Vehicle Description
Always Buick's top-of-the-line, the Electra was downsized in the
late '70s but that doesn't mean it lost its style. In fact, looking
at this very well preserved 1979 Buick Electra coupe, there's an
argument to be made that the big Buick learned a few new moves in
the entertainment department, because this is a fun car to
drive.
"Downsizing" isn't quite the right word for the redesigned Buicks,
because this is still a VERY big car. Even in coupe form, the
Electra was one of the biggest machines on the road and lost none
of its luxury car presence. The squared-off bodywork was very much
in fashion at the time and it has held up quite well over the last
40 years because it's still quite attractive. It was repainted some
years ago and shows some age and touch-ups, but at this price,
perfection isn't really part of the equation. On the other hand,
you're getting a car that doesn't have issues and can be used
immediately; in fact, you'll probably find a lot of people remember
these cars fondly and you'll quickly become the center of
attention. The white paint isn't exciting, but it's appropriate on
a Buick and the burgundy half roof adds a touch of elegance. Nice
chrome, four "portholes" in the front fenders, and full-width
taillights remind us that this is 100% Buick.
The red velour interior shows the typical fading that plagued GM
upholstery of the period, but it's intact and still presentable.
There are a few thin spots on the driver's seat, but no rips or
splits and it's sill comfortable to sit there for a few hours. Red
is tough to maintain in the hot sun where this car is from (which
explains the super clean underbody) so all the red parts are
showing their age. On the upside, everything seems to work,
including the A/C which still has R12 coursing through its veins.
As a top-of-the-line Buick, everything was standard, including
power windows and locks, a tilt steering column, cruise control,
and an updated AM/FM/CD stereo in the original radio's slot. The
gauges are cool, even for '70s GM, although their faces are a bit
cloudy. The back seat shows very little wear and as a giant luxury
car, of course you get a massive trunk with what appears to be its
original spare tire and jack assembly.
Buick was still using Buick engines in 1979, with this one being a
350 cubic inch V8. It's completely stock, right down to the
Rochester carburetor and factory HEI ignition system and we have no
reason to think that's not factory-applied engine enamel on the
block. A chrome air cleaner lid adds a little flash (and might have
been factory installed) and there's plenty of evidence of proper
service throughout the years. It starts easily, idles smoothly, and
pulls the big coupe around with vigor. As a full-sized car, a TH400
3-speed automatic transmission was spec'd and it spins a familiar
10-bolt rear end with highway-friendly 2.73 gears inside, making
this a very relaxed cruiser. The suspension is as supple as you'd
expect, and it has a new exhaust system aft of the original
catalytic converter. Buick Road Wheels look as good here as
anywhere else and it sits on right-sized 235/75/15 whitewall
radials.
It runs and drives well, so with a little TLC this could be a great
cruiser that you just don't see every day. Call today!
