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 Dan Vaughan

225 Convertible Coupe

The Electra Series 225 was Buick's top-of-the-line model in 1960. It was built for both speed and comfort and was considered to be at the front of the line against its competitors.

Commonly referred to as 'Deuce and a Quarter,' the nickname and '225' series designation came from its 225-inch length. The model is easily recognizable by the Electra 225 badge circled on the deck lid and name found on the front fenders.

The Electra 225 convertible was powered by a 401 cubic-inch V-8 engine that developed 325 horsepower. It was equipped with all of Buick's standard features, plus back-up lights, parking brake signal light, map light, two-way power seat, power windows and a Glare-proof rear-view mirror. It was trimmed in leather with optional bucket seats, which are included on this Electra.

225 Convertible Coupe
Chassis number: 8G1072572

Buick sales drastically declined in the late 1950's due to economical recession, unpopular styling, and product problems. In 1955 their sales reached 750,000 and by 1959 they had declined to barely 200,000. Buick needed to reverse their plummeting sales. Their solution was a bold move with styles and models that were devoid of the traditional Buick trademarks from the past. Throughout the early 1960s, Buick would debut new names, engines and designs that had never been seen before. Nearly all of their cars were remolded and either stopped production or changed the names of the well known Special, Super, Roadmaster, Century, and Limited to the LeSabre, Electra, and Invicta.

The Electra model was considered to be the most luxurious in the lineup. It was built for both speed and comfort and was considered to be the top car amongst its competitors. It was given the nickname 'Deuce and a Quarter' and was one of the highest selling Buicks for over 30 years.

The drastically restyled 1959 models were replaced by all-new models for 1960. Buick's flagship was the Electra, now riding atop a Buick-only 'K-member frame. The 1959 car had cantered headlights; for 1960, they were laid flat and parallel to the bumper, complementing the wider, longer and lower overall styling theme of the early 1960s. They had a pair of broad trim panels that cloaked the lower body of the Electra 225, neatly integrating the front and rear bumpers with the body of the car, and giving it a very clean and elegant look.

The Electra 225 Convertible had leather interior, power windows, a power-operated top, Super Deluxe wheel covers, an outside rear view mirror and the Safety Group. Standard equipment on all premium Buicks also included a padded dashboard, power steering, power brakes, two-speed wipers and dual exhaust outlets.

This Electra 225 Convertible has an older frame-off restoration that remains highly presentable in modern times. It has many options including factory-installed air conditioning, leather bucket seats with a two-way power-operated driver's seat, as well as a clock, a Wonderbar signal-seeking radio and a Twilight Sentinel automatic headlight dimmer.

225 Convertible Coupe

The Electra 225 Series was Buick's top-of-the-line offering in 1960, but this car is not a standard production model. In fact it is a one-off built by General Motors Styling Studio for Harlow H. Curtice, who had been the President of GM from 1952 until 1958. The present owner of this special car first saw it at a Buick Club of America National Meet in 1972 and was fascinated by it. Little did he known at the time that he would later get the opportunity to buy it in 1988.

225 Convertible Coupe
Chassis number: 8G2008048

The style of the delta-winged 1960 Buick is unmistakably 'jet-age.' Quad headlamps are set in simulated twin-jet nacelles. A 'Vista-Panoramic' windshield wraps around and canted tailfins sweep rearward. Buick's 'Tri-Shield' emblem made its debut on the 1960 models and front-fender 'ventiports' returned after a two-year absence. The lineup of 'Buick's All-Time Best' retained the new-in-1959 nameplates: LeSabre, Invicta, Electra, and Electra 225, in ascending order.

This top-of-the-line Electra 225 Convertible, finished in elegant Pearl Fawn, includes a wide array of options: air conditioning, front bucket seats and console, power windows, power antenna, Autronic Eye and Twilight Sentinal. A 401 cubic-inch 'Wildcat' V8 and 'Turbine Drive' automatic transmission, standard on Electra 225, provide an ultra-smooth flow of power. The restoration took four years (and two parts cars) to complete.

225 Convertible Coupe

The Electra represents the top-of-the-line full-size luxury car that was built by Buick from 1959 to 1990. Harlow H. Curtice, former president of the Buick division who would later become president of General Motors, named the car after his sister-in-law, Electra Waggoner Biggs.

During its more than 30-year run, the Electra was offered in various body styles including coupe, convertible, sedan, and station wagon. In 1960, it received a minor facelift that would tone down the styling. This would include the concave grille and horizontal headlights centered by Buick's 'Trishield' logo. The chrome VentiPorts returned, a signature from previous Buick models that was introduced in 1949.

Inside the revised instrument panel featured the 'Mirromatic' speedometer, which could be adjusted for better visibility. A new two-spoke steering wheel was included, with horn bars that replaced the horn ring of previous years. Power windows and a two-way power seat were also standard, while bucket seats were offered as an option, which included a center consolette with a storage compartment.

This Electra 225 measures 225-inchs overall, thus the name. It is powered by the venerable 401 cubic-inch Nailhead engine that produces 325 horsepower, backed by a two-speed Dynaflow automatic transmission. The owners of this car have personalized it with several modifications. It is one of 6,746 Electra 225 convertible coupes built in 1960.

225 Convertible Coupe

Many know that the 225 in the Electra 225 name refers to the car's overall length of 225 inches. What many don't know is that the Electra name was derived by Harlow Curtice, former president of the Buick division and later president of General Motors. He named the car after his sister-in-law, Electra Waggoner Briggs.

The 1960 Electra models received a minor facelift that introduced a sleek concave grille featuring horizontal headlights with the new 'Trishield' logo in the center. This logo is still in use to this day. Another feature for the 1960 models is the familiar chrome 'VentiPorts', first introduced in 1949, and a true Buick signature. The premium 225 models received four VentiPorts, while the lower line LeSabre and Invicta models received three.

The dramatic 'delta-wing' styling introduced a year earlier, perfectly captured the 'jet-age' excitement of the mid-century era. Quad headlamps were set in simulated twin-jet nacelles. The 'Vista-Panoramic' windshield provided a 'canopy-like' appearance and canted tail fins swept rearward.

Seamlessly powering Electra models is the 401 cubic-inch V8 engine and ultra-smooth Turbine Drive.

This example of Buick's top-of-the-line convertible was carefully owned and maintained by Edward Bracke and his son. Mr. Bracke purchased the car new from Jennings Buick in Cincinnati, Ohio. Upon his death in 1969, the car was passed to his son who kept it until he died in 2017. The family then sold the car to the current caretaker.

This car has received a complete restoration returning it to its original as-delivered glory. The Midnight Blue paint is complemented by the blue top and an ultra-rare two-tone blue bucket seat interior.

225 Convertible Coupe

1960 was the last year of the 'two-year' first-generation Electra 225 (model 4867), which in 1958 had been called the Roadster, 225 came from the car's overall length in inches, forever nicknamed 'deuce and a quarter.' For 1959, the Electra shared the GM C-body with the Oldsmobile 98 and all Cadillacs. Under the hood was the 401 cubic-inch Wildcat V8 Nailhead with 325 horsepower and a 2-speed Dynaflow automatic. Power windows and seat, plus leather interior, was stock for the Convertible. And back came the (four) chrome VentiPorts on the front fenders last seen in 1957. This rare example has been in the same family since 1962.

In the late 1950's, due to the combination of the economic recession that made small vehicles popular, unpopular styling, and product problems, Buick went into a sinking decline. Sales plunged from a high of nearly three-quarters of a million vehicles in 1955, to barely a quarter of a million units in 1959.

Discarding Special, Century, Limited, and Roadmaster, Buick began to pull itself out of the tailspin in 1959. They now favored the LeSabre, Invicta, and Electra. Through the efforts of Edward D. Rollert, a quality-committed new general manager, the Special name returned on a compact vehicle with an aluminum V-8 in 1961. One year later, the first production V-6 in the Special was offered and was named Motor Trend Magazine's 'Car of the Year'. Sales begin to climb, and production in the upper-series vehicles reached to more than 450,000.

Continuing to rise through the 1960's, a record of 821,165 was reached in the 1973 model year. Unfortunately due to the oil embargo late in 1973, sales plummeted to fewer than 500,00 in both 1974 and 1975.

Near the end of 1958, some of the most incredible vehicles to ever be assembled were rolling off the production line and onto the roadways of America. The year that the USA added Hawaii to the union, Fidel Castro took over Havana, Buddy Holly died, and Ben Hur earned the Best Picture Oscar, Buick was in the process of unveiling their brand new models in 1959.

In a bold and daring move, the traditional styling cues that had been long been Buick's trademark quickly disappeared overnight, along with the names that had been apart of Buick's stable for so long. No longer were the portholes, and the sweep spears that had been traditional for so long. Now, new names, new engines, new brakes, new chassis, and new transmissions were unveiled as Buick dangerously tried something new.

The LeSabre was considered to be the thriftiest Buick, while the Invicta was the most spirited Buick, and the Electra was highlighted as the most luxurious Buick. The Electra was built for speed and comfort and was considered to shine among its rivals. These brand new models were receiving glowing praise from the motor press and were reported to be selling like hotcakes. Though the steel strike of that year didn't do much to aid sales, the growing popularity of the times was drawn toward compact vehicles as the motoring public was growing tired of full-size cars.

With a very deserved street name 'deuce and a quarter', both the Buick Electra 225 and Buick Electra were full-size premium automobiles built by General Motors Buick division. Produced in a variety of nomenclatures, the Electra name was used by Buick between 1959 to 1990.

Before the Electra and Electra 225 came to the scene, the Buick Super, Roadmaster, and Limited constituted the upper class of Buick's superb lineup. Following their introduction in 1959, the Electra took the place of the Super while all of Buick's models were renamed. The Electra 225 took the place dominated previously by the Roadmaster and Limited models.

Sharing its 6-window hardtop roofline with the Cadillac Fleetwood, the top-line model of the Buick range was the Electra 225 Riveria. From the 1949 model year on, the 'Riveria' name had been used by Buick to signify a premium trimmed hardtop body style. In 1963, Buick dropped the Riveria name as a body style designation and instead utilized it as Buick's new personal luxury coupe. The Electra nameplate was also discontinued in 1963, leaving only the Electra 225.

The Electras were powered by Buick's 401 in³ (6.6 L) V8 from 1959 until 1966. An available 425 in³ version of the same engine was available from 1964 to 1966. The following year, the 1967 model offered a new Buick 430 in³ (7.0 L) V8, and a 455 in³ (7.5 L) version of the same engine replaced it in 1970. The 1959 through 1963 models had Twin Turbine DynaFlow, and the Triple Turbine was offered as an option in 1959. Automatic transmissions were always a standard option, and beginning in 1964, the Electra models were equipped with the Super Turbine 400/THM 400 transmissions.

In 1965, a major restyling was done on all GM passenger vehicles. To place more emphasis on the luxurious 4-door hardtop bodies, the 6-window body style was dropped in favor of the 4-door frame. The coupe models of 1965 were dominated by smooth and sinuous 'Coke bottle' lines and fastback roof profiles. The marketing strategy was changed by Buick in 65, and the Electra 225 was offered in two trim levels, base and Custom. The Electra 225 Custom 4-door hardtop was offered in a new 'Limited' option package and eventually became available on the two-door hardtop models as well.

In 1968, to emphasize the Electra 225's length, the stylists at GM did this through the use of 'blade' rear quarter panels. They also used the 'sweepspear' character line that ran the length of the body. The Ventiports also followed the curve of the sweepspear just forward enough to the front door in the Electra 225. Hidden in 1969, the windshield wiper blades were discreet, and the following year the vent windows on the front doors were eliminated.

For a decade, between 1967 and 1976, it was easy to see the similar forms and design hallmarks that dominated the Electra 225's design style.

From 1971 through 1973, the previous 4-door pillared sedan variant and convertible were eliminated, and all Electra 225 models were hardtops. The GM's pillared coupe body was adopted in 1974, and fitted with 'Landau' option in the Electa Limited Coupe. Though considered unpopular due to their extensive cost, optional driver and passenger airbags were available in 1974. Max Trac, a crude and limited version of traction control was available in 1974. All 225 coupes came with fixed rear side windows and center posts in 1975. And until the 1977 model, all 4-door models continued as hardtops. Though it came without any Electra 225 badges, a Limited model was available in 1974. In 1975, a new Park Avenue option package was available on the 'Limited' 4-door hardtop.

The longest 4-door hardtop GM car ever built was the 1975 Buick Electra 225 Limited. A return of the six-window configuration that had been available by Buick from 1959 through 1964, the model at 233.4 inches long, was even longer than the 1975 Cadillac Deville.

Between 1971 and 1976, all Electra models were powered by Buick's 455 in³ (7.5 L) engine. The 1971 model achieved a satisfactory 315 hp, but by the 1976 model year, it was reduced to a pitiful 190 hp due to the ever-increasing government-mandated emission controls. In favor of smaller, and more efficient powerplants, the impressive 455 engine was dropped after the 1976 model year.

In 1977, GM downsized their full-sized vehicles, and the third generation of Eletra's went close to it's once original size and length at 22 inches (5,715 mm). The 1980 model was once again downsized and lost the '225' distinctive part of its name. A first-ever diesel engine was utilized in 1978, as the 1977 through 1979 Buick Electras were powered with engines from various GM divisions. A modified grille was given to the 1981 model, along with a new powertrain as the Buick 350 V8 disappeared in favor of a standard Buick that produced 4.1 L V6. Unfortunately known to be troublesome, 350 in³ Oldsmobile produced diesel was also introduced and available for purchase. In 1981, Electra was featured for the first time since 1959 without 4 Ventiports. In 1985, the once top-line Electra Park Avenue model disappeared completely after continuing to show 4 small depressions with stickers in the chrome moldings on its front fenders.

Debuting on the GM C platform, a totally redesigned front-wheel drive Electra that included a performance-oriented T-Type version was showcased in 1985. Impressive, this was the only C Platform vehicle that utilized a forward opening hood. Though it had appeared unofficially as early as 1975, in1985, Park Avenue became an official trim designation within the Electra series. Replacing the quad headlight setup from the 1985 and 1986 models, the first use of integrated aerodynamic headlights was featured in 1987 models.

A new Park Avenue Ultra model featuring a standard leather trim interior along with a padded vinyl top, joined the Electra Limited, T/Type and Park Avenue models in 1989 and 1990. Basically combining the characteristics of the sportier T/Type and luxurious Ultra, the designation 'Ultra' was used on the next generation Park Avenue. An entirely diverse vehicle that was based upon the 1977 full-size GM station wagon body, the Electra Estate station wagon model was introduced briefly. To make way for the smaller Park Avenue and the larger Roadmaster, the last of the Electra production was seen in 1990.

by Jessican Donaldson

In the late 1950's, due to the combination of economic recession that made small vehicles popular, unpopular styling, and product problems, Buick went into a sinking decline. Sales plunged from a high of nearly three-quarters of a million vehicles in 1955, to barely a quarter of a million units in 1959.

Discarding Special, Century, Limited and Roadmaster, Buick began to pull itself out of the tailspin in 1959. They now favored the LeSabre, Invicta and Electra. Through the efforts of Edward D. Rollert, a quality-commited new general manager, the Special name returned on a compact vehicle with an aluminum V-8 in 1961. One year later, the first production V-6 in the Special was offered and was named Motor Trend Magazine's 'Car of the Year'. Sales begin to climb, and production in the uppder-series vehicles reached to more than 450,000.

Continuing to rise through the 1960's, a record of 821,165 was reached in the 1973 model year. Unfortunately due to the oil embargo late in 1973 year, sales plummeted to fewer than 500,00 in both 1974 and 1975.

Near the end of 1958, some of the most incredibly vehicle to ever be assembled were rolling off the production line and onto the roadways of America. The year that the USA added Hawaii to the union, Fidel Castro took over Havava, Buddy Holly died, and Ben Hur earned the Best Picture Oscar, Buick was in the process of unveiling their brand new models in 1959.

In a bold and daring move, the traditional styling cues that had been long been Buick's trademark quickly disappeared overnight, along with the names that had been apart of Buick's stable for so long. No longer were the portholes, and the sweepspears that had been traditional for so long. Now, new names, new engines, new brakes, new chassis, and new transmissions were unveiled as Buick dangerously tried something new.

The LeSabre was considered to be thriftiest Buick, while the Invicta was the most spirited Buick, and the Electra was highlighted as the most luxurious Buick. The Electra was built for speed and comfort, and was considered to shine among its rivals. These brand new models were receiving glowing praise from the motor press, and were reported to be selling like hotcakes. Though the steel strike of that year didn't do much to aid sales, the growing popularity of the times was drawn toward compact vehicles as the motoring public was growing tired of full-size cars.

With a very deserved street name ‘deuce and a quarter', both the Buick Electra 225 and Buick Electra were full-size premium automobiles built by General Motors Buick division. Produced in variety of nomenclatures, the Electra name was used by Buick between 1959 to 1990.

Before the Electra and Electra 225 came to the scene, the Buick Super, Roadmaster and Limited constitued the upper class of Buick's superb lineup. Following their introduction in 1959, the Electra took the place of the Super while all of Buick's models were renamed. The Electra 225 took the place dominated previously by the Roadmaster and Limited models.

In 1965, a major restyling was done on all GM passenger vehicles. To place more emphasis on the luxurious 4-door hardtop bodies, the 6-window bodystyle was dropped in favor of the 4-door frame. The coupe models of 1965 were dominated by smooth and sinuous 'Coke bottle' lines and fastback roof profiles. The marketing strategy was changed by Buick in 65, and the Electra 225 was offered in two trim levels, base and Custom. The Electra 225 Custom 4-door hardtop was offered in a new 'Limited' option package, and eventually became available on the two-door hardtop models as well.

For a decade, between 1967 and 1976, it was easy to see the similar forms and design hallmarks that dominated the Electra 225's design style.

The longest 4-door hardtop GM car ever built was the 1975 Buick Eletra 225 Limited. A return of the six-window configuration that had been available by Buick from 1959 through 1964, the model at 233.4 inches long, was even longer than the 1975 Cadillac Deville.

Between 1971 and 1976, all Electra models were powered by Buick's 455 in³ (7.5 L) engine. The 1971 model achieved a satisfactory 315 hp, but by the 1976 model year, it was reduced to a pitiful 190 hp due to the ever-increasing government mandated emission controls. In favor of smaller, and more efficient powerplants, the impressive 455 engine was dropped after the 1976 model year.

In 1977, GM downsized their full-sized vehicles, and the third generation of Eletra's went close to it's once original size and length at 22 inches (5,715 mm). The 1980 model was once again downsized, and lost the ‘225' distinctive part of its name. A first-ever diesel engine was utilized in 1978, as the 1977 through 1979 Buick Electras were powered with engines from various GM divisions. A modified grille was given to the 1981 model, along with a new powertrain as the Buick 350 V8 disappeared in favor of a standard Buick that produced 4.1 L V6. Unfortunately known to be troublesome, 350 in³ Oldsmobile produced diesel was also introduced and available for purchase. In 1981, Electra was featured for the first time since 1959 without 4 Ventiports. In 1985, the once top-line Electra Park Avenue model disappeared completely after continueing to show 4 small depressions with stickers in the chrome mouldings on its front fenders.

by Jessican Donaldson