Regardless of size, class, or cost, one aspect I wish hadn’t been nearly phased out of most automobiles is the availability of a two-door option in the model’s lineup. Not too many decades ago, most manufacturers seemed to place almost as much importance on the coupe version as the sedan, and more in some cases, with the seventies Colonnade-era Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme coming to mind as an example. Luxurious offerings with only a pair of doors were often exceptionally stylish, with this 1983 Buick Electra Park Avenue here on Unique Classic Cars looking about as chic and fresh as the day it was born, with the seller claiming it’s traveled less than 1,000 miles. This beauty is in Mankato, Minnesota, and is premium-priced at $39,900.
We’d like to thank Barn Finds reader Jack M. for the great tip here! Besides the fact that the almost forty grand cost might alienate some potential buyers, there’s certainly not much to find fault with here, as this Buick ticks most of the right boxes for the period. The Park Avenue was the top trim level for the Electra in ’83, and this one comes from a time when plush seats were all the rage in high-end interiors. It’s also from an era when the speedometer stopped at 85 MPH, but the important number on that gauge here comes from the odometer, as it shows just 00904 miles. Only the radio is listed as inoperative, and the A/C is said to still be blowing cold.
It’s always preferable to hear the backstory on why a vehicle more than four decades old hasn’t yet reached the thousand-mile milestone, but we don’t get one here, although the seller notes the Carfax report indicates there have been no accidents reported and no odometer discrepancies. Most mid-eighties GM paint isn’t known for its long-term durability against the elements, but the finish here has held up well, and the vinyl top is also reported to show few imperfections. The factory power sunroof is a desirable option, and the only obvious add-on outside is some custom pin striping above the grille and on the trunk lid.
Three engines were available for the Park Avenue in ’83, including a gasoline V6 and V8, plus the short-lived dreaded diesel option. This one is equipped with the most ideal of the trio, a traditional 307 V8, though it’s not exactly spirited, with a HP rating of 140. However, with such limited use, there’s probably some good life remaining for the next owner to enjoy. I wouldn’t mind seeing this one spending most of its time sitting in my garage if there was room, and while the condition seems top-tier, nearly $40k is a bit out of my reach for a mid-eighties General Motors luxury car. What are your thoughts on this 1983 Buick Electra Park Avenue?
Where was this hiding? I had an ’82 Electra 2 door but the Limited ( a notch down fro. The Park Ave) tripple burgundy crushed velour seats and the Buick factory Mags which, to me, really made the car. I agree with Mike, I used to see this color on so many GM cars back then, and it did not hold up well outside, not as bad as the silver or light blue, but it did fade. The shine on this one, if it is original, which I think it is is astounding. The gas cap is hidden in the trap door between the tailights which I always thought was a neat trick. This litterally is a brand new Buick. The Olds 307, along with the 200 R4 THM overdrive and also a very tall rear in these would not win you any stop lighty Drag Races, but once you get these rolling on the highway, its as good as any DeVille. I’d hate to drive this thing and ruin it. But what is it REALLY worth??? I’m thinking the price tag is a reach. But, this may be one of the nicest low mileage examples left.
Great car! 👍🏻 Pleasure to drive.