For luxury buyers wanting more than a Holden
America’s love affair with affordable prestige helped Buick products build and broaden their market appeal throughout the 1960s.
Buick began the decade with frumpy designs and sales that hovered around 250,000 units annually. By 1970 it was characterized by classy, powerful shapes generating annual sales that exceeded 665,000 putting Buick fifth on the US automotive sales charts.
Big Buicks were popular as well with Australians who maybe weren’t at the Cadillac end of the import market but still wanted something better than a Holden-assembled Pontiac.
Well-heeled buyers were likely to choose the imposing Electra, often a pillarless Hardtop version, with lots of lazy power from a 401 cubic inch (6.6-litre) ‘Nailhead’ V8. Most came with abundant accessories including electrically powered windows, seats and mirrors plus air-conditioning. Standard seat trim was patterned vinyl, with brocade cloth or leather available.
Right-hand drive conversion was essential and expensive. Engineering standards at the time weren’t stringent either and a lot of those imports later failed roadworthy checks.
For 1965, the Electra shape changed minimally but its chassis design was altered significantly. In the interests of safety, improved ride and weight reduction, a new perimeter frame chassis replaced the old X-Frame.
With it came two versions of the 425 cubic inch (7.0-litre) V8, with single or dual-quad carburettors. Power from ‘dual quad’ engines peaked at a very decent 235kW, but Electras running this style of induction are now hard to find.
For 1967 came a new body, adding General Motors’ ‘Coke Bottle Hip’ to the Electra’s profile and a new grille with links to the sporty Wildcat. Sports wheels were optional, so too power-assisted front disc brakes.
A new 430 cubic inch engine arrived in ’67 and two levels of trim – Electra Custom and Electra 225 – were available. The 225’s features included retractable seat belts and head restraints on front seats that were bucket or bench with electric adjustments. The folding top fitted to convertibles was power operated and its systems were complex to maintain. Making sure the top raises and lowers easily and quietly is essential before agreeing to purchase.
Electra’s next major change came in 1969 with the addition of a Limited version. These featured trim upgrades, more elaborate hubcaps, body embellishment and badging.
For 1971, as regulators clamped down on engine emissions and output was curtailed, Buick quietly increased the capacity of its big-car engines from 430 to 455 cubic inches in order to maintain performance.
Reduced compression ratios and ‘smog’ controls still pulled power back by an estimated 20 percent and manufacturers from 1972 were obliged to prove their claimed horsepower figures, accounting for some quite dramatic declines.
Although most of the original 1960s arrivals haven’t survived, Electras remain freely available and prices haven’t as yet reached extreme. The local market during 2022 turned up a tidy-looking, still LHD convertible at less than $40,000 while Hardtops in good condition cost around $30,000.
VALUE RANGE ELECTRA (1964-71 Hardtop)
FAIR: $15,000
GOOD: $26,000
EXCELLENT: $42,000
(Note: exceptional cars will demand more)
BUYER’S CHECKLIST
Body & chassis
Post-1965 Electras sit on a ‘perimeter’ chassis which provides slightly better crash protection than the earlier ‘X Frame’. Rust is a problem and any car you buy, especially if it is located overseas, must have an on-hoist inspection. Replacement panels are scarce in Australia and anything you can freight in the same container as the car will be worth having. Replacement windscreens can be supplied locally for around $350 but side-glass needs to come from the USA and freight costs have become horrific. Excellent original bumpers are priced at US$2000 and one supplier estimated freight to Australia at $750. Get a video of the bar to check for damage and peeling chrome.
Engine & transmission
Two versions of Buick’s big-block engine were available during the 1960s; 401 and 425 cubic inch capacities prior to 1967 then the modern 430 cubic inch version. During the 1970s came 7.4-litre 455s which guzzled fuel and didn’t do much for performance. Cars at the top of the market really need clean engines with no leaks, valve train rattles or smoke. Check around cylinder heads and back of the engine for oil weeps. Three-speed transmission is effectively a GM Turbo 400; durable and easy to repair or replace. Dual four- barrel carburettors were an option but finding them today is very difficult. Single, remanufactured Carter and Rochester four-barrels cost around A$1000 ex-USA.
Suspension & brakes
These are heavy cars and drum brakes even in perfect condition will fade after a couple of high-speed stops. Overheated drums can go out of shape and cause the pedal to pulse under light pressure. Prices for new repro drums range from US$650-1000 per set but add as a minimum A$250 for freight. Coil springs, especially at the rear, sag and need to be periodically replaced, however springs, shock absorbers and steering components are being remade and are not expensive. Older RHD conversions can deteriorate in nasty ways and must be professionally inspected.
Interior & electrics
Slow and shuddering window lifts are common in older US models and a chore to fix. New window motors are available, starting at US$300, but frames and regulators will be second-hand. Materials to refurbish Electra interiors are available at various prices, with correct-pattern seat vinyl, door trims and carpets likely to cost $5000. Reproduction wiper motors are everywhere at A$350 including freight but check with suppliers to ensure they will work in a RHD converted car. During 2022 a brand new Eight Track player to fit the Buick dash was spotted for a freight-inclusive A$1400.
1961-1974 Buick Electra specs
NUMBER MADE: 1.2 million (approx)
BODY STYLES: Integrated body/chassis four-door sedan, two and four-door hardtop, station wagon & convertible
ENGINE: 6554cc, 7041cc or 7446cc V8 with OHV & single or dual downdraft carburettors
POWER & TORQUE: 268kW @ 5000rpm, 641Nm @ 3200rpm (430 V8)
PERFORMANCE: 0-96km/h 8.4 sec, (430 3-speed auto)
TRANSMISSION: Three-speed auto, three-speed manual
SUSPENSION: Independent with coil springs, shock absorbers & anti-roll bar (f) Live axle with locating links, coil springs and shock absorbers (r)
BRAKES: Drum or disc (f) drum (r) power assisted (discs optional from 1967)
TYRES: 8.85-15 bias ply
From Unique Cars #473, Dec 2022