Eddie Cochrane once famously sang, “There ain’t no cure for the Summertime Blues.” I’m not sure he was right because slipping behind the wheel of this 1964 Buick Electra 225 Convertible should blow those blues away. It is a gentle giant that presents well as an unmolested survivor. It needs a new home, with the seller listing it here on eBay in Carroll, Iowa. Bidding sits below the reserve at $13,500, although there is a BIN option of $20,000.
Buick introduced its Second Generation Electra in 1961, with the last examples rolling off the line in 1964. This car is from that final production year and is 1-of-7,181 Electra 225 Convertibles sold in 1964. Considering the build total across all variants was 68,792, this is a relatively rare beast. It is a genuine rock-solid survivor that presents well. Its Granada Red paint shines impressively, and if there are any flaws, they are too minor to show in the supplied photos. The White power top is in excellent order. It fits tightly and is free from rips and other problems. I can’t spot any panel bumps or bruises, and there is no evidence of rust. The trim is excellent, with the steel wheels, hubcaps, and narrow whitewalls accentuating the car’s classy appearance. It isn’t perfect because the cracked windshield will see the buyer digging into their wallet for a replacement. However, if that is the only problem, it is insignificant.
This Buick’s interior is tidy and acceptable for a survivor, but it isn’t perfect. The seats feature the dry cracks that are part of the character of aging leather. There are no visible splits, and a leather specialist might be able to condition them to prevent further deterioration. The carpet is dirty under the driver’s feet, and I am unsure whether a deep clean would improve the situation. The wheel has a minor crack, but that wraps it up for shortcomings. I can’t see any evidence of UV damage or cracked plastic, with the dash and pad looking excellent. The seller indicates the power windows function perfectly, as do the heater and defroster. There are no aftermarket additions, with other luxury appointments including a remote driver’s mirror and the factory AM radio.
Lifting this Buick’s hood reveals the venerable 401ci “Nailhead” V8 that sends 325hp to the road via a three-speed “Super Turbine” automatic transmission. Considering its luxury leanings, including power assistance for the steering and brakes is unsurprising. While the Convertible tips the scales at 4,398 lbs, its ability to cover the ¼-mile in 16.1 seconds looks mighty impressive. There is plenty of good news for potential buyers because this beauty kicks into life effortlessly and sounds fantastic. It runs and drives beautifully, ready to banish the buyer’s Summertime Blues.
Few motoring experiences are more enjoyable than slipping behind the wheel of a classic Convertible on a sunny day. It doesn’t matter whether it is a traditional sports car or a gentle giant like this 1964 Buick Electra 225 because every journey will leave its occupants with a mile-wide smile on their faces. This one looks like a beauty, with no immediate needs that could detract from the ownership experience. Bidding has been relatively subdued, but I will be unsurprised if it intensifies as the auction end draws near. What do you think the sale price will be on this Buick?
I’d add a little extra touch of class w/ the Buick Road Wheels, then drop the top and CRUISE this Red Rider! GLWTA!! :-)
There has been a bunch of beautiful Buicks lately. Where have these been hiding?
I’m curious about the transmission indicator. It looks like there is only gonna be room for the “L” in the dash bezel, but the Turbine 400 3-speed auto was standard on the Elektra. What did the bezel look like for the Turbine 400? My grandparents had a LeSabre and it had the two-speed.
The first year for a TH400 did not have Drive 1 and Drive 2 (or “S” like Oldsmobile).
Love it. That trunk has more surface area than a few hot tubs out there.
Room for the golf clubs 🏌️♂️ and the skis 🎿 in the trunk MattR 🙌
I prefer the Summertime Blues by Blue Cheer!
The WHO have the best version.
The birth of heavy metal. I still have the vinyl album
Blue Cheer was the loudest. They were the first with Marshall stacks.
The Who does the best rendition of Summertime Blues – Roger says at the beginning of this video that it’s the only song they do by a different composer – “so you bet your life it’s good”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcNqDQ48baE
You’ve got the right one!
Would have to add on to the garage to get it in.
Beautiful car but I prefer the 62’s styling.
The massive squared off rear end does not compliment the rest of the car.
I agree, on both points, for what it’s worth. Still, I think this Buick is absolutely gorgeous.
Paul R, I agree. I prefer the LeSDabre/Wildcat rear end. I would love to see the Buick Steel Mags on it.
My favorite of all the Electras. Our neighbors bought a black 6-window sedan brand new.
The red convertible needs an air conditioner.
Brother and I had a 64 lesabre rag top. Same colors. Yes, I agree on the tail end of the lesabre as preferred. Had the 300 2 bl 2 speed auto. No frills but I liked the speed warning buzzer that cut in when the needle touched the setable limit arm.
LeSabre…
Growing up had mostly buicks. Could only afford 10 year old cars. Drove them another 10 or so. Ma’s favorite car was a 64 lesabre. Green. White top. Green interior. 300 2bl Automatic. AC worked when you rolled the windows down. Folks hit a bear with it in manitoba in 75. Saw a mint one online a year ago. 18 grand. Would have bought it for her if I had the money. Ma will be 85 soon. Dad left in 88 at 54. Too soon. I read BF for everyones memories. Not nit picking grumps.
They used to call them deuce and a quarter, just showing my age, LOL
You’re right, Mark Z! Deuce and a quarter man I haven’t heard that one in a long while. Another big beautiful beast from the’60’s. For me this decade marked the end of the wonderful styling created by the U. S. auto industry. Serving tray bumpers, tacky garnish and detuned engines were lurking just around the corner. GLWTS.
I called those 75 and on bumpers “chrome plated railroad ties.
The position of the crack in the windshield suggests cowl flex.
This brings back memories. My dad traded in our ’59 Impala on a new yellow ’64 Electra convertible and after I turned 18 my mom let me take it out for a spin one day with my younger brother.. so I put the top down and off we went. I’d ridden in the back seat before but driving it was awesome. The ride was silky smooth and even at 70 with the top down it felt like we were floating down the highway.
I had a black four door hardtop version. That car had every gadget except cruise control. It also had the optional twin 4bbl set up on it. For a big car it would roll. Mine had wire wheel covers simular to the Pontiacs at the time with the Buick crests in the middle. I often wonder if that car is still out there. These drive wonderful and it was the first year for the th 400.