General Motors already had a superstar in 1961, as sales of the Chevrolet Impala were going through the roof, but Buick’s growing fan base in the States requested new models and upgrades to keep the brand relevant in the rapidly evolving market.
Electra remained the model spearheading Buick’s offensive, and in 1961, it received major changes, including a shorter wheelbase, new windshields, and a restyled body. The Electra was now even more luxurious than its predecessor, selling as a four-door sedan, a hardtop coupe, and a hardtop sedan. The Electra 225 could be had only as a hardtop sedan or a convertible coupe.
The Electra in these pictures flexes a very rough shape, as it’s now just a relic of what was once a gorgeous coupe. eBay seller curtsclassics says the car has been sitting outside for many years, so it’s safe to assume it comes with a painful amount of rust.
The body exhibits many metal problems, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see the floors and the trunk pan already wrecked.
However, the owner claims this Electra is still complete, and that’s the reason they listed it as a parts car. It comes without a title, so its only mission now is to help another Electra get back on the road by donating the best it still has for a complete restoration.
Unfortunately, this Electra doesn’t come with bad news under the hood. The vehicle now has a seized engine, most likely due to the many years of sitting. The owner doesn’t seem to be sure if the engine is dead, but you can’t expect anything good anyway, considering the car’s rough shape.
The 1961 Electra was available with the same 401 V8 that Buick originally introduced in 1959. It produced the same 325 horsepower and was paired with a Twin-Turbine automatic transmission. The engine and the transmission are still in the car.
The interior of this Electra is still in place, and I must be honest, it doesn’t look as bad as I expected. It’ll first need a good wash, but the cabin looks complete. The dashboard doesn’t seem cut, and you’ll also get the door panels, but you’ll have to check everything in person to determine how many of these parts are still in a condition that allows them to help with another Electra restoration.
The bidding for this Electra starts at $500, and the owner did not enable a reserve, so whoever sends the highest bid can take the car home. Nobody has entered the race to purchase the car so far, likely due to its rough shape, but the auction is set to end in five days. The buyer will have to tow the Electra from Dongola, Illinois.