I must admit that this 1961 Buick Electra 225 convertible is not what my mind conjures when I think of an Electra 225. Long, low, wide, and opulent are some of the adjectives that immediately come to mind, but those traits don’t initially seem inherent in this Stuart, Iowa, example. Still, this is a noteworthy subject from what was, at one time, one of America’s more impressive automobile manufacturers. Let’s see what’s really here with this topless convertible; you can find it on Facebook Marketplace, where it’s available for $9,500, OBO. Thanks are due to T.J. for this tip!
Interestingly, there were two variations of Buick’s Electra in ’61, the standard Electra in two-door hardtop and four-door sedan body styles, and the Electra 225, available as a convertible and four-door hardtop. While the “225” designation was a nod to the car’s original 1959 overall length, the ’61 edition came up short, stretching out to just 219.2″ in overall length – still, hardly a compact. As for volumes, the ’61 Electra 225 convertible was not a common model, realizing a total production of just 7,100 units.
Well, the elephant in the room is the missing fabric top, but the seller states that he has a new one, still in the box, and it’s included in the sale. Beyond that, we’re told, “This Buick has soft floors & quarters, so rust repair will definitely be needed. Trunk floor is gone. Frame is solid,” – I can’t say that I find any of that to be a surprise. Additional rust has manifested itself in the lower portion of the doors, the trunk lid, and I imagine in other undisclosed places too, so assume major metal work will be needed beyond what’s been identified.
The seller’s major selling point is his claim of, “This car has the rare & expensive factory GM hardback bucket seats.” Well, yes, it is so equipped; as to how rare they are, I can’t determine. What I can determine is that they are in deplorable condition. Of course, the frame and hardbacks are the important parts; one has to assume that a convertible of this age will need reupholstering at some point anyway. Beyond that, the remainder of the interior isn’t in much better condition – it’s torn, worn, and moldy.
This Duece and a Quarter is a runner! It’s powered by a 325 gross HP 401, CI V8 engine joined to a “Turbine Drive” automatic transmission. All that’s stated regarding this Electra’s running and driving characteristics is, “The car does run!!! 401 nailhead/auto trans. Carb needs rebuilt.”
You gotta love Facebook Marketplace’s predefined condition categories. In this case, it states, “This vehicle has no significant damage or problems,” – I’d beg to differ! It has plenty, so many in fact that it aligns with the 1968 Ford XL post that was published yesterday. Can this Buick be salvaged, or is it to be consigned to the parts bin? Don’t get me wrong, it’s a great find and the kind of car we all want to see saved, but there are limits. Oh, and the $9,500 ask? I’m not feelin’ that; how about you?
Wow, that is one shaggy-looking car for 9500. Soft floors probably means a leaky roof, so the rust repair on this thing would cost a fortune.
Dis-missed!
An interesting specimen indeed. Not sure about the value or ROI here, but HEY it’s got (rust)bucket seats!!
The Volo museum was asking 98,000 bucks for one almost identical but in mint condition back in May.Apparently this is considered “ultra-rare” so the 9500 buck ask may be fair.
Cool large garage with a lot of different vehicles in it
Way too much tin worm for the price.
You know, why not just buy a good one and put some bucket seats in it, and who gives a sh!+.
the bucket seat option is rare but not the rust
To reobtain a 68RS Z I had to part with my 61 hardtop. It was one of 4400 so this thing has to be rare.
Dave(?) if you are reading this from SoCal who bought mine in 2015 from me in the Bay Area, I now have room to buy it back!!! Please!
There have been several full-size American made convertibles from that era up through the mid to late 60s featured lately on this site that were running and drivable for 10 and under. This is priced out of line accordingly.
Although this one is too far gone, we’ll always have the memory of Bluto taking off in one of these sweet rides with the homecoming Queen at the end of Animal House…good memories!
I’ve lusted after a ’61 Buick for a long time, and I’m ready to buy. But not this one, which appears little more than an expensive wreck.
One too many zeros in the price
My second car, after the 1962 Lincoln Continental convertible was a 1961 Buick Invicta convertible in white with a red interior, black top.
The 401 nail head had plenty of power. Two really cool features of the 1960 and 1961 Buicks was the backward instrumentation utilizing an adjustable mirror to see it correctly and the pedestal stand up clock. By 1962 both were gone.
Hubcaps on this ’61 Electra are from a 1962 Electra.
Long time no hear, Angel! My Dad had a ’60 LeSabre with that same adjustable instrument panel. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I think models with speed alert had a thumbwheel on the right side of the panel for it’s adjustment. Richard might be too generous with his assessment of one too many zeros in the price. It has 2 too many!
Hi Jon! Happy New Year! 🎉🎊🥂
Yes, there was a thumb wheel to set the speed alert which was a very annoying buzzer.
But I really liked the adjustable mirror Gimmicky I know but still cool.
My ’62 Electra didn’t have that, back to a regular speedometer. Still had that annoying speed alert though. After awhile I just set it at 120 so I’d never have to hear it again.
Animal House………
I know your tears. 3 yrs ago I sild my 53 year owned 78000 mi 69 GS 400 4 spd red with white ragtop. Sold to guy who planned to bring a #2 car to #1 showcar and I wanted to keep track where it went after all the years owned. He sold and wint tell me who or where. Id probably buy it back now too
Looking at the pictures in the listing, it is hard to believe the frame is any good.
Rare doesn’t always mean expensive.