Car: Buick Electra 225 Custom
Year: 1970
What makes it special: Built by Buick and during its more than 30-year run, Electra was offered in varying body styles including coupe, convertible, sedan and station wagon. It was rear-wheel drive from 1959 to 1984 and then converted to front-wheel drive except for the station wagon in 1985. The Electra was replaced by the Buick Park Avenue in 1991.
What made it famous: Only a minor facelift with revised grille and taillight trim marked the 1970 Electra 225. The big news was under the hood, where a new 370 hp, 455 cu in V8 replaced the 430 V8 used from 1967 to 1969. This was the final year for the Electra convertible, finned aluminum brake drums and high compression engines. New this year was a concealed radio antenna, which amounted to two wires embedded in the windshield.
Why I would want one: I am a fan of the Electra in two-door body style. I like the look of the car, but prefer the “Non-family cruiser” feel of a 4-door.
Fun fact: Harlow H. Curtice, former president of the Buick division and later president of General Motors, named the car after his sister-in-law, Socialite Electra Waggoner Biggs.
