1963 Buick Electra 225 Convertible

The 1961 Buick Electra was quite changed from the year prior. The wheelbase was about a third of an inch shorter, windshields were all-new and no longer wrap-around, and bodies and rooflines were virtually all-new. Anything even remotely resembling tailfins was also gone. Styling resembled the B-body LeSabre, but with the Electra based on the larger C-body, (shared with Cadillac), it was obvious to all but the most casual observer that this was the top-of-the-line, and the four portholes on the front fenders also gave notice of its rank ahead of the three seen on the LeSabre, Invicta and all-new Special. The 401 V-8 engine that was introduced for 1959 continued with the same 325hp, but this was more than adequate. Buick's own Variable Pitch Dynaflow automatic, known by 1961 as the Twin-Turbine automatic, was the smoothest in the business. Power of the massive 401 engine was not blunted but enhanced by the now perfected transmission. There was no fear about stopping, either, with Buick's famous steel lined finned aluminum drum brakes. For 1961, the Buick Electra was sold in four-door sedan, (the best seller), hardtop coupe and hardtop sedan, while the even more upscale Electra 225 was sold in Riviera hardtop sedan and convertible coupe. The 225 Riviera hardtop sedan came within 99 units of being the best seller. The 1963 cars were re-skinned and re-roofed, with new windshields which had finally lost any vestige of wrap-around kink at the bottom edge. The 401 engine remained the only choice, with body choices being the same as 1963. The “Riviera” nomenclature for the four-door hardtop disappeared, having been transferred to the all-new personal luxury coupe introduced that same year.

Enter this 1963 frame off restored Buick Electra 225 convertible for consignment in soul soothing Willow Green, a top that goes down with the flick of a switch and a powerful V8 under the hood, it's hard to pass this one by. This car begs for a felt Stetson with a tweed band and some side feathers, and a thin necktie. A beautiful complimenting ivory interior gives this 2-door convertible plenty of class, whether it's the commute and from work, or out for a Sunday drive…remember those?''. "Sadie", as the car has become known for the last 15+ years, has served our consignors well, faithfully transporting them to shows and their daughters and nieces to proms and weddings and has even been leased to movie sets.

Exterior
Straight steel all bathed in a respray of the original Willow Green paint which presents very nicely. Overall, the paint is well applied with only minor inclusions and cracking of the finish but we do note some color difference on a few of the panels, particularly the driver's door along with some surface rust on the sides. Dramatic crisply peaked fenders and quarter panels are dominant features on this body, strikingly unique among the GM brands, but aiding owners with regards to outermost body locations while driving. Atop the rear quarter panel fins we see a bright stainless trim spear which flows rearward and ends just above the rear bumper and encircles the reverse lights. This thin trim spear also runs forward down the sides at the mid beltline and wraps around the clean and clear glass. Chrome for the bumpers shows some tarnishing and has some patina and rusting on the rear bumpers. Just above in the front is the grille, which is made up of horizontal chrome bar and is flanked by dual headlights on either side. More chrome trim highlights the ample windshield glass and passenger compartment. A tight dark green convertible top is on with no tearing and only minor staining. This top is power actuated and has a plastic rear window which has a light fogging to it. 15-inch turbine style chrome wire wheel covers with Buick badged center hubs are wrapped with thin whitewall 235/75R15's on all 4 corners.

Interior
Near perfect faux leather pattern Sandalwood vinyl is interplaying with chrome trimming, smooth vinyl and vertically stitched vinyl wrapping around the door panels. A padded Sandalwood armrest runs the full gamut of the center on the doors holding the toggles for the power windows and mirror joystick, and green carpeting covers the lowers. Inside we are met with a sprawling split bench front seat in more clean Sandalwood vinyl. Smooth bolsters with white piping separate them from the wide section tuck and roll inserts. A rear bench is in back in the same pattern with a central chrome dressed speaker and looks nearly unused. In front of the driver and the original steering wheel is a symmetrical dash with a central Buick tri-shield badge, and dark greenish brown for the padded dash top and Sandalwood for the metal painted dash front. A few brushed and ribbed aluminum panels are also here housing the pulls and knobs. The original AM/FM radio resides here as well as the heat/defrost slides just above that appear to have been also used in fighter jets of the era. Like new dark green carpeting floods the floors and compliments the Sandalwood vinyl splendidly.

Drivetrain
Under the hood is an engine aficionado's dreamland where the Buick engineers have placed a 401ci Nailhead V8. This turquoise painted mill is topped with a 4bbl carburetor, turquoise painted coverings, and a black air cleaner assembly. A 2-speed Dynaflow automatic transmission is on the back, and the rear axle weighs in with a 3.23 ratio. Some age dust and patina grace the engine bay, but things remain corrosion free overall and appear very nicely restored.

Undercarriage
Clean with an ample application of rustproofing texture coating is seen throughout and even surface rust hasn't dared to rear its head save for the untreated components. All strong and black for the frame, flooring, rockers and suspension with only a light dusting of surface rust where the paint was thinly applied. Independent coil spring suspension up front and a 3 link with coil springs in the rear provides the ride, and the power drum braking brings you back to earth safely. Also, a stock style dual exhaust system is seen snaking its way rearward from the Nailhead under the hood.

Drive-Ability
Thanks to a stretch of mild late summer weather we dropped the top, donned our shades and off to the test track we went. All was performing just nicely with snappy acceleration, good solid handling, and bias free braking. All seemed to be working during our drive save for the clock not keeping time, and even though it wasn't necessary we took a second lap just to enjoy the smooth Buick ride and soak up some sunshine.

In the middle ground, nestled between Oldsmobile and Cadillac, and often overlooked in favor of a Pontiac. But though often neglected, Buick can be an affordable point of entry into the full-size field of early Sixties cars carrying the Electra badge for several years as the company steered its sculptured creations towards America's growing families. Undeniably stylish and surprisingly sporty, they sold quite well, but have since been overshadowed by the DeVille and Bonneville offerings. This bodes well for collectors on a budget who want to get into a rarely seen GM-built Sixties car, will that collector be you?

8J3006479

8-Electra 225
J-1963
3-Linden, NJ Assy Plant
006479-Sequential Unit Number

TRIM TAG

10C-3rd Week October
STYLE 63 4867-1963 Electra 225 Convertible
BODY BL267-Linden Body #
TRIM 830 2-Sandalwood Vinyl, Black Roof
PAINT JJ-Willow Green

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.