Survivor Sedan: 1972 Buick Electra 225 Limited

I’m a big fan of these early-70s Buicks, as I had a similar version of this car but in Hunter Green. This big Nutmeg-colored 1972 Buick Electra 225 Limited only came in a hardtop body style for four-door cars, and they also made a two-door hardtop. The seller has this example listed here on eBay in Elk River, Minnesota, and they’re asking $14,900, or you can make an offer. Thanks to T.J. for the tip!

We don’t know if the missing right rear fender skirt is included or not. It’s not shown in the two photos showing the passenger side of the car, and there is no mention of it in the listing. I hope it’s there. It might take a while to dig up one in any color, but if you have to have it painted to match, that’s another expense. It really looks unfinished without the fender skirts, as the car was designed to have them on. Here’s a brochure showing the Buick lineup for 1972.

Buick made the fourth-generation Electra 225 for model years 1971 through 1976, and I had a 1971 Electra 225 as a teenager in Hunter Green, as I’ve mentioned too many times in the past. Those clear bug shield things on the front of the hood must really have been popular; my car also had one. I paid $750 for my car, and it was in 98% mint condition. But that was in 1981, so that was a long time ago. The seller has this example priced above Hagerty’s #2 excellent-condition value. It appears to be more of a #3 good-condition car to me. What do you think?

The left front fender looks a bit darker in the opening photo, and the missing (?) right rear fender skirt brings the exterior down a bit, but aside from possibly needing new door gasket material, the interior appears to be in nice condition. The brown (Saddle or Sandlewood) vinyl seats look as close to new as I can imagine.

Unfortunately, the seller didn’t pop the hood to show us the engine in all its glory. This one should have Buick’s 455-cu.in. OHV V8 with 225 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque. Backed by a Turbo-Hydramatic sending power to the rear wheels, I got 11 MPG with my Electra 225 in town and 17 on the highway, which didn’t seem horrible. But then again, I was making about $2 an hour in those days, and gas was about $1.30 a gallon, give or take. The seller says this one runs well and is as smooth as can be, along with having a new radiator and a new vinyl top. How much would you pay for this ’72 Electra 225 Limited?