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
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