Buick Electra

De buick electra The Buick Electra 225 and the Buick Electra were car models from the Buick brand and were built between 1959 and 1990. In 1959, the Buick Super, the Buick Roadmaster, and the Buick Limited were Buick's top models. 1959 was also a year of change for the American brand, during which the naming, engines, and designs, among other things, were completely changed. Almost everything was renewed, and the Electra became the brand's new luxury model, always featuring an automatic transmission.

The model replaced the Super, and the Electra 225 replaced the Roadmaster and the Limited. The 225 referred to the length of the car in inches, which is why the model was also called the 'Deuce and a Quarter'.

1959 Buick Electra

Dashboard of a 1959 model

Within the luxury Electra series, the Electra 225 Riviera was the flagship model. The Riviera designation indicated a hardtop with 6 windows. In 1963, the Buick Riviera became a separate model, while the Electra was discontinued, leaving only the Electra 225.

In 1965, all models were redesigned and given more flowing lines. The six-window bodies disappeared. GM's marketing strategy changed, after which the Electra 225 was available as a Base and Custom version. From 1959 to 1966, the model was powered by a 6,6-liter V8 engine from Buick. From 1964 to 1966, a version 425 of that engine was also available. Starting in 1967, the model received the new 7,0-liter engine, which was replaced in 1970 by the even larger 7,5-liter.

Electra 225 from 1968

Electra 1971 – 1976

Between 1971 and 1973, all Electra 225s were built as hardtops. The 4-door model remained a hardtop until 1977. In 1974, Buick introduced the Electra Limited Coupe, which was based on GM's pillared coupe platform. All coupes had fixed rear windows, and from 1974 onwards, they no longer received Electra 225 emblems. The Park Avenue option package became available for the Limited 4-door in 1975. At 5,93 meters, the 1975 Buick Electra 225 Limited was the longest 4-door hardtop General Motors ever built and was longer than the Cadillac Deville.

Electra from 1972

Buick Electra 1977 – 1984

In 1977, the model was downsized, meaning it was no longer actually 225 inches (5,715 m) long. In 1980, the model was made smaller again, and consequently, the 225 designation was removed from the name. In 1981, the model received a new grille and was no longer available with a V8 engine. The four small air intakes on the sides also disappeared, with the exception of the top-of-the-range Park Avenue model, where they were replaced by stickers until they finally disappeared completely in 1985.

1979 Buick Electra Mayfield

Buick Electra 1985 – 1990

In 1985, the model was completely redesigned into a front-wheel-drive car based on the General Motors C-platform. The Park Avenue model designation was also officially introduced, although it had already been used since 1975. A sporty version was also introduced, which was named the T-Type. In 1989, the Park Avenue Ultra was added to the lineup, combining luxury with sportiness. Furthermore, there was a station wagon, but that was in fact a completely different car. The final version was produced in 1990, after which the model made way for the smaller Buick Park Avenue and the larger Buick Roadmaster.

1985 Buick Electra Park Avenue

Interior of a 1985 Buick Electra Park Avenue