1960 Buick Electra

Buick introduced the Electra in 1959 replacing the Super, and the Electra 225 replacing the Roadmaster. Buick's 1959 lineup now included the entry-level LeSabre, the Invicta replacing the Century Series 60, and the range-topping Electra and Electra 225. The LeSabre was powered by a 364 cubic-inch V8 engine with 250 horsepower while the other models were powered by a 401 cubic-inch, overhead-valve V8 developing 325 horsepower. Transmission options included a three-speed manual, Twin Turbine Dynaflow, or Triple Turbine Dynaflow. The LeSabre and Invicta shared a 123-inch wheelbase chassis while the Electra and Electra 225 had a 126.3-inch platform.

The lineup continued unchanged into 1960 with design updates that included rounder and softer lines, and milder rear tailfins. Styling updates to the Electra and Electra 225 included a concave grille, horizontal headlights, and Buick's new 'Trishield' logo. The Electra had four ventiports and Electra script on each front fender and wider rocker panel moldings. The interiors were done in cloth and Cordaveen interiors and standard features included power steering, power brakes, deep-pile carpeting, padded instrument panel, Step-On parking brake, electric windshield wipers, cigar lighter, dual sunshades, Mirrormatic adjustable speedometer, and dual horns. Additional amenities included Deluxe wheel covers, Deluxe steering wheel, glove box light, electric clock, and a two-speed Dynaflow automatic transmission.

Powering the 1960 Buick Electra was a 401 CID V8 with five main bearings, hydraulic valve lifters, a four-barrel Carter or Rochester carburetor, and delivering 325 horsepower at 4,400 RPM. Body styles included a sedan priced at $3,860, a hardtop sedan at $3,960, and a two-door hardtop coupe at $3,820. Both the sedan and hardtop sedan had similar production figures with 13,794 examples of the sedan produced and 14,488 of the hardtop sedan. 7,416 were hardtop coupes.

The Electra 225 had more features, brightwork, and accouterments than the Electra. It was highlighted by ribbed, lower body bright trim panels, Electra 225 badge on the deck lid, and Electra 225 name on the front fenders. The interior had Brisbane cloth on closed body styles while the convertible was trimmed in leather with bucket seats for front passenger optional. Additional standard features included a two-way power seat-adjuster, power windows for the convertible, back-up lights, parking brake signal light, safety buzzer, map light, a Glare-proof rearview mirror, and Super Deluxe wheel covers.

Body styles on the Electra 225 Series were a sedan, priced at $4,300, a hardtop sedan also at $4,300, and a convertible coupe priced at $4,200. 8,029 of the sedan, 4,841 of the hardtop, and 6,746 of the convertible coupe were built. Both the 1960 Buick Electra and the Electra 225 had 126.3-inch wheelbase, and the Electra had a length of 221.2-inches while the Electra 225 was slightly longer at 225.9-inches.

Optional equipment included Twilight Sentinel automatic headlamp dimmer, tissue dispenser, compass, Guidematic, White sidewall tires, heater and defroster, dual exhaust, a six-way power seat, Sonotone radio, and more.

Buick placed ninth overall among American automobile producers for 1960, with 307,804 vehicles built. Buick demonstrated the performance and durability of its product by taking a 1960 Buick to the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida where it was driven at speed for three-and-a-half days, covering 10,000 miles and averaging 120.12 mph. At times, it reached in excess of 130 mph. Buick ultimately decided not to publish these results due to the Automobile Manufacturer's Association (AMA) ban on high-performance advertising.

Buick redesigned the Invicta, LeSabre, and Electra for 1961 and this new design would continue through 1964. Buick would continue to use the Electra name through 1990 over six generations. The name 'Electra' was for the heiress and sculptor 'Electra Waggoner Briggs.'

The Electra 225 was named for its overall length. Among the many new features offered by Buick for the first time included separate heater controls for the front and rear passengers; a new device called Mirrormagic, which allowed the driver to adjust the angle of the instrument dials; and a Twilight Sentinel that automatically turned on the car's headlights at dusk and turned them off at dawn. Vented wheels and wheel covers were designed for greater brake heat dissipation, and the exhaust system was completely redesigned too.

by Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2020