Beginning in 1959, the Electra (and 225) would become Buick’s most opulent full-size automobile. It held that honor for more than 30 years before the Park Avenue came along. The “225” designation would be coined for the length of the car in inches, and it was sometimes referred to as “deuce and a quarter”. This edition from 1973, keeps the “big is beautiful” image going and is in pretty good shape. With 62,000 miles, this large luxury car is in Moultonborough, New Hampshire, and is available here on craigslist for $6,499. Oh, it also had a bit part (we think) in an unreleased movie based on a Stephen King novel, Salem’s Lot. Hats off to Mitchell G. for the interesting tip!
The fourth generation of the Electra 225 was around from 1971 to 1976 and was the last before GM began downsizing its products for better fuel economy. The ’73s were minimally changed from the ’72s except for bigger front bumpers (government safety mandates) and more tightening of emissions controls. Sales of the 225 stayed steady going into 1973 at 177,700 copies with at least two-thirds of them being 4-door hardtops like the seller’s version.
Given its age (and perhaps mileage), this Buick sports a rebuilt automatic transmission and new tires. That has enabled the car to accomplish several runs between New Hampshire and Massachusetts at the comfort you would expect from a 225. A 455 cubic inch V8 was standard fare in these cars and that’s what’s in the cruiser here, presumably original to the car.
We’re told the body and paint are in decent shape, but the vinyl top will need replacing (seems to be separating above the windows on the passenger side. It may be a movie star in the making, but the film it was in has been shelved by the studio for the past two years. As such, the Buick may never get its 15 minutes of fame, which sounds like a real shame. A couple of the photos may be from the flick.
Coincidentally, I had the pleasure of pulling up behind a two door hardtop ’72 version of this car, as it didn’t have the park bench front bumper. It appeared to be triple green and was immaculate! I followed it for a few blocks out of my way just to drool over the styling glory that once was Buick! The car sported a small chrome lettered script in the back window proclaiming “Old Skool”! GLWTS!! :-)
Very reasonably priced beauty, I’d replace the top and enjoy it for what it is. I can see myself waxing this car on a lazy August afternoon. I wish I could buy it.
One afternoon? That’s a two Turtle Wax can job!
Man, what a ride!
Last of the REAL Buicks. Love the formal roof. For 74 or 75, Buicks broke up the look by an Intrusive extra window. This is truly ELECTRAfying without even trying. Truly a Bon Marche. Only issue for me is the lack of cushy velour seats. Hopefully someone will 🎵 REALLY 🎶 Rather have 🎵 THIS Buick 🎶. Sadly, Buick like all the rest now concentrate on S(You)Vs!
The boss on my first job had one just like this. Nice car. Boss was a tyrant.
Great price in this day & age.Someone will get a great classic on the cheap.
My dad brought home a “73 Electra 225 two door, yellow with brown vinyl top…called it his sports car as it was the first two door he had owned in many years. When you opened the Quadrajet four barrel you could see the gas gauge decline…
I grew up with two Electras in my family. The ’70 got 10mpg and the ’76 got 16 mpg. If I remember, that was highway mileage.
I learned to drive in my Dad’s ’74 – big, beautiful, and rode like my living room couch. His was burgundy, and was a joy to drive, although learning to parallel park was a real task! Loved that car, but knew I could never afford it when the gas crunches started coming along.
I seem to recall a Buick on here, a while back, that was supposed to have been in that movie.
Same car?
I just love these giant four door hardtops. Dinosaurs that will never roam the earth wild and free again. Seems like a very affordable classic.
I have owned dozens of old cars and trucks. From 3 Chevelles ( 2 69s and 1 72} to a dozen box trucks and some of everything in between. BUT I wished I had my 72 Duce back as bad as any. Something about floating down the road in a big boat I just miss the most..From the ride to to the big block I loved that car..I would grab this up in a second for that price if I was able.
I have owned dozens of old cars and trucks. From 3 Chevelles ( 2 69s and 1 72} to a dozen box trucks and some of everything in between. BUT I wished I had my 72 Duce back as bad as any. Something about floating down the road in a big boat I just miss the most..From the ride to to the big block I loved that car..I would grab this up in a second for that price if I was able.
My first real girlfriend’s parents owned one of these. Enjoyed plenty of paradise by the dashboard lights in that car. Thanks for the memories.
Highly unusual to have a 225 w/clear glass and AC. Can’t be many of these so-equipped.
Good eye. Auto temp at that. I agree that there’s usually at least windshield tint. I like clear glass but that’s just me. When you’re too tall the blue band across the windshield is annoying.
Recently I acquired a decent 2005 Park Avenue for my daily transportation. Not quite the same as the 73 being a classic but someday? Better than the 2016 VW I am going to dispose of.
My grandma had one which was light blue until she got a newer Century for her eightieth birthday. Everyone could fit in it and my brother and mom both drove it on several occasions when we visited her in the small town in Eastern Ohio she lived in. Was a really comfortable car that had eight track tapes you would play in the player. My grandma really loved the car as we all did because we knew we were in something American made sturdy that lasted all the years it did for the quality it was built!
Would like to see pictures of the under carriage.
Is that a rust hole behind the chrome non vents on the hood, it is due for a paint job so take the front and back windows out and repaint the roof while doing a paint job.
Looking at all the pictures I can see that it’s not only in need of a new top it’s also missing the top trim piece on top of the drivers side rear door too. Looking at the body I also noticed the lower passenger side front fender has some rust that’s through and will need some metal patch work or a complete fender replacement, and the hood has a hole in it behind the insert fake port holes too. IMO, by the time the car gets a new top, the body work completed, and a new paint job the new owner can expect to have another $12k to $14k in it over the cost of the initial purchase price unless they are talented and can do all the work themselves. I think if it was a 2 door version in perfect #2 condition it might be worth $20k but I don’t know about all the time and money it’ll take to restore this one being worth it. I’d give him $4k for it and drive it as is instead of wasting the money on a 4 slammer that needs Premium fuel and only gets 12 MPG at best! Money per mile cost would be cheaper to just call UBER lol. But it is still a good looking car and has already made it 50 years and that does say alot about the quality!
Nothin’ rides like a Buick. More of a Riviera fan myself, but If I’d already gotten my Camp Lejuene Water claim (Throat Cancer) I’d be up there looking at this one.
Sending Thanks for your service! 🇺🇸 And prayers for recovery. Cancer survivor for 6 years after radiation. Mine was prostate. Don’t know what might work for you, but keep faith! 👍. Had one Buick, but almost like Cadillac back in the day. New vehicles are overpriced POS.