1961 Buick Electra

Buick introduced the Electra 225 in 1959 as their top-of-the-line model, replacing the Roadmaster which had served in that position since 1936. Buick redesigned its models for 1961 and the Electra 225 wore four ventiports per front fender along with identification lettering on the front fender plaques. Body styles included a sedan, a 2- and 4-door hardtop, and a convertible. 7,158 examples of the Convertible were built in 1961. Production of the second-generation Electra would continue through 1964.

The Electra 225 was well equipped with power steering, power brakes, glovebox light, Custom-padded seat cushions, Deluxe wheel-covers, and a two-speed windshield wiper and washer system.

The entry-level Special rested on a 112-inch wheelbase, the LeSabre and Invicta on a 123-inch wheelbase platform, and the range-topping Electra 225 on a 126-inch wheelbase. The Special was equipped with a 215 CID V8 with 155 hp, the LeSabre used a 364 CID V8 with 250 hp, the Invicta and Electra 225 had a 401 CID V8 with overhead valves, a cast-iron block, five main bearings, hydraulic valve lifters, a four-barrel carburetor, a 10.25:1 compression ratio, and delivered 325 horsepower. The Special used a three-speed manual transmission and a Dual-path Turbine Drive was optional. The Series 4300 Skylark could be equipped with a four-speed manual transmission.

The Electra 225 sedan had a base price of $3,830 and 13,818 examples were built. The four-door hardtop listed for $3,930 and 8,978 were built. The two-door hardtop was the most exclusive in the lineup with 4,250 units built having a factory base price of $3,820.

For customers seeking even more luxury, Buick offered the Series 4800 trim level on the Buick Electra 225. They featured extra chrome stripes along the lower body, and Calias cloth or leather trim interior. Additional features included a safety buzzer, courtesy lights, a two-way power seat, Super Deluxe wheel-covers with gold accents, power windows, and a Glareproof rearview mirror.

The Electra 225 Series 4800 hardtop sedan cost $4,350 and the two-door convertible coupe at $4,190. 13,719 were hardtop sedans and 7,158 were convertible coupes. The combined Series 4700 and 4800 Electra 225 production was 47,923 units accounting for approximately 17 percent of Buick's total production.

by Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2017