Vehicle Description
Always Buick's top-of-the-line, the Electra was downsized a bit in
the late '70s but that doesn't mean it lost its style. In fact,
looking at this very well preserved and highly-maintained 1979
Buick Electra Limited sedan, there's an argument to be made that
the big Buick learned a few new moves in the entertainment
department, because this is such a fun car to drive. All-original,
only 47k actual miles, and loads of Buick luxury and style, this
descendant of the 'Deuce and a Quarter' carries that distinguished
name with pride.
"Downsizing" isn't quite the right word for the redesigned Buicks
of the late 1970s, because this is still a VERY big car. Especially
in 4-door sedan form, where the Electra was one of the biggest
machines on the road yet 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. From what we can tell, it was likely 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 Maroon paint certainly looks appropriate on a Buick
and the matching padded half roof adds a touch of elegance and
class to this grown-up sedan. Nice chrome, the requisite four
"portholes" in the front fenders, and full-width taillights remind
us that this is 100% Buick, and that's exactly why we love it.
Step inside and marvel at the beautiful cabin that awaits, because
the red velour interior that lines it shows none of the typical
fading that plagued GM upholstery of the period, but rather a
luxurious, comfortable and intact presentation that would make
Iceberg Slim blush. The big split-bench up front is supple and a
great place in which to spend some time, although it shows very
little evidence of carrying anyone at all. Same goes for the rear
seat, the matching door panels, and the plush carpets below, all of
which are protected with color-matched carpeted mats. Red is tough
to maintain in the hot sun (further proof that this beauty has
always been garaged), so the fact that everything is still bright
crimson is a great sign of this car's treatment throughout the
years. Beautiful woodgrain accents are found throughout the cabin
and add a big dose of sophisticated luxury, with a unblemished
pieces found on the dash, door panels, and original steering wheel.
It's loaded with options as well, all standard and top-of-the-line
because this is a Buick after all, with the list including A/C that
still has R12 coursing through its veins, power windows, locks,
seat, mirrors, a tilt steering column, cruise control, and the
original AM/FM stereo just to name a few. The futuristic aluminum
gauges are insanely cool, even for '70s GM, with clear faces and a
slick design you'd expect in a modern exotic, not necessarily a
vintage cruiser like this. 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
carburetor that feeds it and factory HEI ignition system that fires
it, and it looks so fresh because it was recently pulled,
completely attended to (it did not require a full rebuild, but did
receive a tune-up, new gaskets, timing chain, and pretty much
anything else it needed) and then it was cleaned and repainted. In
fact, the entire drivetrain and subsequent components were
well-attended and fully serviced, to the tune of a $7k+ bill from a
couple very reputable restoration shops. The original snorkeled air
cleaner is still in place, and it starts easily, idles smoothly,
and pulls the big sedan around with vigor. As a full-sized car, a
TH400 3-speed automatic transmission was spec'd that was then fully
rebuilt in 2019, and it spins a familiar 10-bolt rear end with
highway-friendly gears inside, making this a very relaxed cruiser.
The suspension is as supple as you'd expect, and it has a newer
single exhaust system with a chambered muffler and no more choking
catalytic converter to slow it down. Buick wire wheel covers look
as good here as anywhere else and it sits on right-sized 215/75/15
whitewall radials to finish the look.
All-original, low miles, and a ton maintenance, you just don't see
'79 Buick's in this kind of condition anywhere. If luxurious
vintage sedans float your boat, you won't find much better than
this. Call today!
