1979 Buick Electra Limited

Description

Always Buick's top-of-the-line, the Electra was downsized a bit in the late '70s but that doesn't mean it lost its style. In fact, looking at this very well preserved and highly-maintained 1979 Buick Electra Limited sedan, there's an argument to be made that the big Buick learned a few new moves in the entertainment department, because this is such a fun car to drive. All-original, only 47k actual miles, and loads of Buick luxury and style, this descendant of the 'Deuce and a Quarter' carries that distinguished name with pride.

"Downsizing" isn't quite the right word for the redesigned Buicks of the late 1970s, because this is still a VERY big car. Especially in 4-door sedan form, where the Electra was one of the biggest machines on the road yet lost none of its luxury car presence. The squared-off bodywork was very much in fashion at the time and it has held up quite well over the last 40 years because it's still quite attractive. From what we can tell, it was likely repainted some years ago and shows some age and touch-ups, but at this price, perfection isn't really part of the equation. On the other hand, you're getting a car that doesn't have issues and can be used immediately; in fact, you'll probably find a lot of people remember these cars fondly and you'll quickly become the center of attention. The Maroon paint certainly looks appropriate on a Buick and the matching padded half roof adds a touch of elegance and class to this grown-up sedan. Nice chrome, the requisite four "portholes" in the front fenders, and full-width taillights remind us that this is 100% Buick, and that's exactly why we love it.

Step inside and marvel at the beautiful cabin that awaits, because the red velour interior that lines it shows none of the typical fading that plagued GM upholstery of the period, but rather a luxurious, comfortable and intact presentation that would make Iceberg Slim blush. The big split-bench up front is supple and a great place in which to spend some time, although it shows very little evidence of carrying anyone at all. Same goes for the rear seat, the matching door panels, and the plush carpets below, all of which are protected with color-matched carpeted mats. Red is tough to maintain in the hot sun (further proof that this beauty has always been garaged), so the fact that everything is still bright crimson is a great sign of this car's treatment throughout the years. Beautiful woodgrain accents are found throughout the cabin and add a big dose of sophisticated luxury, with a unblemished pieces found on the dash, door panels, and original steering wheel. It's loaded with options as well, all standard and top-of-the-line because this is a Buick after all, with the list including A/C that still has R12 coursing through its veins, power windows, locks, seat, mirrors, a tilt steering column, cruise control, and the original AM/FM stereo just to name a few. The futuristic aluminum gauges are insanely cool, even for '70s GM, with clear faces and a slick design you'd expect in a modern exotic, not necessarily a vintage cruiser like this. The back seat shows very little wear and as a giant luxury car, of course you get a massive trunk with what appears to be its original spare tire and jack assembly.

Buick was still using Buick engines in 1979, with this one being a 350 cubic inch V8. It's completely stock, right down to the carburetor that feeds it and factory HEI ignition system that fires it, and it looks so fresh because it was recently pulled, completely attended to (it did not require a full rebuild, but did receive a tune-up, new gaskets, timing chain, and pretty much anything else it needed) and then it was cleaned and repainted. In fact, the entire drivetrain and subsequent components were well-attended and fully serviced, to the tune of a $7k+ bill from a couple very reputable restoration shops. The original snorkeled air cleaner is still in place, and it starts easily, idles smoothly, and pulls the big sedan around with vigor. As a full-sized car, a TH400 3-speed automatic transmission was spec'd that was then fully rebuilt in 2019, and it spins a familiar 10-bolt rear end with highway-friendly gears inside, making this a very relaxed cruiser. The suspension is as supple as you'd expect, and it has a newer single exhaust system with a chambered muffler and no more choking catalytic converter to slow it down. Buick wire wheel covers look as good here as anywhere else and it sits on right-sized 215/75/15 whitewall radials to finish the look.

All-original, low miles, and a ton maintenance, you just don't see '79 Buick's in this kind of condition anywhere. If luxurious vintage sedans float your boat, you won't find much better than this. Call today!