401 Nailhead: 1959 Buick Electra Hardtop

This 1959 Buick Electra Two-Door Hardtop is a relatively rare beast, but the first owner’s decision to order it in the two-tone Spring Accent paint scheme makes it even more special. The car presents beautifully, and having spent most of its life in Arizona, it is rock-solid. The interior is spotless, and the mighty “Nailhead” V8 provides excellent performance for such a heavy beast. I must tip my hat to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting this Buick listed here on Craigslist in Maple Ridge, British Columbia, Canada for C$84,500. At the current exchange rate, that’s US$59,000.

Buick introduced the Electra in 1959, utilizing the same C-Body platform as the Oldsmobile 98. Bill Mitchell handled styling just before he became Vice President, Styling Section, when Harley Earl reached the company’s mandatory retirement age. Fins remained a dominant styling feature, but the Electra stood out for its relatively restrained use of chrome. The grille and chrome rocker covers dazzle, but the remaining brightwork is subtler than equivalent offerings from other marques. This first-year example is the relatively rare Two-Door Hardtop, making a bold statement in Arctic White and Shalimar Blue. This combination was part of the company’s “Spring Accent” range, a mid-year introduction that let buyers give their new purchase a distinctive appearance. The seller bought the Buick in 2003 and had it repainted in 2006. Two decades have passed, and its lack of deterioration suggests a high-end approach. The paint shines warmly, and there are no panel bumps or bruises. There is no visible rust, and the underside shots seemingly confirm that years in Arizona have left it rust-free. There is dry surface corrosion, but no evidence of developing steel penetration. The bright trim and tinted glass look exceptional, and the full wheel covers and wide whitewalls add the ideal finishing touch.

There is no escaping that, with a curb weight of almost 4,750 lbs, this Electra is a fairly heavy beast. It could have been an automotive slug, but Buick ensured it wasn’t. It equipped this car with a 401ci “Nailhead” V8, a two-speed “Twin Turbine” automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. The Sales Brochure quotes power and torque figures of 325hp and 445 ft/lbs, and while it won’t burn rubber, it should be an effortless performer in city traffic and on the open road. The seller says they recently rebuilt the transmission, resealed the torque tube, and upgraded the brakes with a dual-circuit master cylinder for safety. The Electra runs and drives perfectly, ready for action with its new owner behind the wheel.

The theme of spotless presentation continues inside this Buick, with the seats fitted with new covers by the previous owner. The seller replaced the carpet, with the lack of general wear and tear consistent with the car living a sheltered life. The wheel appears to be cracked, but that is the worst of its cosmetic issues. The speedometer is a mystery, seemingly showing this Electra traveling at 50mph in the seller’s driveway. The buyer may need to send it for repair, although it doesn’t rate a mention in the listing. It isn’t lavishly equipped, as the pushbutton radio is the only obvious factory option.

Buick produced only 11,216 examples of the 1959 Electra Two-Door Hardtop, making it a rare car in its own right. The first owner’s choice of the Spring Accent paint scheme adds to its rarity and helps it stand out in a crowd. The seller’s price puts it at the top end of the market, but I believe it’s justified. Values have climbed faster than the market average over the past couple of years, and if that trend continues, this Buick could be a solid investment. Hmm, a stunning classic with a V8 under the hood that is ready for action and could provide a future financial windfall? I can’t think of anything negative about that concept. Can you?