When Buick introduced the Second Generation Electra 225 in 1961, it graphically demonstrated how styling trends could change dramatically. In 1959, fins were king, but by 1961, they were as out-of-date as VHS videos are today. By 1962, when our feature Electra 225 Convertible rolled off the production line, fins were a distant memory. This Electra is a solid car offering a few possibilities. It would be an ideal restoration candidate, although retaining it as a genuine survivor would be a viable approach. It needs a new home, with the seller listing it here on eBay in Sherwood, Oregon. They set their BIN at $13,000 with the option to make an offer. We always appreciate the input from our readers via feedback and referrals, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Larry D for consistently spotting classics like this Buick.
The seller describes this Arctic White Electra as a survivor, suggesting it is an unrestored vehicle. The paint shows its age, with chips, scratches, and other imperfections. The panels have a few minor marks and bruises, making the car an ideal candidate for restoration. However, with no issues requiring urgent attention and no evidence of rust, the new owner could take their time devising their restoration strategies. Alternatively, they could elect to retain it as a genuine survivor. Either approach is valid, and there’s little doubt this Buick would continue to attract attention if left untouched. The soft-top is in good order, although the seller indicates the back window requires replacement. The glass looks crystal clear, and the trim is acceptable for a survivor or a driver-grade restoration.
Apart from its lack of rust, the ace up this Buick’s sleeve could rest with what hides under the hood. A 401ci “Nailhead” V8 feeds 325hp to the rear wheels via a two-speed Turbine Drive automatic transmission. The original owner removed the hard labor from the driving experience by adding power assistance for the steering and brakes. The engine presentation is excellent for a vehicle of this age, and it comes courtesy of a complete rebuild in 2002. The car has seen little use since, with its work limited to weekend cruising. The Convertible has a claimed 89,700 miles on the clock, although we receive no word on verifying evidence. However, it is a turnkey classic that runs and drives well.
One of the most significant changes for the 1962 Electra 225 Convertible was the inclusion of leather upholstery. The company utilized vinyl in 1961, but the update added to the luxury aura generated by these classics. The impression with this car is generally positive, with the leather wearing the wrinkles that are an integral part of this material’s character. There is no evidence of abuse, but there are some issues requiring attention. The stitching on the upper driver’s seat has parted and requires the attention of a leather specialist to address it before it deteriorates further. The driver’s armrest is badly ripped, and it might be beyond repair. Still, it would be worth asking the specialist who addresses the seat issue, because they might have a cost-effective solution. Otherwise, the dash and pad look good, as does the carpet. The new owner receives some welcome comfort and convenience features, including power windows, power seats, and an AM radio.
Although Buick sold 62,468 examples of the 1962 Electra 225 across all body styles, only 7,894 people selected the Convertible. Considering the company’s total new vehicle sales for the model year was 399,526, these classics represent a small percentage of overall production. Like many cars from this era, rust has claimed a significant portion, meaning they rarely appear on the market. Spotless examples easily fetch $35,000, although figures beyond $40,000 are not uncommon for automotive perfection. If this Electra were sitting in your garage, would you aim for perfection, or would you allow it to carry its survivor badge proudly?
The word survivor is used 5 times in this write up, but the car is not a survivor. It’s a cool car and would be fun to cruise in, but when that engine was yanked out and rebuilt the survivor designation went out the window.
I bet he’s a big fan of Survivor. lol
Hard to believe that fraud is still on TV.
My take on a survivor is a car that has been given any necessary maintenance and repairs to keep it fully operational, but has received no cosmetic work. So, a rebuild by itself doesn’t affect a car’s survivor status, but re-painting the engine and restoring the engine compartment in the process does.
What a beautiful car. I couldn’t care less about survival status, That means nothing for the pure pleasure of driving a car like this. It’s not a trailer queen to be shown to the crowd of people who don’t drive them, no a car like this begs to be driven and enjoyed on the road. I would proudly put the top down on a beautiful sunny day here in Houston and take a long drive out through the western towns of Texas cruising over the Farm to Market roads enjoying the wind in the hair experience (at 75 I still have a full head of hair) stopping at local restaurants for a bite to eat and conversation.
God Bless America
Probably not the correct year but I see John Belushi driving off into the sunset at the end of Animal House.
That was my thought as soon as I saw this listing ! LOL
The Animal House Buick was a 61.
I doubt the “original owner ” added power steering and power brakes ; I would think all top of the line Buicks would have had power steering as standard equipment by this time . The power brakes would likely been the option, but it may have been ordered like that from the dealership
PS and PB were standard on the E225. PW and Pseat (only a 2-way) were both standard on the convert. A 4-way or 6-way seat was opt.
I had a 1961 Buick Invicta convertible. Loved the swivel mirror dashboard. After wrecking her 1967 Checker Marathon, Mom bought a 1962 Buick Invicta convertible, which I thought was odd, considering she rolled the Checker. At the same time, I bought a 1962 Buick Electra 225 convertible. It was fun to park the 2 convertibles next to each other in the driveway. Hers was kind of a mint green with a white top. P/s, p/b, p/t. 401 nailhead. Mine was baby blue with a white top. P/s, p/b, p/t, p/w, p/dl, p/st, p/trunk. 401 nailhead.
Those were the days. Good memories.
My very first car was a 62 225 convertible exactly like this, brown leather and white exterior. Paid $100 for it in 1968 from the guys widow. He had died a couple of years before and it sat in his garage since. Motor would not turn over with fresh battery, so was towing it to a mechanic a few miles out of town. Dad told me some of the old cars automatics could be push started due to trans pump being driven of rear of transmission. I dropped it into drive a couple of times with the key on, skidding the tires a bit and the third time the engine came to life! Drove it to mechanic and got it tuned up all all was well( other than a rear main leak). Trivia point: it had the signal seeking radio, and there was a button on the floorboard which would get it to go to the next station!
I owned one of these Buicks when I was stationed at Nellis AFB just north of Las Vegas in the mid 60’s. Cruised the strip and Fremont Street all weekend long for hours. In the summer months it liked to over heat. A problem I never fixed. Sold it to another Air Force airman. No posi but would burn one tire nearly a block long. It’s another car I wish I never got rid of.