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Thread: Buick Electra (2nd gen) 1961-1964

  1. #1
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    Buick Electra (2nd gen) 1961-1964

    VINTAGE BUICK ELECTRA 225 CONVERTIBLE POWERED BY 620-HP ZZ572 CRATE ENGINE

    LAS VEGAS – A powerful GM Performance Parts ZZ572 crate engine is the 620-horsepower heart of a beautifully restored 1964 Electra 225 – one of the famed Buick “Deuce-and-a-Quarter” full-size luxury vehicles that have achieved popularity with collectors and urban customizers. The ZZ572/620-powered Electra 225 was displayed among 11 new Buick Lucerne concepts at a special event held during the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) convention.

    Along with the 620-horsepower engine, the modified Electra 225 features a Hydra-matic Turbo 400 automatic transmission and a custom radiator that’s outfitted with twin electric fans. The car rolls on chrome 20-inch Boss Motorsports “312” five-spoke wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport tires. The body and interior of this imposing “Deuce” retain their factory-stock good looks, wearing a new coat of factory white paint and re-chromed trim. The top is white, with a black boot cover. The interior also is black, with the vinyl upholstery re-done to a factory appearance.

    “The growing interest in Lucerne among the tuner market inspired us to take one of the most recognizable classic Buicks and build a companion for the 11 Lucernes displayed at SEMA, said General Manager Steve Shannon. “Our touch on an old-school classic like the Deuce highlights the potential consumers have with GM Accessories.”

    The ZZ572/620 crate engine – GM Performance Parts number 12498793 – however, is far from factory-stock. It’s the largest-displacement big-block crate engine offered by GM Performance Parts – and the most powerful engine designed for street use. It features cavernous 4.560-inch bores and a 4.375-inch stroke, with forged rotating components. Aluminum, rectangular-port heads provide tremendous airflow and the engine aspirates through an 850-cfm Demon four-barrel carburetor. A hydraulic roller camshaft and a 9.6:1 compression ratio contribute to docile street manners and pump gas friendliness – with a tremendous reserve of 650 lb.-ft. of torque only a tip of the right foot away. The engine also wears a GM Performance Parts front dress kit and chrome air cleaner.

    Cross member and steering gear modifications were required to install the big-block engine. It is one of approximately 7,200 Electra 225 convertible models sold in 1964 and it originally was well optioned from the factory, including air conditioning – a relatively rare combination with a convertible in its day.

    More than 40 years after it left the factory, this updated Deuce retains its vintage style while delivering a thoroughly modern blast of performance.

    Vehicle highlights

    * ZZ572/620 crate engine with 620 hp / 650 lb.-ft. of torque
    * GM Performance Parts engine front dress kit and chrome air cleaner
    * Custom exhaust system
    * Hydra-matic “Turbo 400” automatic transmission
    * Boss Motorsports “312” chrome 20-inch wheels
    * Michelin Pilot Sport P245/35ZR20 tires
    * Custom radiator with twin electric fans
    * Restored exterior with factory white paint, white top and re-chromed trim
    * Restored interior with new black vinyl upholstery
    Lack of charisma can be fatal.
    Visca Catalunya!

  2. #2
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    The Buick Electra is a full-size luxury car manufactured and marketed by Buick from 1959 to 1990 over six generations — having been named after heiress and sculptor Electra Waggoner Biggs by her brother-in-law Harlow H. Curtice, former president of Buick and later president of General Motors. The Electra was offered in coupe, convertible, sedan, and station wagon body styles over the course of its production — with rear-wheel drive (1959-1984) or front-wheel drive (1985-1990, except station wagon). For its entire production run, it utilized some form of GM's C platform. The Electra was superseded by the Buick Park Avenue in 1991.

    Second generation (1961-1964)
    The Electra, along with the Invicta and LeSabre, was redesigned for 1961 with drastically shrunken fins, and was joined with the all-new compact sized Skylark/Special. Electras featured bright rocker panel and wheelhouse moldings. Four VentiPorts per front fender were a hallmark, with identification spelled out on the front fender plaques. Electra 225s had four "hash marks" interrupting behind the wheelhouse of the rear fender. Electra 225 nameplates were found on the front fenders. Electra interiors were trimmed in fabric. Electra 225s were trimmed in Calais cloth or leather trim, except for convertibles which were trimmed in vinyl. An optional Custom interior featured leather trim, while another featured vinyl with contrasting vertical stripes and front bucket seats with a storage consolex and power two-way seat adjustment. Standard equipment on the Electra included Turbine-Drive automatic transmission, "Mirromatic" instrument panel, directional signals, full-flow oil filter, electric windshield wipers, Deluxe steering wheel, trip mileage indicator, cigar lighter, Step-On brake, dual armrests, cloth and vinyl trim, combinations, carpeting, power steering, power brakes, two-speed windshield wiper/washer system, glovebox light, Custom-padded seat cushions and Deluxe wheelcovers. Two-tone Electras had the color accent on the rear cove. In addition Electra 225s had back-up lights, Glare-proof rearview mirror, parking lights, signal light, safety buzzer, courtesy lights, two-way power seat, Super Deluxe wheelcovers with gold accents and power windows. The Electra and Electra 225 were the same length in 1961. Buick discontinued the Electra nameplate at the end of the 1961 model year, leaving only the Electra 225 starting in 1962.

    The big Buick of 1962 carried four VentiPorts per front fender and featured a rakish sculptured restyle of its 1961 guise. The hardtop coupe and standard hardtop sedan featured a convertible inspired semi-formal roofline, while the Riviera hardtop sedan continued to use six-window pillarless configuration. Electra 225 rear fenders had a group of vertical hashmarks, with Electra 225 spelled out in block letters just above. A full length bright strip crowned the upper body ridge, while the tower rocker molding and wheelhouses were accented with bright trim. Wheelcovers had a gold accent ring. Interiors were of the finest cloth and, on the convertible, leather was used. Standard features included directional signals, full-flow oil filter, dual speed electric windshield washer/wipers, Deluxe steering wheel, cigar lighter, Step-on parking brake, dual armrests, Turbine-Drive transmission, padded dashboard, heater, defroster, glovebox light, back-up lights, power steering, Glare-proof rearview mirror, power brakes, power brake signal light, safety buzzer, courtesy lights, two-way power seats, power windows, Super Deluxe wheelcovers, Safety option group, custom padded cushions, Accessory Group options and custom moldings.

    Buick's largest, plushest and most expensive models were restyled for 1963, with distinctive rear fenders culminating in a sharp vertical edge housing narrow back-up lights. The taillights were horizontally placed in the vertical deck cove. A unique cast grille was used at the front. Bright wheelhouse and lower body moldings, with ribbed rear fender panels were used. Red-filled Electra 225 badges were found on the rear fenders, while four VentiPorts lent status to the front fenders. Interiors were cloth and vinyl combinations, while a Custom interior in vinyl and leather, with front bucket seats and a storage console, was available for the convertible and sport coupe. Standard equipment included directional signals, full-flow oil filter, dual speed electric windshield wiper/washers, Deluxe steering wheel, cigar lighter, Step-On parking brake, dual armrests, Turbine-Drive automatic transmission, padded dashboard, heater, defroster, glovebox light, back-up lights, power steering, Glare-proof rearview mirror, power brakes, parking brake signal light, safety buzzer, courtesy lights, two-way power seats, power windows, Super Deluxe wheelcovers, Safety option group, custom padded cushions, Accessory Group options and custom moldings. Buick dropped the Riviera name as a body style designation after the 1963 model year, shifting the Riviera name exclusively to Buick's new personal luxury coupe that had been introduced in 1963. Buick added a 7-way tilt steering wheel and a new cruise control as an option.

    The large General Motors C-body was used to create the 1964 Electra 225, Buick's richest full-size car. Vertical, narrow taillamps were found in the nearly straight-cut rear fender ends, and the so-called "Deuce-and-a Quarter" came with fender skirts. Four traditional VentiPorts were found on the front fenders, with heavy die-cast grille accenting the frontal aspect. Wide front lower body moldings were used along with a bright deck cove insert. Electra 225 lettering was found on the rear fenders and specific full wheelcovers were featured. Vinyl and brocade cloth interior trims were found in closed models, while leather upholstery was offered for seats in the convertible. Among the Electra's exclusive standard equipment were power steering; power brakes; two-speed electric wipers with windshield washer; foam padded seats; electric clock; license frame; trunk light; two-way power seat and power windows for the convertible; safety buzzer; and additional courtesy lights. The two-speed Dynaflow automatic was replaced by the 3-speed TH-400 as standard equipment.

    Source: Wikipedia
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    Last edited by Man of Steel; 01-31-2021 at 02:57 AM.

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    Buick Electra (2nd gen) #3
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    Last edited by Man of Steel; 01-31-2021 at 03:00 AM.
    "Kimi, can you improve on your [race] finish?"
    "No. My Finnish is fine; I am from Finland. Do you have any water?"

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    Buick Electra (2nd gen) #4
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    Last edited by Man of Steel; 01-31-2021 at 03:00 AM.
    "Kimi, can you improve on your [race] finish?"
    "No. My Finnish is fine; I am from Finland. Do you have any water?"

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    Buick Electra (2nd gen) #5
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    Last edited by Man of Steel; 01-31-2021 at 03:36 AM.
    Lack of charisma can be fatal.
    Visca Catalunya!

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    Buick Electra (2nd gen) #6
    Last edited by Man of Steel; 01-31-2021 at 03:17 AM.

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