If luxury and low mileage sit at the top of your Wish List for a classic car, this 1976 Buick Electra 225 Limited deserves more than a passing glance. It presents extremely well for a survivor of this vintage. This is hardly surprising, with the seller claiming that the Buick has a genuine 32,134 miles showing on its odometer. This is no idle boast, as it is fully documented within an enormous folder of included paperwork and Service Records. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder numskal for spotting this stunning Electra listed here on Craigslist in Laguna Beach, California. The seller set their price at $22,500 for a classic that will offer its new owner the best in luxury motoring.
Buick’s Fourth Generation Electra range graced showroom floors from 1971 until 1976. The company’s latest offering was physically larger than any vehicle to wear the Electra badge to that point, and subsequent models would begin the downsizing process that was driven by the need for improved fuel economy figures as the 1970s evolved. Our feature Electra 225 Limited rolled off the line during the final production year, with the first owner selecting to clad its exterior in Mount Vernon Cream paint with a contrasting Buckskin Landau-style vinyl top. The car’s presentation is impressive for a genuine survivor. The paint shines nicely, the vinyl is in good condition, and there are no major panel bumps or bruises. A close inspection reveals small paint chips and marks, but leaving the Electra untouched is a valid approach to protect its survivor credentials. Unsurprisingly, this Buick is rust-free, with the Californian climate doing its best to preserve the classic steel. The trim and glass are excellent, and the Buick rolls on a sparkling set of sports wheels that are, according to the original Window Sticker, a later addition.
Buick adopted a “one size fits all” approach to the ’76 Electra’s mechanical specifications. Buyers received a 455ci V8, a three-speed automatic transmission, and power-assisted steering and brakes. With power and torque figures of 205hp and 345 ft/lbs, the Electra 225 Limited was a surprisingly energetic performer for a car weighing in at over 4,600 lbs. The news for potential buyers is positive, with the seller holding an enormous folder of documentation confirming the ultra-low odometer reading. It appears that this classic has been meticulously maintained, and it shows when you view this YouTube video. The Buick runs and drives perfectly, with no smoke, squeaks, or other odd noises.
Interiors will often tell the true story of the life a classic has led. Abuse or neglect will reveal itself through damaged upholstery, broken plastic, or stained carpet. This Buick has avoided those problems, with its interior condition consistent with the odometer reading. The Tan leather seats look soft and inviting, with the remaining trim equally impressive. The dash and pad are spotless, and there are no visible aftermarket additions. Of course, the first owner virtually guaranteed that this Electra would need nothing, loading its interior with air conditioning, power windows, power locks, six-way power front seats, a power antenna, cruise control, a tilt wheel, a rear defroster, low fuel warning light, and an AM/FM radio/tape player.
This 1976 Buick Electra 225 Limited is an extremely tidy survivor, and its documented odometer reading makes it a pretty special classic. However, it needs to be, because the seller’s price is well above the market average. There is no doubt that the first owner pulled out the stops when ordering this classic, loading its interior with virtually everything an enthusiast would want if luxury sits at the top of their Wish List. The price may prove a sticking point for many, and with the car already spending almost two weeks on the market, that suggests that the seller hasn’t been overwhelmed by inquiries. Would you be willing to pay $22,500 for this Buick, or do you have another price in mind?
Yet another normal car from 50 years ago that looks incredible “in the wild” now. Maybe a little high but if it’s ready to be driven, conserved, and (above all) enjoyed without pouring in another $5k, it may not be a bad choice.
It’s sad that Buick has deteriorated from this to now offering only SUVs with turbocharged engines with the largest one being a 2.5L.
This beauty was designed for, and cries out for a set of white wall tires. (IMO) Black walls on a luxury car of this vintage cheapens the look. GLWTS!! :-)
Agree 💯 w Moparman. White walls w this beige paint. Wow that’s a sweet Buick, loaded, big motor.
I totally agree with you and others Moparman about the tires. I would go a step further and put some vogue tires on it. Why some others would want to make other modifications is beyond me.
White letter tires, Crager SS, big-ass continental kit and a luggage rack on the trunk. Now did I miss anything? Side pipes?
First thing I said when I saw this car. Needs at least the narrow striped whitewalls, but I may go for Coker wider whites.
Not many Park Avenues had leather, let alone Limiteds.
Looks like a great ride, a/cs been done, but about $15-18k for me.
All “Park Avenues” were Electra Limiteds, there never was a model year 1976 Park Avenue.
That was just an option package, only available on the Electra Limited 4-door hardtop sedans.
Those cars (1975 & 1976) were the biggest production cars Buicks ever built and also the longest hardtop sedans GM ever built with an overall length of 233.4 inches.
To Erik. Yup I know that PA was just a trim option in 75-76. What I meant was I never saw too many P As in general throughout the years with leather until the early 90s ,when leather became more prevalent.
I did see a white ’84 PA at a show a couple years ago with grey leather. Had those rare ribbed aluminum rims with the larger center cap, too.
I’ll have to question if this car has leather or vinyl seats. I know Adam and the seller both mentioned “leather” but it looks like vinyl to me.
First option on the sticker is “Leather Upholstery”
Blowing up the picture of the sticker, it looks like it came with “FI(or F1) White Wall Steel Belted Radial Tires JR70-15/8′
Interestingly, there is also this entry “F8 Spare Tire Deletion – Spare Tire Will Be Furnished To Dealer When Available”
There are so many options listed, it would be interesting to know if there are any that were not included.
I do believe sunroofs were an option available on some GM cars. And I believe I also recall seeing CB radio as an option back in the day.
If I was able to buy this Buick, I would keep the black walls. Give it true dual exhaust, a few other modifications to beef up the motor a little bit. Then some suspension work to improve handling, then, ta da! The perfect sleeper.
Add a 3.42 gear also Tim for some more get up and go. 👍🏁 😎
My 75 year old back wants it. My wallet isn’t so sure, but it’s a honey. I envy the new owner.
My grandfather owned a 1971 225 4-door hardtop. It had the 455 which was rated at 350 hp. What a difference 5 years of government regulations did to strangle these engines.
An old friend of mine had one like this, but it was 3-way black. What a gorgeous car.
You wouldn’t get the drop on the gaudy red ’64 Impala but you’d catch him by the on-ramp. Once you’re on the highway it’s goodbye Fonzie.
A far more dignified ride, to boot.
A gorgeous car. But five years after a Buick 455 would / could have had 385 hp, it wa suffocated down to 205 hp. Now that’s just sad. But it’s a beaut, and I’d have it. I’ve been driving a 72 Cad CdV with a 472 for 6 years now, with 45K original miles on it (385 hp), and it has plenty of pep.
Nice land barge cruiser . Very Clean. 455 engine with a lot of torque!