June "Bugle" Coverage of the 1963 Full-Size Buicks is Great!

[Centurion]

Love this issue -- not only Pete's fine article, but also the very interesting owner-written articles.

Pete mentioned that a 4-bbl version of the 401 nailhead was offered in the 1963 LeSabre, but asked whether anyone had seen one.

I was reminded again of the 1963 LeSabre 2-door hardtop that arrived from Pendleton, Oregon for our recent event at the Baker Garage.

This LeSabre was factory-equipped with the Wildcat 445 (4-bbl 401) and 4-speed manual transmission. I was also surprised to see the cornering lamps on this LeSabre, since, as Pete noted, these were more commonly seen on the Wildcats and Electra 225's.

The owner of this beautiful car is not a BCA member, but I'll work to get him signed up so we can make sure the car is in Portland for the 2014 Nationals.

[Guest BJM]

I am still reading through the Bugle but 2 things came to mind. I hope Pete checks this thread. 1. Why would you (meaning Pete) sell the 3 speed manual Lesabre with a then 16,000 miles and 21-22 mpg but keep a 1958 Limited which probably got 12 mpg on a good day, and was much clumsier to park???? You specifically mention the low maintenance of the stripper 63 LeSabre and I have to believe the Limited took a lot of maintenance on all those power accessories. I would have thought that selling the Limited and keeping the LeSabre made more sense. 2. I thought 1963 was the 1st year for open driveshafts. I saw no mention of that in the coverage. Was it just Riviera that had open driveshafts. I know 64's did (no more torque tubes) but I also thought all 63 Buicks had open driveshafts.

[Pete Phillips]

First year of the open drive shaft is the 1961 Buicks. What I didn't say in the article is that I had a third old car stored at home in Texas at that time--a 1961 Oldsmobile 88 with factory A/C--that's the one I kept to drive. I didn't think it was appropriate to mention Oldsmobiles in a BCA magazine!Pete

[Guest BJM]

First year of the open drive shaft is the 1961 Buicks. What I didn't say in the article is that I had a third old car stored at home in Texas at that time--a 1961 Oldsmobile 88 with factory A/C--that's the one I kept to drive. I didn't think it was appropriate to mention Oldsmobiles in a BCA magazine!Pete

Yes that makes sense (no mention) 61? wow I was off quite a bit