1974 Buick Electra — Today’s Tempter
You get a lot of metal for your money with Electras of this era.
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Massive with loads of chrome, these Buicks know how to make an entrance.
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Few cars say ‘America’ as much as the Buick Electra. They have that long, sweeping boot, and an equally long bonnet with a ridiculously large V8 engine underneath. It’s one of those cars that wouldn’t look out of place in a 70s gangster flick.
In 1959, the Electra replaced the Super and Roadmaster and Limited in the Buick line-up. There were three models initially, the Electra, Electra 225, and the top-of-the-line Electra 225 Riviera that shared its six-window roofline with the Cadillac Fleetwood. The ‘225’ in the car’s designation refers to its massive 225-inch overall length. A 401ci (6.6-litre) V8 was standard, but an optional 425ci V8 was also available.
In 1961, the car was redesigned with significantly smaller fins. The entry-level Electra and flagship Riviera were dropped from the line-up, leaving only the Electra 225. Although automatic transmissions had always been standard, the second-generation model received Twin Turbine Dynaflow automatic transmissions.
Along with most GM vehicles, the Electra 225 received a major restyling in 1965, and was given the iconic fastback roof profile from the time. Buick added two trim levels on the third-gen Electra; base and Custom.
Just in case the 425ci engine wasn’t big enough for you, in 1967 Buick updated the Electra to a 430ci (7.0-litre), and then to a 455ci (7.5-litre) in 1970.
That brings us to the model we see here, the fourth generation Buick Electra. This car, located in Victoria, is equipped with a matching-numbers 455ci engine, has new carpet, a new heater and looks to be in reasonable condition. The seller is asking $12,000 with a roadworthy certificate supplied.
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