This is an Electra, but you wouldn’t know it. Badging is as low-key as it gets, with the only hint found inside, where color-keyed stitching on the seat surface declares “Park Avenue”. So what gives? From 1975 through 1990, the Park Avenue was designated the top trim level for Buick’s Electra, and the trim level so dominated that we tend to know it as just that. Evoking one of the swankiest residential addresses in New York City, the Park Avenue was festooned with luxury features – though by the mid 1980s, the package was delivered via GM’s downsized front-wheel drive C-platform. It wasn’t until 1991 that the nameplate became a standalone model. Here on craigslist is a 1985 Buick Park Avenue offered for sale by the heir, whose parents were the original owners. The asking price is $8500 and the car is located in Vancouver, Washington. Thanks to Barney for finding this great mid-80s sedan-mobile!
Standard equipment was GM’s 125 hp 3.8-liter fuel-injected V6 paired with a four-speed/overdrive automatic. Performance won’t make you forget your favorite muscle car, but it was adequate for a luxury sedan. Unique among American cars at the time, the hood hinges from the forward edge. This example retains its underhood insulation. The seller treated the car to a tune-up and multi-point inspection and the car is said to run and drive well.
Resplendent in Crimson with a matching vinyl top and interior, the Park Avenue is a show-off when it comes to its cabin. Pillow-top leather upholstery, six-way adjustable seats, faux wood trim on the door and instrument panels, and plush carpet extending up the doors… these are the Park Avenue’s selling points.
Irv Rybicki was a vice president at GM’s design department when he steered the styling of this Electra – alongside the Cavalier and several Cadillacs – toward this upright look. The rear glass angle is 90-degree-ish, the lines emphasized by a decklid higher than the nose by a long shot. That nose tapers – a hallmark of this car going forward. The Park Avenue sold well, extending its reign through several generations – the last being built in Australia solely for overseas customers. I always appreciate a well-kept car still in the hands of original owners, even if I wouldn’t own it myself. What do you think – would you put this one in your garage?
Thanks Michelle. When I saw the add I immediately pictured the interior… and yep, just as remembered. I recall looking inside these cars in awe at how comfortable a long drive must be 👍 Buick always threw every amentie at their luxurious Park Avenue model.
It’s true there was no “Electra” identification, but there was a “BUICK park avenue” emblem on the dash and a “park avenue” emblem on the rear quarters.
In 1985 you had the Electra 380, the Electra 430 and the Park Avenue. There was also an Electra 300 but very few were built. Numbers indicated engine size. The 430 was a 4.3L V6 diesel.
I worked as a GM technician at a Buick dealership from 1985 to 2016. I worked on two of the rarest 85 Park Avenue back then one being a carbureted 3.0L which had been used in Centurys and the other had the 4.3L V6 diesel again from Centurys. Performance of both was terrible. These cars also had alot of transmission issues. We ended up replacing all the broken transmissions per GM under warranty.
I know that the 3.8 doesn’t sound like it has a lot of power on paper, but if you’ve driven one of these back then it actually had good performance, I thought they were pretty quick actually. This looks like a nice clean original example that you can enjoy immediately.
Mom had a 95 LeSabre. Little newer. Didn’t sound like much but let me tell ya, that 3800 definitely pulled like a train. Only 3800 I’ve driven that was better was my 2002 Grand prix GTP.
You are correct
One of the “malaise era”specials.
This is a nice car the 3.8 is probably one of the best engines GM ever built.
I had a 3.8 in an Olds Delta and I loved it.
I like this car I’d love to own it but it’s still an 85 and it’s not a classic so $8500 is a little steep I’d be willing to pay $4000 but that’s it.
They have already lowered the price in the add.. Cash talks
Far from the previous PARK AVENUES! These like ALL downsized for 85 GM products were IMO truly Icky Rybycki^s. 🤮
It has Park Avenue badges on the rear quarter panels, they all did.
It was to distinguish them from the other FWD Electra models introduced in April `84 as `85 models.
Electra 300 with the 3.0 litre, Electra 380 with the 3.8 litre and Electra T Type.
There was also an Electra 430 diesel model, which was a dud of which I think I only ordered one as a sold car.
The early April `84 introductions were done by GM to build customer acceptance of the downsizing, while the `84 RWD Electras, de Villes & Fleetwoods were still in stock for comparison.
The new FWD Cadillacs had the transverse mounted V8s.
I was the fleet manager at Fanning Cadillac-Buick in Chicago back then, and ordered hundreds of these.
The Electra 300 was discontinued early on, deemed to be under powered.
Though one did find it’s way to Chicago Auto Show display floor in February `85, much to the surprise of our Buick zone rep once I pointed it out to him.
Some early `86 FWD LeSabres also had the 3.0.
I made it a point to order the Electra 380 2 door models, and dress them up with aftermarket tops and wheels, as they made great switch cars for our customers who could not afford Cadillac or even Park Avenues.
After removing all the profit from the add-ons, they were still thousands less than CDV or Park Avenue coupes.
And we looked like heroes.
The 2 door Park Avenue models were available through `87.
Electra 380 later Electra Limited had 2 door models through `86.
Electra T-Type offered the 2-door in `85. only.
Electra T-Type 4-door sedans were available `85-`90.
Some early `85s had no high center mount stop lamps.
FWD LeSabre T-Types were `87-89.
The 6th generation LeSabres were `86-`91.
You seem very knowledgeable. Do you know why all car manufacturers have done away with comfortable seats with springs and soft foam like those in this Park Ave, and instead use a sheetmetal base, put hard foam, and then cloth, leather, or vinyl over it? Bucket seats are nice at first because of the way they’re molded, but I find today’s car interiors very hard, nothing luxurious about them at all. Even door panels are just hard plastic.
Unfortunately I don’t.
I left the industry in ’93.
I have 2 Plymouths now, a ’99 Neon and a ’61 Valiant.
The latter is closer to what you describe as far as the least comfortable.
So I guess the best times were the ’70s – ’90s when it came to soft pillowy interiors.
My ’89 Buick LeSabre T-Type was the most comfortable seats I’ve had.
Bought a 1979 Olds 98 Regency 2 door for the wife. 403 engine pulled well. But those seats were the most comfortable I’ve ever sat in. Velvety button down pillow cushions. The smooth ride, the cushy seats, the FM stereo going, AC on. Splendid motoring experience. Today’s car interiors….bleah.
Great write-up. I love reading automotive history from those who lived it.
We had an 87 white with dark blue interior. It had the 4 speed automatic and the self leveling suspension. This was nicer than the 76 Lincoln I had. I hated to get rid of it but had to find something easier for the wife to get into. Ended up trading it for an 83 GMC conversion van. I miss both to this day.
If it weren’t on the other coast, this is a car I could definitely bid on(yes, I LIKE 4 doors). Mileage isn’t bad and it appears to have ben well taken care of. Would ask about any rust underneath, but if tat checks out, this would be an excellent buy.
I hired on to a GM plant that was making these at the start of the summer of ’85 . This brings back great memories to an old man . Great write up .