In response to the energy crisis of the early 1970s, General Motors set about “right-sizing” its cars beginning in 1977. It was really more about downsizing and full-size machines like the Buick Electra were the first to shed size and weight to be more fuel-efficient. The changes resulted in no loss of passenger or luggage space, so sales of the ’77 Electra Limited Landau Coupe were strong. This one is owned by a senior citizen who will no longer need transportation as this one has only traveled 500 miles a year since new. Could this be the nicest one left?
From 1959 to 1990, the Electra (also Electra 225) was the top-of-the-line luxury car sold by Buick and was on par with the Olds 98. With the great shrinkage of 1977, the Limited became the car to own if buying a Cadillac wasn’t on your shopping list. The loss of 800 pounds meant that a 350 cubic inch V8 could now do the work of what a 455 did the year before. You could opt for a 403 built by Oldsmobile if you were so inclined. Nearly 38,000 Limited coupes were built to augment the 82,000 4-door sedans that were sold with that trim level.
We’re told that this Buick is as it was when it rolled off the assembly line 47 years ago. Except for the tires, which are brand new. The odometer reading is correct – 23,000 miles, not 123,000. The body and paint are flawless, and the interior looks as though it has never been sat in. The overall appearance of this vehicle is what they mean by stepping out of a time capsule.
If these cars suffered any due to GM’s efforts to build a more sensible automobile for the times, I don’t know what it would be. While an automobile like this is a departure from the non-descript luxury cars of the 21st Century, this vehicle should turn lots of heads when touring down the road. From Franklin, Tennessee, this survivor is available here on craigslist for $14,500 or the “nearest offer”. Sounds reasonable considering what cars go for these days.
What a combo of style and luxury – I like the landau roof and the velour interior with woodgrain accents. A little effort spent cleaning up the engine bay would have been an improvement.
Interior comfortably sleeps 2 💤 😴 🛌 better than some boats.
One of my work colleagues referred to my Electra 225 as a “Zzzzzz-Car.”
I know theres going to be a lot of opinions here. But Cadillac Olds and Buick were great solidly built cars. They could get decent gas mileage on the highway. Very comfortable and were a much needed change for the times. The Buick factory mags make any Electra look better in my opinion. I had them on my 82 and it looked much better than the wire wheel covers. I sure hope someone babys this thing, just like it was papered since 1977 with its original owner. The color combo is fantastic too, nothing against brown, but this is a nice change. Thank you for yhe nice write up Russ, you did a great job. And thanks for the memories.
123K not 23k…….Look at the engine…..
Side of the driver’s seats show it also
Russ, GM’s “Project 77” was started in 1972, well before the 1973 oil embargo, so it couldn’t have been a response to the energy crisis. GM’s leaders authorized the downsizing program before the energy crisis made it imperative. It was an *enormous* risk, and they deserve credit for having the courage to do it.
Had a four door 77 Limited and it was a good car. If I remember correctly mine had the 403 Olds under the hood. Same color but a full white vinyl top. Here’s the kicker, same interior, used to call it blueberry cheesecake! Been through quite a few pick aparts and that interior fabric isn’t seen often at least I haven’t. But was a good solid car and low mileage car that I picked up off a senior at the time.
This car does not appear to be a 23,000 mile car. It does appear to have been garaged and well taken care of. This ‘downsizing’ resulted in too much sharing between the different divisions and it was obvious. This was the beginning of the end for real automobiles.
And talk about fully-optioned. One thing worth noting, this car has the extremely rare and very expensive (first year offering) Delco AM/FM stereo with digital display. It was only available on the TOL Olds and Buick models, and specific Cadillacs. On Olds, it added an -extra- $364 to the base radio. Besides a digital readout of the frequency, it’d tell you the time, the date and even elapsed time of your trip.
RUSS in my old ‘HOOD this one and the DUECE & and a Quarter 225were the hot ones if the Caddies were too much for your pocket. Stll today in the HOOD they are highly desired ..PURE STYLE!
123,00
The Limited and Park Ave were great hwy cruisers. I’ve always been a big fan of the 77-78 Park Ave.
I’ll take the Continental in the background!