Buick Electra (1959 – 1972) Review
Buick Electra (1959 – 1972) At A Glance
Full-sized American, with power to match and elegant styling
Less of a following than some of the more obvious alteranatives
The launch of the Electra saw Buick return to the large car class with a more modern interpretation of the old Roadmaster range. The slightly sporting large car was huge – especially in 225 form, which as its name suggests, was 225in long (in the stretched body version). There was plenty of power though - a 6571cc V8, producing 325bhp delivered ample performance. Three years after launch, the standard car was dropped, and the range lifted by appearance of facelifted models produced under the direction of Bill Mitchell, GMs chief designer. The bodies were simpler and less bulky, especially the 'convertible look' two-door coupés.
For 1965, the Electra 225 received a major restyle and the same 325bhp V8 as used in the high performance Buick Wildcat model. This was further improved in 1966 when a Custom series was introduced, featuring plush interior trim. By 1967, the cars were getting bigger and bulkier again, but with more body contours and increased power output for the V8 engines, up to 360bhp. Two years later, the Electra 225 received another body rework and although still a large car, looked graceful.
