1968 Buick Electra 225 Custom Limited



The Buick Electra is a full-size luxury car manufactured and marketed by Buick from 1959 to 1990 over six generations - having been named after heiress and sculptor Electra Waggoner Biggs by her brother-in-law Harlow H. Curtice, former president of Buick and later president of General Motors.



For consignment, a 1968 version of the Buick Electra. This car has a title verified 32,484 original miles and has undergone a thorough and complete redo. Purchased by our consignor in 2014 at an estate sale in barn find condition but sporting a mere 26,000 miles at the time, age had taken its toll. The mirror-magic acrylic lacquer finish had faded, seals had affixed themselves and needed replacing and the engine was seized. Now with a non original 430ci, new paint, new underpinning, an upgrade to fuel injection, and new seals this Electra is looking and performing just as nice as new. Often called the deuce and a quarter, aptly named from the overall length of this big piece of Detroit Iron of 225 inches, just like the Cadillacs of the era.



Exterior

Leading the way in a big way, is the replated large full grille bumper which wraps the corners of the quarters and houses the dual square bezel headlights on either side of an egg crate grille. A sweeping body line, starting mid fender, gently swoops its way downward before leveling off and meeting with the shiny rear bumper. The Buick front quarter vents are evident and are gracing either side in a series of 4 horizontal rectangular shapes. Some stainless trimmings are also seen on the rockers on both sides. After a complete stripping, straightening, and epoxy priming, the body was drenched in a basecoat clearcoat covering of its original L code Medium Teal Blue Mist. This finish is nicely applied but does show some inclusions in the paint throughout this car. On top is a replacement Parchment, (pure white), vinyl top in new condition, the original was just fine but our consignor wanted to leave no stone unturned, and this leads us to the massive trunk deck which culminates with another large bumper below with integral slit-like taillights. Badging is all on and correct and standard wheel coverings with a Buick badge in the center all wrapped in thin white radials all around.



Interior

For the interior door panels, we see some blue vinyl uppers with an aluminum strip around the pull strap. A wood burl panel hovers above the molded vinyl armrest which also houses the power window, power locks and power seat adjustments. Moving inside to the seats which are covered in the original blue broadcloth Damask pattern in tuck and roll form present like new. Bolsters and backs are a smooth matching blue vinyl and 3 point seat belts make an appearance in this model. The original dash is upfront and utilizes the square and rectangle design for the instruments and delineations of the panels that house all the controls. A rebuilt original radio, upgraded to Aurora FMR1 spec, AM/FM/Bluetooth radio with Infinity and Retro Sound speakers is in its original spot in the stunning dash. Medium blue carpeting floods the floors and shows with almost no wear or staining. In back a large bench stretches across and offers up plenty of legroom for the rear seated passengers. A blue ribbed headliner is tight and above all this broadcloth excitement below. All original and just the way the factory built it.



Drivetrain

Improper storage caused the factory installed engine to seize so our consignor contacted the folks at Carolina Machine Engines to commission a rebuild of a new unit with upgraded oiling as well as performance. Within the well restored original engine bay sits a 430ci V8 topped by a FI Tech digital fuel injection unit making an estimated 375hp. On the back is a rebuilt ST400 3-speed automatic and the rear axle for this car is a fully rebuilt and resealed 10-bolt, 2.78 ratio. All beautifully redone and detailed to like new under the hood with proper colors and supple hoses. Noted is a functional 4-Season AC system with a POA updated valve kit.



Undercarriage

Up on the lift we experience black as far as the eye can see. Minor surface rust is peeking through via some scratches but nothing remarkable. A fully rebuilt suspension is noted with an independent coil spring set up for the front and for the rear we note a 4 link with coil springs. Boxed control arms were installed on the rear along with a GS sway bar and Monroe rear air shocks. Scare Bird power front disc brakes were added to work in conjunction with the rear power drums to bring this massive piece of iron to a halt. We also see a rebuilt and resealed power steering pump and gear mechanism as well as a like new single exhaust system.



Drive-Ability

All working, and all ready to go. This car runs like a champ and starts instantly thanks to the fuel injection. Great power from the 430 cubes, smoo

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