Buick electra

In 1958, Roadmaster and Limited made up the full-size executive class among Buick cars. In 1959, they were renamed Electra and Electra 225, respectively. Two other full-size Buick models, Invicta and LeSabre, were updated simultaneously .

The Electra 225 nameplate was a tribute to the body length of the last car over 225 inches (5715 mm), earning the name "deuce and a quarter" on the streets ^[4] .

The Electra 225 Riviera was a top-notch personal model in a four-door hardtop. Buick first applied the name “Riviera” to the Roadmaster two-door hardtop in the 1949 model year, after which he called all his hardtops that way. In addition, from 1950 to 1953, Buick created a complete set with an extended wheelbase for the sedan, exclusively in the Roadmaster and Super lines, which was called the Riviera. But 1959 was the first year when not all Buick's hardtops were called as the Riviera. Also available was a standard four-door hardtop and four-door sedan ^[5] . The two-door convertible was available only as the Electra 225, the two-door hardtop as the Electra.

1959

In 1959, Electra and Electra 225 used the C platform from General Motors in conjunction with the Oldsmobile 98 and all Cadillac cars, with a long 3200 mm wheelbase, compared to the B platform on which the LeSabre and Invicta were built, with a 3100 mm wheelbase. The standard and only available engine was the V-shaped 8-cylinder Wildcat with four carburetors, a compression ratio of 10.25: 1 and a capacity of 325 liters. from. (239 kW) paired with the Dynaflow two-speed automatic transmission, which was also standard along with power steering and brake booster using unique 12-inch (300 mm) finned aluminum brake drums. Power windows and seats, a leather interior were standard on the Electra 225 cabriolet and were options on all other models. For the 255 convertible, the front bucket seats were an option. Electra's interior was upholstered in fabric, convertibles had a natural leather interior. The standard included a horizontal speedometer, two-speed electric wipers, an on-board mileage indicator, a cigarette lighter, visors, a parking brake, an electric clock, light in the trunk and glove box, power steering, brake booster and dual exhaust ^[1] .

Elektra, along with all the other 1959 Buicks, got a completely new style, not used at the same time by other GM departments, which included slanted headlights in front along with a high chrome square grille, somewhat similar to the 1958 Buicks and a “delta fin” at the back, along with round taillights. The "slanting" headlights also had the Lincoln Continental of 1958-1960. The external difference from the other Buicks was the extra-wide moldings, the massive Electra emblem on the front wing. The Electra 225 nameplates were also located on the front fenders. The four-door models had lower rear wing moldings.

1960

In 1960, Electra underwent a slight facelift, receiving horizontal headlights and a concave grille with a new “Trishield” logo in the center, which is still used today. Inside, the dashboard was updated, a new speedometer appeared with an adjustable lens under the driver for better visibility, a new two-spoke steering wheel. Front bucket seats are now available for both convertibles.

1961

Electra, along with Invicta and LeSabre, was updated in 1961, getting smaller fins and entering the new compact Skylark / Special class. Four vents on the front wing, called “VentiPorts”, have become the hallmark of this generation. The interior had fabric upholstery. A leather interior was also available for the 225 models. Optional front bucket seats with electro-adjustments.

Standard equipment included an automatic transmission, Mirromatic dashboard, electric two-speed wipers and a windshield washer, a mileage indicator for travel, a cigarette lighter, double armrests, several upholstery combinations, carpet, power steering, power brakes, and glove box lighting.

1962

Big Buick of 1962 retained four VentiPorts in the front wing. The interiors were upholstered in fabric, on convertibles also leather. The standard version includes functions: two-speed electric wiper, cigarette lighter, foot parking brake, double armrests, Turbine-Drive transmission, augmented dashboard, heater, glove box lighting, power steering, brake booster, shades, power seats, electric windows.