1969 Buick Electra 225

The name Electra appeared in 1959 for Buick's senior models, when Buick renamed its series. The name was followed by '225' which designated the top of the line, signifying the vehicle's overall length of 225-inches. This would continue to be true a decade later, in 1969.

The Electra shared General Motors' largest C-body with the Oldsmobile 98 and Cadillac. This tradition would continue for the Buick Electra 225 Custom Convertible in 1969. The name 'Custom' was added in 1965 when a new C-body was introduced. It represented a higher, plusher trim level than the standard Electras. The base price for the convertible in 1969 was $5,168 compared to $5,900 for a Cadillac DeVille Convertible. A total of 8295 examples of Deville Electra 225 Custom Convertibles were produced in 1969.

Just as it had done during the 1950s, the Electra continued to flourish and was Buick's flagship vehicle during the sixties. By the close of the decade, it was given potent power-plants suitable for muscle cars of the era and outfitted the cars with comfort for everyday use. The Electra '225' was commonly called 'deuce and a quarter.'

The Buick Electra 225 had rear fender skirts, four ventiports on each front fender, and the lower bodyside had bright metal trim that extended from the front bumper to the rear, with a kick-up over the front wheelhouse lip. In the back were horizontal taillamps behind bright grids and Electra 225 emblems were on the deck lid and rear fenders. In the front was a unique grille with dual round headlights enclosed in square trim rings. Standard features included power brakes, power steering, an electric clock, custom padded seat cushions, side coat hooks, and carpeted floors and lower doors.

The Buick Electra 225 Custom body styles were the same as the Electra 225 plus a convertible, priced at $4,640. The standard price on the other three body styles was approximately $200 above the base price of the Electra 225. The Electra 225 Custom added a more refined and luxurious interior, vinyl and cloth bench seat or notchback type front seats for the sedan. The four-door hardtop and two-door hardtop had vinyl notchback front seats. The convertibles had vinyl trim, with a notchback front seat. Additional amenities found on the convertible included power windows and two-way power seat adjustments. A new Limited option package was offered on the Electra 225 Custom that added a split 60/40 bench seat with a center armrest.

1969 was the first year for standard headrests to comply with U.S. federal safety guidelines. The steering column had an ignition switch that locked the steering wheel with the transmission in 'Park.' This locking feature was found on all 1969 GM cars, one year prior to it becoming a federal safety mandate in 1970.

Mechanical changes for 1969 included a variable-ratio power steering system and a revised front suspension called 'Accu-Drive.'

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2007

The 1969 Buick Electra 225 was emblematic of the final era of full-size American luxury convertibles. This example is one of 8,294 built that year. It is fully equipped with AM/FM radio, cruise control, and factory dual exhaust. The 430 cubic-inch V8 engine with Rochester Quadrajet carburetor produces 360 horsepower. The price new was $5,822.