Test Drive - 1959 Buick Electra 225 Convertible!

This is a wonderful example of the very rare and ultra–Mid-Century Modern 1959 Buick Electra 225 Convertible. This is a very nice, restored as needed convertible that has been cared for through the years. With new paint and leather interior, it looks as nice as it drives. But most importantly, we believe this to be one of the very best design statements of its time. This is an important Buick that can be shown at regional concours events or enjoyed as a wonderful weekend cruiser.

This Buick was built at the Flint, MI plant and is one of less than 5,500 convertibles built for the model year. The odometer shows 68,000 miles and has been certified as the total mileage from new. We helped source this Buick from its previous owner, Gary Guhman of Winter Park, FL and Rhode Island, on the 13th of May, 2015. It had been certified as having 66,267 miles from new on the 17th of August, 2006. We retained Tom Laferriere to inspect the Buick and it easily passed his inspection as a nice low mileage original car that had only been updated as needed. Our client, Mike Goh, exported the Buick to be part of his collection of 1950’s American classics in Malaysia. Over the past year, the Buick has benefitted from a repaint and new leather upholstery.

The livery of this 1959 Electra is nothing other than a design masterpiece. The two very simple straight lines make up the entirety of its gorgeous design. This is Jetsons at their best! The original Artic White paint (Paint Code C3) has been upgrade slightly to a modest pearl white. This looks very modern and looks sharp. The paint has all been redone over the last year and has terrific shine and luster. The chrome and stainless-steel trim are good to very good and appear to be original. Certain of the pot metal chrome plated pieces have some pitting, but mostly not noticeable without close scrutiny (We are showing 114 detailed photos in the gallery on our website). We love the rocker panel stainless detail for the Electra 225 (225 signifying the overall length of 225 inches of this gorgeous car). The white vinyl convertible power top works well and is in very nice condition. The wide white wall tires look correct and great but are likely at an age where they should be replaced. Overall, the exterior of this Buick is very sharp! Everyone loves this car!

The interior of the Electra 225 is beautiful in Red Leather seats and bolsters (Trim Code 870). The red leather has all been redone over the past six months and is beautiful. The red loop carpet is also in very nice condition and is a mix of original and correct replacement. The red vinyl top boot looks great and fits well. This Buick came complete with its Sonomatic AM radio and optional rear speaker. Overall, the interior is in very nice condition throughout.

The engine compartment has been detailed and is good for regional shows and tours. The coolant has been replaced with Evans, which is the best you can get. The venerable 401 CID Wildcat V8 fires right up and has excellent power without any smoke or noises. The 401 produces 325 hp and a massive 445 ft lbs of torque, making this a terrific car to pull a vintage boat or airstream! The Twin Turbo Hydramatic transmission also functions well. The chassis is well undercoated and appears without rust. This is a very nice, low mileage example that has been well cared for.

We have this priced well as the Hagerty No. 2 Value for this rare Buick is $85,000. See listing here: 1959 Buick Electra 225 Riviera | Hagerty Valuation Tools

For more information and details, please call or text Harry Clark at +1.602.245.7200 or email us at [email protected]. This 1959 Buick Electra 225 Convertible is available for inspection at our Phoenix showroom. We are pleased to offer FaceTime or WhatsApp live video inspections and we help coordinate shipping worldwide. We also have financing partners if you are interested in financing.