1961 BUICK LESABRE - THE CONVERTIBLE

Buick this year departed from the double wing flared fins to a more refined looking car. The newcomer was the Buick Special, the smaller compact version that broke into the mainstream with other GM compacts like the Chevy Corvair, Pontiac Tempest and Oldsmobile F-85. The bigger Buicks consisted of the Le Sabre, followed by the Invicta, Electra, and Electra 225. Models came in 2 and 4 door sedans, hardtop coupe hardtop sedan, 4 door wagon and convertible coupes. The Electra 225 offered the Riviera hardtop sedan and convertibles could be found in the Le Sabre, like this example, and the Invicta. This Le Sabre convertible is one of 11,951 copies and had a base price of $ 3,382. The only engine for the Le Sabre is a V8, with 364 cubic replacement and 235 - 250 horsepower. A V8, 401 cube with 325 horsepower was available to the other big Buicks. The new style this year starts with the front clip showing a somewhat slanted grille with a big Buick medallion centered and flanking dual headlamps. The front fenders are " V " and protrude just slightly from the grille. A stainless body side trim mimics the " V " front fender and from there reaches straight back to the beveled rear end treatment. Note the three " portholes ", a throwback for many years of the Buick cars. Notice how the rear quarter panel duplicates the front fenders by protruding arrow-like past the rear bumper. The taillights themselves are rectangular with flashy trim in between. A handsome two-tone vinyl interior compliments the chrome accents of the dash and includes a dash mounted compass. A rare sight to see these days especially a Le Sabre convertible. Many thanks for viewing this 1961 Buick Le Sabre convertible.