BqUICK Posted September 27, 2004 Share Posted September 27, 2004 The 1969 & 70 Buick Electra 225 is perhaps the most underated of all of the great road cars. Its style and grace often made it difficult for people to see it as a performance car. Often, this worked to its advantage as a lethal sleeper. Stock Electras were capable of low 15s with factory performance optioned cars capable of 14s. Full frame 4,700 lb racers were documented at 11.7 while lighter race jobs were touted to run in the 10s. Electra race cars on the street were known by their color and the "handle" of the driver. You might be a member of this elite cadre of Electra racers if: 1. There is atleast one bent 2 Ton jack stand laying around your garage. 2. Your car was too wide for your buddy's car hauler. 3. You have ever heard "You want to race a what!?!?!" more than once from parts store people. (...just before their eyes glaze over!)4. You have ever heard "You want to build a what!?!?!" more than once from hot rod builders. (...just before their eyes glaze over!)5. You have ever scrapped a 1970 GS for its SF Code 455 and left everything else. 6. It ever pissed you off to hear that GS people cut an engine out of an Electra. (And did not know to check for "PX" 3.91 Code!) 7. You ever wore a tuxedo in the same car you outrun Firebirds with. 8. It never occurred to you that the car you just beat had a 1000 lb advantage. 9. Some race fan is angry with you saying "I cant believe you beat on THAT beautiful car like that." 10. A guy ever screamed "Oh BABY!!!" when you smoked em through the burnout box. 11. If you ever pissed off GS people and heard: "Your not going to cut the scoops out of that GS hood...are you?!?!" (well... you know the answer to that one dont you! 12. You have ever heard. "My point is still that a chopped customized 1969-70 Electra will bring less than a faithfully restored GS or GSX." 13. If you have ever heard "Tell the truth now... were these "on the bottle?"" 14. If you ever tossed him the bottle and beat him again!15. If you love it when the 1968 4 speed 400 GTO Judge owner cannot believe he just lost to an Electra 225. 16. If you loved it when the 440 'Cuda owner refused to race you because of your Electra's rep. 17. If the police cite your "rodder" friends but compliment your Electra and tell you have a good day with no ticket. (And YOU WERE going racing!) BUICK POWER!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pat Baysinger Posted September 28, 2004 Share Posted September 28, 2004 After reading this, I think a '69/'70 Electra convertible may be in my future. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reatta Man Posted September 28, 2004 Share Posted September 28, 2004 They're OK cars, but please don't buy one if you have to butcher a GS in order to get it running. That is the opposite of what car collecting is all about. In addition, the highest value in collectable cars are those restored to factory original condition; not those adulterated with parts from here or there, or something the owner calls "customized." A chopped and pieced together Electra will NEVER be worth anything near the value of a factory stock GS 455 or corretly resotred GSX.Joe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smartin Posted September 28, 2004 Share Posted September 28, 2004 I think Michael's post was meant to be taken lightly.Please pass the salt! I seriously doubt he would hack up a GS unless it was beyond repair. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
55PackardGuy Posted September 28, 2004 Share Posted September 28, 2004 <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Full frame 4,700 lb racers were documented at 11.7 while lighter race jobs were touted to run in the 10s.</div></div>Tell the truth now... were these "on the bottle?" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pat Baysinger Posted September 28, 2004 Share Posted September 28, 2004 I know, I wouldn't cut up a GS either, and somehow I can't see any Electra racing down the drag strip, excetpt maybe in a cartoon strip. It did make me think about the late '60's Electra's though. I'm a big fan of the '69 and '70 Grand Prix's too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
55PackardGuy Posted September 28, 2004 Share Posted September 28, 2004 Smartin,How about posting some of those pics of drag-racing Electras if you have them... or maybe it was BqUICK that posted them on another thread. They looked pretty serious to me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smartin Posted September 29, 2004 Share Posted September 29, 2004 hm...Here's me on a launch (white car) at Salem this year...15 second boat My goal was to break into the 14's this year, but I can't do it without a cam upgrade....and weight loss! Thos power options are heavy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Centurion Posted September 29, 2004 Share Posted September 29, 2004 Adam, great to see a '71 Centurion on the strip! Seems like I recall some photos from the old "Musclecar Review" that featured a '66 Wildcat and '72 Electra 225 on the drag strip. Wonder if those cars are still racing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BqUICK Posted September 30, 2004 Author Share Posted September 30, 2004 Buick Performance Fans,Here is an Electra Build up article. Its a bit dated but shows one of the greatest heavy weight champions in the game. The Guadagdo Pee Gee Performance, Inc. Electra from Brooklyn, New York. The car is long gone but not forgotten!http://www.mi-buicks.com/dasboat.htmGS, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pat Baysinger Posted September 30, 2004 Share Posted September 30, 2004 I sure wish I could read that article, but when I click to enlarge, it flashes up big on the screen for an instant, then reduces in size and the print is too fuzzy to read. Help? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smartin Posted September 30, 2004 Share Posted September 30, 2004 Pat, when it shrinks like that, hold your mouse over the picture and a little icon will appear after 3 seconds at the bottom of the picture itself. Click on that icon to blow the picture back yp to original size. That's one of IE6's brilliant AUTO SIZE picture dealies... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
55PackardGuy Posted September 30, 2004 Share Posted September 30, 2004 It seems to work by clicking directly on the page you want to enlarge. The burnout image is the one I was remembering when I asked about those "serious" Electra drag racing pics. I hope he didn't run over those two fella's toes!Thanks for re-posting this, Michael, and to Smartin for that great live-action Buick vs Buick shot. How 'bout that Riv? Did you beat 'im?To me, these cars look right at home at the track. There's something about all that metal going that fast. What used to amaze me was how LIGHT the cars felt because of all the torque. I recall the first time I drove the '65 Electra, and that feeling of effortless acceleration. I was hooked. Passed my license exam in that car... although the long back overhang actually scraped over a high curb when I parallel parked. The car was lined up right, but I guess the examiner marked off points for scary noises. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smartin Posted September 30, 2004 Share Posted September 30, 2004 The Riviera is Yardley's!Here is his webpage....and no I didn't beat him. I still have over a second to catch up! http://mywebpages.comcast.net/jholthenrichs/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pat Baysinger Posted September 30, 2004 Share Posted September 30, 2004 Got it. Thanks Adam. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BqUICK Posted October 1, 2004 Author Share Posted October 1, 2004 Reatta Man: You said: <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> A chopped and pieced together Electra will NEVER be worth anything near the value of a factory stock GS 455 or corretly resotred GSX.</div></div> LOT 198 ESTIMATE:$ 90,000 -- $ 110,000 http://www.rmauctions.com/events/catalogcar.cfm?scode=AM04&tmpNumber=198"1959 Buick Electra 225 Convertible 325hp 401 cu. in. vee eight-cylinder engine, two-speed Dynaflow automatic transmission, independent front suspension with coil springs, live axle rear suspension with coil springs, four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 217.4? Buick regularly rebels against its ordained position in Alfred P. Sloan?s marque hierarchy. Sometimes it pushes downward into Pontiac territory, but Buick has never, ever, lost its fascination with pushing into Cadillac?s turf. Regularly it has introduced models like the Limited that shamelessly surpass Cadillac in size, power and luxury, only to get its fingers slapped by the GM brass for stepping too far over the line. Buick?s aspirations were nowhere better expressed than in 1959 with the Electra 225. Not only was it fourteenths of an inch longer that that year?s Cadillac, its 401 cubic inch Wildcat engine was bigger than Cadillac?s, too. The 1959 Buicks also were completely restyled, with one of the most effective treatments of the finned era which was nearing the end of its time at GM. The Electra 225?s great length and sloping beltline accented by a thin strip of chrome wore Buick?s canted fins particularly well. Carried over from earlier years, however, was Buick?s distinctive grille of rectangular rods which blended earlier Buicks? identity with the new styling?s sweeping lines. Production in 1959 was cut short by a steel strike, but not before the Electra 225 convertible paced the Indianapolis 500 mile race. Buick sold 32,645 convertibles in 1959, 11% of the year?s production. Of these, only 5,493 were the top of the line Electra 225. Every Electra 225 convertible was luxuriously equipped, including leather interior, power windows, power top Safety group, Super Deluxe wheel covers and outside rear view mirror to compensate for the convertible?s restricted rear quarter vision. Standard equipment on all premium Buicks also included a padded dashboard, power steering, power brakes, 2- speed wipers and dual exhausts to help the big 401 cubic inch ?Nail-Head? V8 breathe deeply. These beautiful, extravagant, luxurious automobiles have a presence that attracts attention wherever they appear, exactly as Buick intended when it created this opulent signature series. None of them better display the 1959 Electra 225?s presence than the example offered here. Fresh from a complete, nut-and-bolt, body-off restoration, it is brilliantly presented in Sable Black with Red leather interior and a Black vinyl top, it is a wonderful statement of the power, prestige and confidence of Detroit and America in the late fifties. It has never been shown and is ready to impress both judges and spectators at any show or gathering. It is lavishly equipped with a full complement of comfort and convenience options and accessories including air conditioning, which make it friendly to use and drive, or simply easy to maneuver into a place of honor on the show field. Extremely rare and special when new, 1959 Buick Electra 225 convertibles are even more unusual today and this must be the finest and most impressive example of Buick?s successful encroachment upon Cadillac?s turf in existence today." Modified or not, Buick Electras are among the fastest appreciating American luxury muscle cars. When was the last time you saw a GS go for 90 grand?PS: SOLD for $92,400.00 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smartin Posted October 1, 2004 Share Posted October 1, 2004 One for the money... Michael, how much did THIS cost??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BqUICK Posted October 1, 2004 Author Share Posted October 1, 2004 The Electra GSX "Faithful Pursuit" cost is hard to determine. The Machuga/Putman built, one off, steel Electra GSX Ram-Air hood required more than 80 hours of expert welding, hammering, shrinking, and reinforcing before paint! The 32 gal. fuel cell rear cockpit firewall has well over 500 spot welds. The body-off chassis resto, NOS Pee Gee Performance Built 455 STAGE 1, GT Performance narrowed FORD 9", Gear Vendors Overdrive, custom stainless steel underbody Ram-Air trans/engine oil cooler induction, etc., etc. cost a bunch! The appraised value should be determined in 2005 after race day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reatta Man Posted October 1, 2004 Share Posted October 1, 2004 I stand by my original comment with one revision:A chopped 1969-1970 Electra will never be worth what a restored REAL GSX is worth. And, I think "most" Buick enthusiasts would agree that a 1959 Electra is in another world compared to the 1969-1970 models. You can also spend a ton of money, and get some of it back, but it definitely is not the best way to try to make money. Keep in mind, we started out talking about a chopped up 1969-1970 Electra, then you showed the auction results of a very unusual 1959 example. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reatta Man Posted October 1, 2004 Share Posted October 1, 2004 Oh, one OTHER thing....I was talking about a chopped Electra, in the 1969-70 vintage. The narrative you used was not only for a 1959 model, it apparently was not CHOPPED UP but rather was a meticulously restored and cared for example. My point is still that a chopped customized 1969-70 Electra will bring less than a faithfully restored GS or GSX. Let's leave twisting and spinning facts and previous statements to the politicians, shall we? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hotrod 84 lesabre Posted October 3, 2004 Share Posted October 3, 2004 great car!!hope i can get my 84 le sabre's body looking that nice!!i say each owner can choose what they want to do to build the car they want.i used the 430 engine out of my old 68 electra,and put it in my le sabre, and built the engine with lots of power(nitrous is for weenies!!)i don't care what others think. i am proud of what i did! "is better to be pissed off, than pissed on" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turbo Loyd Posted October 3, 2004 Share Posted October 3, 2004 [color:\\"blue\\"] Yawn . . . is this turning into the BCA "keep it original at all costs", versus the GSCA or BPG "yeah but it could be faster and chrome is always a good thing" argument? Extremism either way will be argued forever with each side maintaining his way is the best.Value is in the eyes of the beholder and if one wants to modify his ride so be it. Particularly if it is as cool as BqUICK's Faithful Pursuit. Want an indication of how most of us feel, just look at the number of views and posts about this car. It has been fun watching the progress, and learning a little history to boot.Frame off restorations even ones faithful to the mistake of the manufacturer will not sell for the cost of the investment, so comparing the relative value of this Electra that definitely pleases a lot of folks to a stock or even modified Gran Sport is not worth the effort. It either pleases you or it does not.Want an idea of how many fans of Buick B bodies?, Rivera?s or similar cars there are? Follow the activity in the V8Buick board under ?Boat Load of Fun?. Most questions raised are about modifying these cars.Just enjoy the ride Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smartin Posted October 4, 2004 Share Posted October 4, 2004 Well said, Loyd Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smartin Posted October 4, 2004 Share Posted October 4, 2004 Big car burnout time Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hotrod 84 lesabre Posted October 4, 2004 Share Posted October 4, 2004 NICE!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigFella Posted October 4, 2004 Share Posted October 4, 2004 note that big car burnout is a bone stock *survivor* 1970 Electra! I rode in this car, stunning is an understatement. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reatta Man Posted October 4, 2004 Share Posted October 4, 2004 NICE NICE NICE car!!Thanks for the pics. Bet there were some dropped jaws in that crowd. If you wore a silver wig under your helmet, some would wonder if the "little ol' lady from Pasadena" came by for a visit! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Buickman67 Posted October 6, 2004 Share Posted October 6, 2004 Hey BqUICK,Just thought I would let you know that I had a '69 Electra 225 Custom 4DHT that I ran at the drag strip last year. It had 85k miles, pretty much all original, tiny bit of Chicago rust, all stock with the 2.78 open rear, 235 75R15 tires, but I put 2 1/4" duals with glasspacks on her. She ran a 15.296 sec @ 91.46 mph. Wish I could have gotten some traction, as I needed to baby her off the line with the open rear. Here are the results:0.557 RT 2.284 60' 6.504 330' 9.283 ET @ 594' 9.907 1/8 mile ET 72.10 1/8 mile mph 12.831 1000' 15.296 1/4 mile ET 91.46 1/4 mile mph Temp was about 65 F.I am taking my 32,000 mile original '71 Electra 225 Custom 2DHT to the drag strip this Saturday with our car club as we have rented out the track, US 41 Dragway in Morocco, Indiana.David Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BqUICK Posted November 21, 2004 Author Share Posted November 21, 2004 Buickman67,I race a stock 1969 Buick Electra Custom Convertible With "GS" Scripts48400 67 C1969 Buick Electra Custom 225 Convertible "C" Body 4,700 lb 2.5" Dual Exhaust Dynomax Mufflers235 70R 15s Buick Rallye Wheels2.73 Positive TractionPoints45TS PlugsHer best has been 15.35 @ 89 mph In your last note you wrote:<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> 15.296 sec @ 91.46 mph </div></div> Your 4DR HT, either a code "69" Nothback Pillar (4 Window)Sedan has outstanding performance. How did your '71 Electra do at the track? Did the lower compression affect performance much? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smartin Posted November 21, 2004 Share Posted November 21, 2004 PICS! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BqUICK Posted November 26, 2004 Author Share Posted November 26, 2004 Thanks for posting photos of My Electra 225 "GS"This is the car that I drag race from time to time. It sure is fun to beat Mustangs and Firebirds in style! I try to avoid the water at the burnout box and just do a little burnout to "clean" the tires. I roll up and typically line up on the lights fairly easily. With a mild launch she hooks pretty well and my R/T is between .55 and .65, .49 being a red light. I usually get comments like "Oh baby!!!" at the line or some people are "Pissed" and say "I cant believe you beat on THAT car like that!" The big Buick Electra was built to do this kind of thing all day long. Back when the speedlimits could be 65 - 90, she could get onto an highway on-ramp from a standing start and get to 90 mph in under 16 seconds with 4 people and luggage! Stock 1969 Buick Electra Custom Convertible With "GS" Scripts48400 67 C1969 Buick Electra Custom 225 Convertible "C" Body 4,700 lb 2.5" Dual Exhaust Dynomax Mufflers235 70R 15s Buick Rallye Wheels2.73 Positive TractionPoints45TS PlugsHer best has been 15.35 @ 89 mphThis Electra is a "Knockout!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hotrod 84 lesabre Posted November 27, 2004 Share Posted November 27, 2004 that car is COOL!!i was inspired to call my 500 hp 430 powered 84 le sabre 4 door "le sabre GSX" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BqUICK Posted November 27, 2004 Author Share Posted November 27, 2004 Hotrod '84 LeSabre,Now an '84 LeSabre with a 500 HP 430 IS COOL!. Its the last of the big Buicks typically not associated with performance, which make it a true super sleeper in classic Buick style! Got pictures!?! God Speed! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hotrod 84 lesabre Posted November 27, 2004 Share Posted November 27, 2004 thanks!! yes,it is a real sleeper,and will be even sneakier if i use the stock hubcaps,and plain whitewall tires wil be cool to see the ricers scratch their heads after they get dusted by a 4 door buick!!see attached pic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BqUICK Posted November 29, 2004 Author Share Posted November 29, 2004 Yes! Thats the body style that is perfect! It has really nice lines, naturally I'm partial to the Electra but the LeSabre was very similar. Can you imagine not only blowing the competition away in the straights but killing them pulling G's too! That would be too much!!! Boy would they be pissed!!! I really like the idea of a very clean stocker with a killer 430! As you know the 430 is grossly underrated and almost always gets junked! People do not realize that it has largely the same performance capability of the 427 ZL1 from the weight to torque point of view. Add aluminum heads and manifold and you are lighter than the all aluminum ZL-1 by several pounds. (Anyone know how much?)What is the combo you are going for? Good luck, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hotrod 84 lesabre Posted November 29, 2004 Share Posted November 29, 2004 well,would like to keep the stock body lines,but would like it to handlea bit better,want to add traction bars,rear sway bar,etc.has stock shocks,with coil over"load carriers" in the rear. i don't want to lower it,as the mufflers are close to the ground now! has 21 gal fuel cell in trunk also and maybe a cool personalized license plate,any ideas? i can have up to 7 letters in kansas on a tag Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest imported_JPC Posted December 14, 2004 Share Posted December 14, 2004 License Plate suggestion:BYE-BYE Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hotrod 84 lesabre Posted December 14, 2004 Share Posted December 14, 2004 i like that!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BqUICK Posted December 15, 2004 Author Share Posted December 15, 2004 There are many neat plates that I have seen over the years and I am sure that you have as well. Thinking about the LeSabre...1. GHOST (Recalling Harley Earl's most fabulous '51 LeSabre) 2. IEATZ28S (Used by an old friend 20 years ago) 3. IEATRCRZ (Drag Ricers might get Pissed, if they get it) 4. QUICKLE (The only original idea in the bunch) 5. LESIZMOR (Not the run of the mill.) 6. SEMIWEDG (Run of the 430 "mill" & its partial wedge design.) 7. THX1138 (This is cool because you have to be over 40 to know what it means.) You have to think about what you like about your car. Is it the mechanics of the driveline, the clean lines of the body, or the stealth aspects. Also, why blow your cover? Make something up original and YOU will give it meaning when you earn a rep on the street among your friends, the show circuit, or at the track when you [censored] off the unsuspecting. May God Speed you in a Buick, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hotrod 84 lesabre Posted December 16, 2004 Share Posted December 16, 2004 yeah, may just use the plain old kansas plate i got on it nowand just let them scratch their heads when all they see are tail lights. was on the road with it today,when a toyota came up behind me. he was preparing to pass, i pressed on the gas,went from 50 to 80 in 5 secs! i finally let him pass,i had a big grin on my face!! thanks for the ideas!! even thought of this one: BUZILLA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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