produced sedan in history. Notably, comparisons to other sedans showcase the magnitude of the Lebaron's trunk capacity. Models such as the Cadillac Escalade (2022 version) have a cargo volume of 25.5 cubic feet (722 liters) when the seats are up, making it only marginally larger than the Lebaron's trunk. Additionally, the 2022 Subaru Forester has a cargo volume of 520 liters (18.36 cubic feet) when the seats are up, which is still smaller than the Lebaron's trunk.
Usage and Popularity
In its heyday, the Chrysler Imperial Lebaron was a popular choice for criminals in the United States. Its large, spacious trunk, akin to a truck bed, allowed for significant hidden storage. Unlike station wagons, the Lebaron did not have windows on its trunk, providing an ideal hideaway for illicit goods and materials. Interestingly, the car's lack of windows in its trunk may have contributed to its image as being desirable for its large storage capacity, echoing the rumors of mafia staff cars capable of storing large quantities of cargo.
Other Noteworthy Cars
While the Chrysler Imperial Lebaron is a clear standout, there are a few other older cars that could make a claim to the title of car with the largest trunk space. The 1948 Dodge Coupe, for example, has not been listed with its trunk volume in many sources. There are claims it may have even surpassed the Lebaron, with a taller trunk but possibly shorter overall dimensions. Similarly, the Dodge/Chrysler 300 series from the 1960s and 1970s is remembered for its spacious trunks, often fitting up to 8 large suitcases or more. These cars were favored by traveling salesmen and, during its era, by organized crime for its excellent cargo capacity.
Current Trends and Modern Alternatives
As SUVs became more popular in the 1990s, their cargo capacity offered a modern alternative to cars with larger trunks. Today, modern SUVs and trucks continue to lead in cargo volume, with vehicles like the Cadillac Escalade and SUVs such as the Chevy Blazer or Suburban providing ample space for various practical needs. These modern vehicles are designed with practical family use and business demands in mind, offering significant improvements in cargo space over their car counterparts.
While the Chrysler Imperial Lebaron remains a legend in terms of trunk space, the evolution of automotive technology continues to bring new and innovative solutions to cargo capacity, setting new standards for modern vehicles.