Vehicle Description
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, smooth automatic shifting, and bias free panic stopping.
This large car wheels around effortlessly with the power steering,
and offers up plenty of legroom for all inside, front or rear. All
functions were working at the time of our drive.
A title verified mileage car, mechanically sound and all power
conveniences in working order. Our consignors goal was a safe,
comfortable, and fun driver and I'd say he hit the mark. A full
binder of receipts, specs, and maintenance logs are included along
with a 1968 Buick chassis service manual and Bluetooth microphone.
1968 Buick, now we're talking your language.
VIN DECODE
484398H121994
4-Buick
84-Electra 225 Custom
39-4 Door Hardtop
8-1968
H-Flint, MI Assy Plant
121994-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
09D-4th Week September Build
ST 68 48439-1968 Electra 225 Custom 4 Door Hardtop
BDY FL132750-Flint Body #
TR 651-Blue Cloth & Vinyl (Limited Trim)
PNT L2-Medium Teal Blue Mist, Black Top
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
