Wearing new tires and Wisconsin license plates, this 1981 Buick Electra Park Avenue is located in Phoenix, Arizona, and it shows some signs of sun damage, or maybe it’s just age. The bumper filler material, both front and rear, has seen better days, but a lot of us have seen better days. This 65k-mile luxury coupe is posted here on craigslist, and they’re asking $8,800. Here is the original listing, and thanks to Tony P. for the tip!
We don’t know for sure, but I’m guessing this car belongs, or belonged, to a snowbird, someone from a state that gets cold and snow for half the year, so they travel to the south to avoid that mess. Cars from Wisconsin can still have trouble with cracked and eroding bumper filler material, of course, but heat tends to play a factor in that soft, pliable material losing its former glory. Think of it like human skin, which also degrades from too much sun (I’m looking at you, Arizona).
I’m not sure why there’s no rear license plate shown here, but they show a front license plate. Arizona doesn’t require a front license plate, but all states require one on the rear. Also, the new-looking blue-whitewall tires aren’t mentioned in the listing, but I’m guessing those are new. It’s hard to argue with this era of the Buick Electra Park Avenue, though; they’re typically very nice cars, and a two-door is an eye-catcher. This car is almost 19 feet long, so check your garage space first.
Light Sandstone paint with a Light Sandstone vinyl top is a classic combo for a Park Avenue, especially one in the desert. Maybe it should have been white if it’s a Wisconsin car to mimic the snow instead of the desert sand. The interior doesn’t appear to show any cracks or sun damage, so that’s great news. At least from what we can see in the photos. The seats are likely as comfortable as riding on a cloud, and the back seat looks equally nice.
The Park Avenue in this era was a top trim level for Buick’s Electra, and this example, as is almost always the case, could have used an hour or two of engine detailing to really show off the 4.1-liter OHV V6, which was rated at 125 horsepower and 205 lb-ft of torque when new. Passing through a three-speed automatic and sending power to the rear wheels, the seller says it runs and drives great, and everything works, including the AC. Any thoughts on this big Buick?
Euh actually the overdrive 200r-4 was mandatory with the 4.1 as GM wanted to showcase that a V-6 could be a viable option with decent fuel millage. Would love one even today
Robert, this site shows both versions being available with the 4.1 V6.
https://www.automobile-catalog.com/car/1981/1481795/buick_electra_park_avenue_coupe_4_1l_v-6_automatic.html
But, Wiki says you’re correct!
“The 4.1 L V6 and 307 V8 engines were paired with the new 4-speed THM200-4R automatic transmission, which used a lockup torque converter and a 0.67:1 overdrive ratio. With this new transmission, the Electra could be equipped with a numerically higher rear axle ratio for better performance, while offering improved fuel economy with the overdrive range.”
Thanks for the info, sir.