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 wouldnt 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 theres 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, theres no damage. No split seams, no tears, no scuffing. Its really impressive. Its possible that the carpets have been replaced simply because theyre extremely nice, but it still carries original Buick-logo rubber floor mats, so maybe thats 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 Buicks 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, theres a little yellowing to the rear window, but it would be a crime to replace it. Theres 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 (its 55 degrees in our shop in the winter). Theres 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 Buicks 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 well 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 thats not surprising. It starts easily, idles properly, and just goes about its business the way a luxury car engine should. Its quiet, smooth, and just does its job. Youll 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 GMs brilliant TH400 3-speed automatic transmission, a bulletproof gearbox that just shrugs off the Nailheads massive torque. It delivers smooth shifts and will even serve up a quick downshift if you really prod it, but thats not really what the Electra is about. 3.07 gears out back mean its 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 Buicks massive finned aluminum drums up front, so stopping power is pretty impressive for the cars 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 thats 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, owners 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. Theyre not perfect so if you want a car with a shiny undercarriage this isnt 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.
