Working Clamshell: 1971 Buick Estate Wagon

When General Motors redesigned its full-size cars in 1971, the Buick Estate Wagon moved to the longer Electra platform, making it the largest Buick wagon since the post-World War II era. These were heavy wagons, coming in at 5,400 lbs., so it took a 455-cubic-inch V8 to get the beasts rolling. This ’71 Electra looks and runs pretty well and has the interesting “clamshell”-style rear gate. Located in Anaheim, California, this big Buick is available here on eBay for $17,000 OBO.

The 1971 Estate Wagon rode on a 127-inch wheelbase and featured a “Glide-Away Tailgate,” in which the glass receded into the roof while the tailgate slipped under the cargo floor. This design was intended to make it easier to load and unload these big wagons. 2 and 3 bench seat configurations were offered, with the seller’s wagon being the former with seating for six. Rated at 365 horsepower, the Estate Wagon had mostly the same engine you’d find in the GSX muscle car.

Because this wagon was an Electra, it has virtually every accessory available at the time. This includes factory air conditioning, which currently does not work. New parts include the water pump and a rebuild kit in the 4-barrel carburetor. With dual exhaust, we’re told the big Buick runs great. Aftermarket wheels are affixed at all four corners, and the front springs are lowered, but the seller has the original hardware should you want it.

We’re told the interior is mostly restored and the seller has a third back seat that you can have should you want to up people capacity to nine. The clamshell window and tailgate work as they should. There is minimal rust in the sheet metal, and the seller has extras from a donor that must go with the sale. We wish there were more photos, but it is what it is. Buick produced 24,000 of these luxury transports in ’71.