From 1959 to 1990, the Electra was king of the hill at Buick. It was their finest car along the lines of the Oldsmobile 98 and was just a small notch below that of the Cadillac DeVille. The 225 moniker was earned due to the length of the car in inches, something that wasn’t quite as applicable when the vehicles were downsized in 1977. This ’77 Limited Coupe may only have 32,000 miles and looks almost as good as the day it left the dealership. Needing only minor attention, this beauty is offered by a dealer in Mankato, Minnesota, and here on Facebook Marketplace for $16,900.
The big C-body automobiles at GM were cut in size in 1977 for better fuel economy. As a result, the Electra lost nearly a foot in length and 800 pounds in girth, yet passenger space remained about the same. True hardtops were gone, so only pillared sedans were now offered. The smaller package needed less power, so the 455 cubic inch V8 was dropped in favor of 350 and 403 engines. Sales improved by 30% over the land yachts of 1976.
Since a dealer is involved in this sale, the history of this ’77 Electra is “limited” (pardon the pun). Service notations support the mileage claim as factual, and the car is numbers-matching. The original owner opted for the 403 engine (supplied by Oldsmobile?), paired with the TH-400 automatic transmission. Part of the exhaust system is new, along with the rear brakes, and the factory A/C has been upgraded though the blower fan doesn’t work. The build sheet is included to help verify the car’s credentials.
The dark green paint, half vinyl roof, and plush interior all present well. A piece of rocker panel trim is missing, but should be available. Racy looking Cragar SS wheels are on the car, but the original steel wheels and covers will go along with the sale, should you want to go back to factory. Buick produced nearly 38,000 Electra Limited Coupes in 1977, and this could be one of the nicest ones left. Bravo to T.J. for the fine tip!
My father had an Electra that looked very similar to this, I can’t remember the exact year but it was this generation. It was the last car he owned before he stopped driving, and my mother asked me if I wanted it (it was always garaged and had low miles). I said no because I didn’t want an “old man’s car”! Now the tables have turned and I would have no problem with owning the featured car (and I’d keep the Cragars).
My dad had a ’78 Electra,silver with matching quarter roof,then he had the hood,roof and trunk painted black. Came with the 350,power windows, locks and seat although the seat motor wiring needed some work. It was a one owner car when he bought it, then gave it to my brother who promptly destroyed it.