- Seller: James H (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.
This a nice car. It will go for a lot less and I bet it will fall in the hands of a younger gen who sees the value in fixing this one up.
The lines on this is incredible, from the rear, the view it rivals the Impalas of the time.
The price seems a bit high, but, time will tell. It is rare and body and trim look outstanding.
One of my FAVORITE all time convertibles & cars the ’60’s Buick deuce & a quarter!!
What with me being Brit/South African, Buick lover, this Electra would appear to me to be a tad over priced considering that it needs a new top, most of anything made of rubber, the upholstery to be redone even if the leather is supplied is surely going to cost an arm and a leg! Hagerty have a couple of really nice looking, 1960 Electra converts, runners, with under 80,000 miles on the clock for around $30k.
“Entirely appropriate” for it to be covered in dust. LOL
(from the Seller) If you all feel that my family’s Buick is a bit overpriced compared to other “for sale” examples, I am willing to be flexible. Finding such a cool car with such a rust free condition is becoming more and more rare for a desirable convertible in possibly the best paint color and interior colors and rare buckets and primitive factory console configuration. I wish we could have finished it while my Dad was still alive. This car is 66 years old and in such remarkable condition. He would be 104 this year. Yes I have a reserve but if some reasonable bids come in, I could be swayed to lower/remove reserve. Have a great day! Someone with upholstery background would be perfect match!
nice Buick. this was a great body style. 30k and still needs at least 5k+. if it could be had cheaper it would be a good deal.
Can you hear them? They talk about us. Telling lies, well that’s no surprise.
I can “gogo” with this reference.
Darn, trying to sale at that price, wouldn’t you think someone would put a little elbow grease into cleaning and detailing a little bit??
Wouldn’t you really rather have a Buick?
Yep. Way back when I owned a 1951 Buick Super which I wish I still had, however, it wouldn’t be practical here in UK because our stupid back roads were built by the Romans and are only wide enough to allow two chariots to pass.
I was 10 back then.. Frank Sinatra had a popular song called ”high hopes”…. much like finishing this car…. NEVER give up….
The 90’s were 35 years ago. You’re going to have to give this one a good look all over. At 30k it might take a bit. If it weren’t so far away I might have given it that look. Alway’s kind of liked these duece & a quarter.
GLWTS
I am surprised that there are no photos of the very interesting dashboard. 1960 and 1961 had the adjustable reverse mirror for the ribbon speedometer and idiot lights.
….the dashboard photos would have to be of a dashboard that actually exists… and putting that dash and speedometer together again will be at least 50% of the massive effort already required to do the car…
I said above ”never give up”… but if you don’t start, you don’t have to give up…
@chuck
Thanks for pointing that out, Chuck. I had to enlarge the pictures to see that there is no dashboard, and I feel you are correct. Unless you know what you are doing, putting that dash back together would be $$$
Reinforce frame add switches ha
Pictures don’t do this justice. Lots of little details make this a fine ride. Wish I could give it a home.
Did you go and take a look at it?
The dash is a couple electrical connectors and a few bolts. I removed it to spray dash with fresh coat of paint. All fasteners in baggies with notes to where they go.
Dash is very simple design. Easy to reinstall
For me if I had the proper funds I would do a complete overhaul rotisserie total off frame restoration inside and outside to bring it back to complete Buick showroom quality and then add it to my aAntique, Classic and Vintage Automobile Collection. That’s the only way for me.
For me if I had the proper funds I would do a complete overhaul rotisserie total off frame restoration inside and outside to bring it back to complete Buick showroom quality and then add it to my aAntique, Classic and Vintage Automobile Collection. I would leave no stone unturned.That’s the only way for me.
For me if I had the proper funds I would do a complete overhaul rotisserie total off frame restoration inside and outside to bring it back to complete Buick showroom quality and then add it to my Antique,Classic and Vintage Automobile Collection. I would leave no stone unturned. To have Bucket Seats are rare very rare indeed. That’s the only way for me.
This car is without a doubt beautiful. But… the only thing that might not need to be gone through again is the body (if it was done correctly 26 years ago). Who every is going to purchase this beauty better really be ready to negotiate or you will find yourself up side down in a hurry.
***(Seller)*** I unloaded all the parts and gave it a bath so the quality of the body and paint work can be captured in some new pictures. Unfortunately, I can’t add new pictures on Barn Finds so I listed this 1960 Buick Electra 225 convertible on Ebay Motors and have 40 pictures in that listing. The paint really pops when freshly washed. I have 99% of the parts to finish reassemble interior including new leather. Engine rebuilt, body and paint done, ready for new convertible top and interior reupholstery. I have reduced the asking price on the Ebay listing but cannot revise in the Barn Finds. Check out Ebay Motors and make a bid.