Vehicle Description
Incredible 2-owner car, with original owner keeping it until 2022.
56,620 original miles. Loaded with options. Stunning original
leather interior, beautiful paint and bodywork. Nicely documented.
Fantastic Deuce-and-a-Quarter ready to enjoy!This fantastic 1964
Electra 225 was purchased new at Jack Morris Buick-Rambler of
Brigham City, Utah and stayed with its original owner until 2022.
During those 58 years, it accumulated just under 1000 miles per
year and shows 56,620 miles today, a reading that is no doubt
accurate. It was loaded up with nearly $1000 worth of options
(about 20% of its original sticker price) including A/C, power
windows, power seat, WonderBar radio, Autronic Eye, and more. Today
it presents as a fantastic survivor in exceptional condition. The
paint is mostly original, but we believe that the hood and trunk
lid were repainted years ago (the Utah sun, of course) and there is
some light checking visible today. We wouldn't change a thing,
however, because it has that intangible feel of quality that only a
true original car can offer?you should hear and feel the doors
close! THUNK! The balance of the paint appears original and in
excellent shape, and with original paint you know there's no
trouble lurking underneath. This is an extremely straight car?just
look at those quarter panels! The brightwork is likewise in
fantastic original shape and shows no signs of being out in harsh
weather. The bumpers are bright, the grille is crisp, and it even
carries its original T3 headlights up front. As far as survivors
go, this is a really nice example.Exterior notes: Very good
bodywork, no evidence of rust or accident damage. Hood and trunk
lid appear to have been repainted, light cracking evident?probably
lacquer. Nice chrome. Some black paint rubbed off of 'portholes' on
front fenders but chrome underneath is nice. The black leather
interior somehow survived the Utah sun and looks fantastic today.
The seats are still firm and comfortable for long cruises and aside
from some slight comfort marks, there's no damage. No split seams,
no tears, no scuffing. It's really impressive. It's possible that
the carpets have been replaced simply because they're extremely
nice, but it still carries original Buick-logo rubber floor mats,
so maybe that's the reason. The car is loaded with options,
including A/C, power windows, power seat, AM radio, power antenna,
and the automatic headlight dimmer called the 'Autronic Eye' on top
of the dash. It all appears to be operational, including the clock
and A/C, and if you need to know how nice this car really is, just
take a look at the dash pad, which is in outstanding condition. The
gauges cover the basics, but Buick's temperature lights indicating
COLD or HOT work as they should, letting you know when the engine
has warmed up properly. All the interior lighting is operational
and the weather seals ensure it still feels tight like a Buick
should. And believe it or not, that appears to be the original
black convertible top, which has a leather grain look. Yes, there's
a little yellowing to the rear window, but it would be a crime to
replace it. There's also a matching black boot, but it was a little
too stiff and shrunken to install?a few hours in the hot sun might
fix that (it's 55 degrees in our shop in the winter). There's also
a massive trunk which is still outfitted with its original liner,
cardboard bulkheads, and what may even be the original spare tire.
See what we mean about it being an impressive survivor?Interior
notes: Beautiful leather seats, nice door panels, no issues. Carpet
may be newer. Gauges and accessories all seem to work. Could not
test Autronic Eye, but seems to be working. Top boot has shrunken
and is difficult to fit. Trunk shows a few stains but excellent
original condition.The only engine available in 1964 was Buick's
mighty 'Nailhead' V8. With 425 cubic inches on tap, it delivers the
kind of flat torque curve that makes even a massive car like the
Electra feel light on its feet. The air cleaner reads 'Wildcat 465'
which is a callout to the torque figure, and we'll vouch for the
fact that this big car feels just effortless in everything it does.
The engine bay is mostly original and nicely preserved, although it
may have been cleaned and detailed at some point in the
not-too-distant past. There are a few blemishes, with some
discoloration around the manifolds and thermostat housing, but
again, this is an original survivor so that's not surprising. It
starts easily, idles properly, and just goes about its business the
way a luxury car engine should. It's quiet, smooth, and just does
its job. You'll also note that it features correct markings and
hardware throughout and things like the wiring and other soft parts
are in excellent condition. 1964 was also the first year for GM's
brilliant TH400 3-speed automatic transmission, a bulletproof
gearbox that just shrugs off the Nailhead's massive torque. It
delivers smooth shifts and will even serve up a quick downshift if
you really prod it, but that's not really what the Electra is
about. 3.07 gears out back mean it's a wonderful highway cruiser
that just eats up pavement with ease, and that pillowy Buick ride
remains 100% intact. Power steering and power brakes are part of
the equation, and it includes Buick's massive finned aluminum drums
up front, so stopping power is pretty impressive for the car's
size. The undercarriage is original but again that means no
surprises hiding?the floors and rockers are solid and you can
clearly see all the original spot welds and stamping marks. Even
the spiral shocks appear to be original equipment. The exhaust
features small auxiliary mufflers and a large crossover muffler in
back, giving it a muted V8 hum that's very appropriate. And it sits
on the right tires, a set of recent 8.20-15 BFGoodrich Silvertown
whitewalls that suit the big Buick just fine.Mechanical notes: No
issues. Starts easily and runs great. Very strong on the road.
Evidence of previous seepage at thermostat housing but not leaking
now. Transmission shifts well. Brakes good, tracks straight. Not
shiny underneath but no issues to note. What a survivor should
be.Documentation is extensive, including the original build sheet,
purchase order, owner's manuals, booklets, and Protect-O-Plate. It
also comes with a few extra parts, including replacement rubber
seals and some ancient lacquer touch-up paint (presumably the paint
used on the hood and trunk).Original cars are special, but not
everyone understands them. They're not perfect so if you want a car
with a shiny undercarriage this isn't for you. On the other hand,
if you want one that drives pretty much the way it did when it was
new, one that has a clean history and no stories, then perhaps this
is a good fit. The big Buick delivers performance and luxury in
equal doses, and this Electra is a slam-dunk in preservation class
judging. We would challenge you to find a better one. Call
today!Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or
professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to
purchase.