This car’s name tells a white lie, although you wouldn’t know it based on the image above: The ’65 Electra 225 is only 224.1 inches long, not the 225 inches that Buick promised. Specious rounding isn’t new in the marketing world, so we’ll give it a pass, but you may not want to pass up this big convertible if you’re looking for a Buick project. Located in Belle Mead, New Jersey, and being sold on eBay, this Buick is one of too many projects in the seller’s fleet, so it’s being offered for sale as an auction with a “very reasonable reserve.” As usual, the parts and labor are going to add up if you decide to fix up this big Buick, so let’s take a look at what needs to be addressed.

First is the engine, which involves crossed fingers and a little bit of optimism. The seller says that the engine had a “rod knock” when he bought it a few years ago. The engine was removed, the crankshaft was turned, and new bearings were installed; it turns freely but “the starter needs a rebuild.” Some may call it cynicism, some may call it practicality, but I think we are within our rights in assuming that something isn’t quite right with the engine assembly if we can’t hear it running. Skeptical car fans who have been around the block a time or two often say that an engine that’s been claimed to be rebuilt (or that you can’t hear running) should be treated as a core. As always, buyer beware.

The engine itself is, of course, a Buick Nailhead; the 325-horsepower 401 was standard and the 340-horsepower 425 optional. They both look fundamentally the same, so this could be either; there is little difference in performance. Backing up both was a Super Turbine 400 transmission, which was an excellent transmission.

The seller also says that the interior will need some work; at the very least, it will need front seat upholstery and a carpet. Everything else looks pretty good. For a minute, I thought that new floorpans had been welded in, but upon zooming in on the photograph, I was wrong: it’s just silver paint. The floors look solid based on what we can see.

It will also need a new top, a reasonable job if you have a competent upholsterer nearby. The seller thinks that the paint is newer; I can’t tell if it’s dirt or peeling clear on the trunk lid and upper quarter panels (I hope it’s the former).

This Electra is one of those projects that could be a real winner if a couple things go the buyer’s way; on the other hand, the buyer could be underwater in a jiffy (which might be worth it for such a neat old car). The old car world is like that. Let’s try to stay positive; maybe the starter has simply gone bad, which is a cheap job with a rebuild kit. A new carpet is not that expensive, and you can drive the car with a seat cover for the time being. As with all projects, there’s an element of chance, but you might end up with a beautiful Nailhead-powered Buick convertible (which has Buick’s beautiful rally wheels). It just might be worth the risk: The high bid is currently $1,625 (and has not yet met the reserve).