Vehicle Description
1960 Buick Electra 2 Door Hardtop
"If the 1950s had been a decade of dazzle, the 1960s started out by
turning down the volume - at least with the 1960 Buick Electra and
the GM bunch. Big changes had been the rule for the 1959 Buick,
with their huge canted "Delta wing" fins and slanted quad
headlights. Some considered it the most dramatic Buick of all and a
sharp contrast to the garish 1958 with its unexcelled load of
"perhaps over the top" chrome." Romesentinel.com, March 2014
For consignment, a 1960 Buick Electra 2 door hardtop showing 23,420
miles which are not actual. This beautiful car has had some
mechanical upgrades and new parts. Its clean exterior is an ornate
showpiece and the interior has some special features as well but
could use some freshening in several areas.
Exterior
Amazing body lines give the Buick a part jet/part car profile with
more bends, folds, and bulges than the sandstone cliffs of Utah.
The dual headlights appear to grimace with the fender brows leaning
earnestly towards the center which keeps its swell all the way to
the back of the car where it expands to wrap the round tail lights
under canted wings at an even more severe angle and both ends are
underscored by relatively straight, horizontal chrome bumpers in
fine shape. The hood and vertical panels wear Chalet Blue paint
while the roof and decklid wear white. Brightwork includes trim
that surrounds a stingray type lifted point on the hood, a body
length piece on the waistline, amazing window reveals on curved
glass, and faux ventiports on the front fenders. Let's not forget
the concave grille, a row of vertical bands of thin metal.
Imperfections include numerous spots of bubbling, scratches,
cracking paint, and scuffs on the rocker panel trim.
Interior
The patina filled interior begins with the door panels where the
cloth uppers show particular age along with the metal trim pieces
and the vinyl is otherwise decent. The combo of blue cloth and
vinyl continues on the split bench seat where some wear is noted
including a few tears in the cloth. Things are better in the back
bench which sports armrests and ashtrays along with dedicated
window cranks for the sizable rear glass. The horn bar of the
steering wheel is bright and shiny but the black plastic rim is
cracked in multiple spots. Upfront, the soft blue shelf of the
dashboard shows quite a bit of age but our eyes are drawn to the
overall design, which is a work of art. The horizontal speedometer
lives under a hood it shares with a round clock while a series of
square buttons line up below over a brushed aluminum panel that
houses chrome knobs and the AM radio. The passenger gets a carved
cove with a padded dash in front and this one is in good shape. The
blue carpet below looks new, and the headliner will need cleaning
or replacement to meet its quality. The trunk is essentially barren
save for the spare tire.
Drivetrain
Under the hood is a clean 401ci V8 with a 4-barrel carburetor and a
Turbine Drive 2-speed automatic transmission sending power to the
rear axle and 3.23 gears. Power drum brakes occupy the front and
rear wheels. Our consignor states the following has been added or
upgraded: the brake system including shoes, hoses, master cylinder,
and booster, power steering pump, rag joint, starter, and
radiator.
Undercarriage
General patina underneath and typical surface rust is noted but
nothing of concern structurally. The dual exhaust travels through a
stock style muffler in back and leaves as two tailpipes under the
car. Suspension here is made up of new coil springs up front and a
3 link with coil springs and panhard bar out back. The knuckles are
spotless, confirming our consignor's claim of the new tie rod
sleeves, rebuilt steering box, and front end kit.
Drive-Ability
Jet-like on the outside but more boat-like on the inside, we're
piloting a wide car with canted fins at both ends as we crank the
V8 to life and set sail for the test loop. The long, curvaceous
hood floats in front of us while the greenhouse creates limitless
visibility reminiscent of an open air experience. The car pulls
along nicely, tracking straight and providing good power from 325
horses under the hood. The belt on the A/C is not on the engine, so
it does not function. But all other items in the car do as intended
and we row this two tone beauty back to port. While Classic Auto
Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of
our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working
at the time of your purchase.
This Wildcat 445, (torque), powered car is one for the ages. If not
seen in car shows in decades to come, it surely will be a fixture
in museums of functional art because it's a visual masterpiece. Wow
them at any car show you roll up on with furrowed body panels,
substantial wings, and jet canopy-like glass. With a little bit of
TLC, this could be upped a few notches in potential trophy
procurement, but as is, it's a great find.
7G8006721
7-Electra
G-1960
8-Arlington, TX Assy Plant
006721-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
STYLE 60 4737-1960 Electra 2 Door Hardtop
BODY BT180-Arlington Body #
TRIM 752-Turquoise Cloth & Vinyl
PAINT CC-Arctic White
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
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