BF Exclusive: 1960 Buick Electra 225 Convertible

• Seller: James H ill (Contact)
• Location: Portland, Oregon
• Mileage: 40,589 TMU Shown
• Chassis #: 8G2007947
• Title Status: Clean
• Engine: 401 cui Nailhead V8
• Transmission: Dynaflo

Unfinished project builds often divide opinions, but that shouldn’t be the case with this 1960 Buick Electra 225 Convertible. The owner completed the exterior cosmetic restoration around 2000, and the fact that it still looks so impressive indicates the work was performed to a high standard. The V8 under the hood was rebuilt in the 1990s, but the Buick has hibernated ever since. It desperately needs a new home with an enthusiast willing to add the finishing touches. Therefore, the current owner has listed the Convertible exclusively with us at Barn Finds with an asking price of $29,000 OBO.

Buick unveiled the First Generation Electra in 1959 as the marque’s luxury offering. As was common practice at the time, this Generation enjoyed only a two-year production run. Our featured Electra 225 Convertible rolled off the line in 1960 and would have turned heads in its eye-catching Tampico Red. The seller indicates that he discovered the rust-free classic hidden behind a barn in a dry desert location. He towed the Buick home, then handed it to professionals for a thorough cosmetic restoration. It hasn’t seen action since and has remained hidden in dry storage for approximately twenty-six years. The lack of deterioration confirms that all work was completed to a high standard. The image gallery shows the vehicle’s rust-free condition, while the close-up shots highlight how immaculate the paint and panels are. The owner hasn’t attempted to clean the Electra, stating that a layer of dust is entirely appropriate for a barn find that has sat for over two decades. The power top bows are intact, although the buyer will need to source a new top and weatherstripping. The restored trim is spotless, and the glass is crystal clear.

Buick adopted a “one size fits all” approach to the 1960 Electra 225’s mechanical specifications. Buyers received the iconic 401ci “Nailhead” V8, producing an impressive 325hp and 445 ft/lbs of torque. The two-speed “Dynaflow” automatic transmission was standard, as were power steering and power brakes. The company may have marketed the Electra 225 as a luxury model, but with so much power and torque on tap, the performance was pretty impressive by the standards of the era. The owner confirms that the Nailhead was rebuilt in the 1990s and that the car has covered only approximately two miles in the past thirty years. It will undoubtedly require a thorough inspection, brake work, tires, a new exhaust, and routine servicing. However, returning the Convertible to a mechanically roadworthy state is an achievable short-term goal.

As befits a luxury car, Buick ensured that life aboard the Electra was extremely comfortable. Convertibles received leather trim, power windows, a two-way power seat, a clock, a pushbutton radio, lights in the glovebox and trunk, and the funky “Mirromatic” gauge cluster, which allowed the driver to angle the gauges for optimal viewing. The first owner added to the luxury impression by ordering the car with the rare bucket seats and the upholstered plywood consolette. Part of the Convertible’s planned restoration included a faithful interior retrim. The upholsterer sourced the correct Red and White leather, but he was unable to complete the work due to deteriorating health. However, the owner includes the leather, believing that everything required to recapture the interior’s youthful good looks is present.

As the range-topping model, the 1960 Buick Electra 225 Convertible wasn’t cheap when new, and the sales figures support that. Only 5,493 buyers paid a premium for the drop-top, making these very rare classics. This one is a gem, and completing the restoration will be straightforward and rewarding. Whether it is on the street, at a show, or at a Cars & Coffee, the chances of parking beside an identical example are very slim. If exclusivity is important to you, this Buick deserves a closer look.