I always thought the 70 Electra was the best looking Buick of all time. It just had such a classy look to it. This car is a beautiful example of just how nice they were.
I liked the 69 Electra although his 70 is fantastic. I had a 70 Riviera GS 455 and there was no problem with low end torque. His must be the rear end ratio that causes it to feel more of a high rpm engine. The 455 with 510 ft-lbs of torque I had, when you stomped on it, it was phenomenal throughout the entire rpm range. The GS engine got it's torque at 2800 rpm. I would love to have it back.
Omg this is one of my dream cars. My Mom's parents always had Buicks. My grandmother drove a 69 Electra 225, almost identical to this car, except a 2 door. The smoothest, most comfortable, quiet ride that car had. This car reminds me of her car so much. I wish I could find one in this condition. I'd drive it for the rest of my days. The new garbage they make now just can't compare to cars like this. These were made to last and stand the test of time. Thanks for this great walk down memory lane. It was a treat! 💜
Well done again, Adam. I enjoy the combination of technical facts combined with your subjective observations in your videos. Keep them coming! Greetings from AZ 🌵
We had a 73 Buick Electra park Ave, blue on blue, 455, amazing pillowed valor int, the heaviest most beautiful riding car that I've ever driven, creampuff. Thanks for great video.
Beautiful car, and a beautiful setting! I enjoy that you bring a lot of the interesting contemporaneous technical details and differences into your videos.
Me and my dad used to hang out and watch recorded car auctions (Mecum or BJ) and comment on every classic car that went over the block. Wed do this for hours on-end while we'd laugh, reminisce, BBQ and drink down some adult beverages. My dads gone now, but every time I watch your videos, I wonder how much fun we would have had commenting on your videos as they are so very well done. Would love to be able to watch one more car show with him. Miss ya pops. Someday we'll be together again and talk about cars for eternity. Thanks for taking the time to put these quality (long/detailed) videos out.
I always felt the older platform Buicks were of a distinct sporting demeanor, despite that boulevard cush character in the seat. Your analysis of frame gauge, steering and spring rates, coupled with the premium fuel hp advantage… it explains why I’ve always believed there is no substitute for one of these era Buicks. The narrow greenhouse affords a stately, muscular scale to this car unequaled in anything else offered after it. Well done, Adam. Love your videos!
Adam, I'll never forget the day our nextdoor neighbor brought home her new dark blue 1969 Electra. Pure class! The styling was almost identical to the 70. Thanks for bringing back the memory of that fall day.
Love, love, LOVE your videos. The ceaseless stream of technical data as you compare and contrast various makes -- ON THE FLY, mind you -- is seamless and seemingly effortless. I have to watch twice. First time I pay attention like there's gonna be a quiz later, next time I just sit back and enjoy the ride. Beautiful car, gorgeous setting. That's the kind of neighborhood this stunner was born to prowl. So glad I found this channel. You are amazing.
I was lucky enough to own one of these as my first car in HS, a hand me down from a relative, and boy did it make an impression. The car has SO much power, feels really substantial, and had amazing comfort. Stomp on the gas and you could just watch the front of the car ride. Unforgettable.
Quality Quality Quality All countries had their cars that they are proud of but no country no person from any country would ever come over to our country and not be blown away when sitting in the backseat of that Buick. Especially when entering a major highway on the on-ramp like a runway in a jet plane just pure torque thrust as you put the blinker on to merge onto the highway at night... with all the dash lights a soft glow ... that smooth silent ride... the powerful rumble heard when cruising at 80 mph turning what....2600 rpm? Summer breeze playing over the AM ....just nothing like it in the world. Cheers God bless you all
BEAUTIFUL!!! My Grandparents had a '70 like yours. It was silver with black top and interior. I drove it for about 6 months when I was in college in 1992. Loved the way it rode and drove. Because I was a poor student, I could BARELY afford the gas since it got (maybe) 9 MPG. They gave the car to my brother in law in the late '90s thinking he would restore it and pass it down to his and my sisters kids. Nope! The dips*it used it in a demolition derby. I and the family never forgave him for it. Thanks for posting yours!
A highlight to my Saturday night..My grandfather had one in 75, it had a great ride ,but we took all that stuff for granted back in the day . I really do miss the 70s keep up the good work
Now I understand why, since my dad drove Buicks, I never understood people talking about how cars of the era drove like boats. He regularly drove very twisty roads at rates far higher than specified on the curves, while the car remained stable with very little lean. Parents of a friend of mine had one of these in triple dark green, it was beautiful, and was the most expensive car ever sold by the local small-town Buick-Olds-Chevy dealer up to that point.
Nice video. That car is right at home driving in that neighborhood. You are right about the buick 455 the engine is over square.. Bore exceeds the stroke. higher RPM engine The Pontiac is square ..bore and stroke the same, The olds is under square stroke exceeds the bore. which makes low end torque
I have always loved the 1970 Electra 225. The styling is so well done. I've driven big Buicks for the past 45 years and they're so comfortable to drive and ride in.
My uncle had a 1963 2 door Wildcat with the 455/2 bbl. Even in the late 60s-early 70s he was worried about gas mileage and dropped a 4 bbl on it. Not only did the gas mileage get better(don't say anything, i don't understand either) but my cousin discovered how fast that car was. It was black with red leather/vinyl interior. It even had bucket seats and console. Beautiful car. I haven't talked to her lately but I think she still has it! It was the definition of "land yacht".
I love to see somebody know what he talking about especially in a Buick that I used to build I used to work for GM I used to build that car I work for GM for 30 years until the assembly line closed down and then I retire at my house we used to have a 68 Buick Electra and a 76 and before that when I was a kid my dad used to have a a 1955 Buick century congratulation
Nostalgia for me. I worked with a guy who was financially irresponsible. He declared bankruptcy. A week later he showed up at work with a new 1970 Buick “deuce and a quarter”. That was middle class luxury back in the day.
My parents could afford Cadillac, but drove Buick because they weren't 'pretentious' and wouldn't insult the neighbors. Of, course, having had both in the era of 1974-today, Buick is the more reliable car.
When I was young my grandmother had a 1965 Electra 225. I loved the satin quilted seats. My aunt had a 67 Eldorado that I though was fabulous even as a six year old. My parents were more practical and had a 1966 LeSabre. Your cars bring back great memories!
She's a beauty. Very informative and entertaining presentation, the POV gives a personal experience, feeling and getting to know the car, can almost smell the car. 👍
Buick division was always top notch. My father worked for Chevrolet division back in those days. He always said Buick was a well built well well engineered car back then.
I had a girlfriend whose dad owned the car just like this but in a light tan color on the exterior. The interior was the same excluding the eight track player. It was by far the greatest car to take to a drive-through. Just fog up the windows and who cares about the movie. It was a great car being very reliable with just minimal maintenance. A little rough on fuel consumption especially since if you didn’t back off the timing you had to stick with high octane fuel. For her dad I would take for the car for the oil & filter, plugs, cap, and rotor, points and condenser, and then take it to the airport and put a half a tank of 101LL in the tank and it ran like a dream! That was a very impressive car!
The rearview mirror map light is identical to what was on our 70 Chevy Kingswood...same mirror and light configuration. I think the car had some kind of light and convenience package. Also had a low washer fluid light on the left side of the steering column....when the bottle was full, when the wipers were on, it would glow a bluish green....when it was empty...a reddish orange....Haven't had the car and 42 years and these videos can bring back some detailed memories of it.
My dad had one of these. We go for a "Sunday drive" he'd be chain smoking marlboros and drink a beer, mom would be sitting shotgun, I'd be in the back at age 10 standing up watching the telephone poles go by at 70 mph- not a seat belt in sight. Good times.
Beautiful car. I always heard Buick referred to as 'the poor man's Cadillac.' My family owned Chevs, Pontiacs, and Olds until '66 when we moved to Ford-Lincoln-Mercury and never went back to GM. Keep up the great content. Thanks!
All old cars do that, I distinctly remember riding around with my grandfather in his 1978 GMC truck and watching the fuel gauge bounce around as the gas sloshed back and forth.
My mom and dad showed up at graduation time at my school in Washington state with a gorgeous new Buick Electra Limited Coupe in a Sandalwood and another color combo I can't remember, but it was a lighter shade of gold. It had the sumptuous brocade notch back seating. They had driven about 800 miles from where they lived at the time in California to Auburn, Washington. The first time I drove the car was taking them to their hotel several miles away. As I got onto the on-ramp my mom said, "Goose it, honey, and prepare to be pressed back in your seat." And she was so right. In my dad's never to be forgotten analysis of the power house engine, "This car goes like a ruptured duck." The good news--really good news--was that I was sourced for driving back to California. Not too many weeks later my dad had a continuing ed seminar in Southern California which -- of course -- meant more driving. We pulled into one service station and the attendant (remember those?) said, "That is one of the most beautiful new cars I have ever seen--and I see a lot of them." I also drove it around the hills of San Francisco quite a bit and there is a very steep incline on Gough Street going south in the Pacific Heights neighborhood. I had a taste of what the astronauts must have felt at lift off. It wasn't driving at its safest but it wasn't during rush hour either! They drove it into the ground; the odometer died at about 150k miles and my dad was in no rush to fix it. He didn't need an odomoeter to tell him how much driving was being done. In 1978 it was past the point of repairs especially given their driving patterns. My dad's office manager, as he was preparing monthly payments for auto costs, said, "You people drive like there is no tomorrow." My dad's other rule of thumb for trading cars? Count the number of oil spots on the painted garage floor--that's how I know. The next car was a 1978 Buick Electra (can't remember if it was 225 or Park Avenue by then) but it was unequivocally a lesser car. This Limited Coupe was truly in a class of its own. And some friends of ours who always had to do better than the Joneses a few weeks later just had to show off their new 1970 Cad Coupe de Ville (with a firemist metallic paint job they were among the insecure nouveau riche who relied on status symbols to flaunt their newly acquired "wealth"). Sorry, but it just wasn't the Buick. The finishes and appointments were sumptuous. By comparison the Caddy just looked like a second hand rose--and quite frankly, seeing both cars again side by side these many years after, this 1970 Buick Limited really was GM at its best. I would love to own one but I'm not sure that I'm classic car material at this point in life. Thank goodness for the fantasies and delusions offered on RUclips!
Adam, thank you again for bringing us another magnificent car. I'm looking at this absolutely superlative car and thinking that it's just so fit to ride in but also to completely enjoy. As well, I'm thinking that the auto manufacturer's must think we don't deserve to have them build something like this anymore. This car makes modern cars look like junk by comparison. I'd love beautiful fabric seats like this in modern cars, and instead what we get is the manufacturers charging us more money for a low grade of leather. And that's supposed to suffice for luxury. I don't know what's wrong with auto manufacturer's or perhaps what's wrong with our culture. But I'm sure there's plenty of people that would happily afford a car this comfortable and well-made in today's world.
A beautiful day for a drive in a very wonderful car. I'm surprised that the Buick is more of a "handler" than the Pontiac, and enjoyed your discussion of why.
Beautiful looking car! I've always loved 1970 Buick full-sized cars. These were cars of my childhood. I used to know someone who had a 1970 LeSabre, although I cannot remember whether he had a 4 door, or a 2 door. Very nice cars.
My Dads last new car was a '70 Electra 225, no frills , vinyl seats no A/C, AM radio no FM, and it was the car that I took my road test in.....great memories!
Listening to your '70 Buick presentation again. Brings back memories of my granddad's '71 triple black Limited. I can almost swear the upholstery was exactly like yours, although it was black. Now mind you this has been 50 years ago, but I remember so many details about it. One semi major difference in the interior was it had kind of a wraparound instrument panel with everything tilting in the drivers direction to where the passenger had very little control over anything like AC controls or even radio. It looked cool but I'm not sure it was as versatile and convenient as set up in your car. His car too, was loaded with almost every option you could imagine. I cannot remember the ride of the car, whether it had the characteristic jiggle of 71 through 76 models, but it seemed to me at the time that it was as luxurious as any Cadillac I had ever seen or ridden in. I do remember it had a 455, but it did run on no lead or low-lead fuel, although I could swear that he probably put premium in it. Not certain of that but, you know how older folks were at that time. If they had a big car like this, a lot of times they would put premium in it whether it needed it or not, lol. "No cheap gas in my Buick!". Beautiful car, and perfect year for it, Adam.
I just can't figure how so many people are in the dark about Buicks.Thats a good thing for people that know. I know I would really rather have a Buick.
Adam, Thanks so much for taking us on a cruise in this "Sporty-Nautical" Electra. I wonder whether a white yachting cap and blue blazer would be an appropriate sartorial selection for a ride aboard this magnificent car. :D
My parents had two Buick Electras, 1967 and 1969. Both were sky blue with white tops. Both were convertibles. We kids were excited about the power windows, that was pretty hot stuff back then. I learned to drive in both of them. I paralleled parked … PARALLELED PARKED … the ‘69 during my driving test. I passed too. These cars were enormous and drove themselves. They seemed to float above the road. If you ran over anyone, you wouldn’t know it they were so smooth. Taking this “ride” brought back fond memories. Thank you for sharing. Oh, if you ever get a hold of a 1959 Chrysler 300B, please do a story on them. It was what I was riding in when I was a child. Thank you!
...oh, yeah, Adam...we're never going to complain about a second ( or third, or fourth ...) video out oof your stable of "incredibleness"... ...this '70 Limited in Harvest Gold Metallic with a Medium Sandalwood premium brocade interior is just about as good as it gets... ...this massively sedate and elegant has all the majestic presence one could ask for; and thoroughly epitomizes the uncompromising standards set by GM's penultimate division...which always produced cars as worthy of note as anything Cadillac ever produced...and while the Cadillacs practically demand your attention...these premium Buicks quietly seduce you... ...cheers, and as ever, Adam...well done, lad...
Agree with your commentary on Buick Electras in that ERA being actually "Sporty"...in the Late 80s I had a 1970 Electra 225 4 door in this exact color but was not the Limited model. It came to me from a Buick guy who raced, and this was his driver. It had a Stage I cam, and for the size of this car it was a terror...I could easily pass traffic towing a 17 foot vintage fiberglass speedboat, and hit 2nd gear rubber at 50 MPH doing so...I bought it for $550. There were not many cars on the road at that time that could take that Buick. Also the 15" aluminum front drum brake system worked amazingly well too.
My parents had a mid 60's Electra 225 hardtop as well, that was my Mom's favorite car at the time, I've heard the big Buick described as a doctor's Cadillac! It was stolen from us.. The folks then down sized to a Buick wildcat or LeSabre which my 8-9 year old perspective from the back seat was not as much room and smooth ride and although a fine car the next year the bought a slightly used 1970 Oldsmobile 98 Brougham which I will tell you had a tighter turning radius, effortless steering, the same premium cloth seats that were so comfortable we would actually look forward to taking on a trip, the rocket 455 engine had endless highway cruising power, and the only car that Dad commented that he never felt intimidated by convoys of big- rig trucks passing us by and buffeting us wind because the car was solid, heavy and had the power to pull ahead of the trucks if need be. The best part was we would drive all day into the night except for meal and fuel stops and never feel tired! Try that in one of today's luxury cars! Finally the folks purchased a '67 Cadillac sedan DeVille in 1971 with low miles and that was a Hot Mom's favorite car ! Fire Engine Red with White Leatherette interior! That car used to get buy offers where ever we were parked! It was everything that was great from Buick and Oldsmobile but just a little better Cadillac Better!! Although the Olds 98 had the best seats ever and probably the most pleasantly lit instrument panel for night time DRIVING. The Cadillac just had that EXTRA luxury feature and the Quieter engine and ride...Dad used to say we could roll over a fire hydrant and not even feel it!. Yes these big GM cars of that decade gave you what you paid for...and the envy of the world.... Thank You so much for making this video and showing us your beautiful Buick, as u see it sure brought back memories for me! BTW if you don't mind me saying , that neighborhood you drove around it was absolutely lovely on a beautiful sunny Day! If you don't mind sharing what part of the country that is.....
I have been looking but I can't find your video on the 77-80 Seville or Caprice Classic. I love those cars especially the Caprice. My mom had a 72 Kingswood Estate wagon and a 78 Ford LTD Brougham. I took my driver test in the wagon. I was kinda short. The cop giving me my driver's test asked me if i could see and handle that wagon. I told him, "come on sir, let's get this done!" He freaked that I drove it and especially parallel parked it with no problem! What he didn't know was I practiced parallel parking that car every Sunday after church in the parking lot between my dad's baby his Chevy C-10 Scottsdale and my uncle's Cadillac. So I had to be spot on I really didn't want to hit either of those cars!
You are ill advised to run aggressively in the higher rpm range in Buick’s early 455 due to main bearing oiling issues, however by 1974 it was FINALLY addressed. This was especially evident with the Stage 1 455 Skylarks that were more subject to abuse by performance enthusiasts. The 1974 Limited was the only year where a Stage 1 was offered as an option. I have a loaded, pristine 34,000 mile Limited, but alas not a Stage 1. A partial list of FACTORY performance options include limited slip, dual exhaust, heavy suspension & rear auto load leveling. I really enjoy your informative evaluations of Luxury Rides!
I must have missed your earlier video on this beautiful cruiser. One of the few cars that looks fabulous in brown paint! Thanks for the video, Adam. 👍 ~ John
Amazing car. I remember seeing adverts for these in old National Geographic magazines when I was a kid and being fascinated. In many ways the golden age of the American car. And what a neighbourhood! In the UK that type of housing and space is almost non-existent and at the very top end of the market only.
My Dad first learned to drive ok this baby at 13 yes old on a ranch in Mexico!! My Grandad traded a burgundy with white top for 2 of his best cows in the 70’s and my pops says it looked just like this one. I’m hoping to own one one day so that my kids can learn to drive on this!!
Very nice video Adam, the 70 electra was one of the best luxury full size sedans . Perhaps the best one from the gm division regarding to handling and power.
My Uncle had one of these, in an Ugly Yellow. Only car I ever got Carsick in. It did move though Big 455, fed by the 800 CFM Q-jet, but Strangled with an Air Cleaner with a Snorkel that could flow about 150 CFM, flipping the Lid helped a Bit. The Carbs were not interchangeable between Divisions, as Linkages, Chokes, Inlets, and Calibrations were different. From 1971 - 1974,There was a Panel in the Fender Well that could be removed to access the Blower Motor, in 1975 they switched to Plastic Fender Wells that had a Pattern on it as to where to cut and fold it out of the way. a few big Screws, Washers, and some RTV were used to close it back up.
Chrysler was guilty at times in the 1970s, of taking styling cues from General Motors, and applying them to their cars. If you check out the modular dashboard & steering wheel design of the 1976 - 1980 Plymouth Volare / Dodge Aspen, it looks very similar in layout and design, to this Electra Limited. Including the instrument cluster design and layout.
I inherited this car from my grandfather in the early 80's. He had the entire fuel system changed so it would run on unleaded regular fuel. I still don't know how I ever parallel parked this car. It was a good vehicle but did not pass many gas stations even with a large fuel tank. :) He had the regular deuce and a quarter not the limited model.
i had a70 225 in the same gold color, it was my first car in the mid 80's and, well...as a teenager, you know damn well i beat the crap outta that car, and it held up 100%! i kinda miss that land barge.
Cars like this are still really special and despite all the advancements have something to offer that modern cars no longer have. The complete disconnected floating road feel. Some people hate it but there is probably nothing more relaxing on a long road trip then a big cruiser with a low revving big v8 and a tall rear end, every road bump is completely filtered out and any sense of urgency is gone.
Another car for my bucket list great looking car keep these great videos and cars coming sir. I just added a 1986 1 owner Chrysler convertible to my small collection
Buick *"The Elder Person's Car Division".* That's funny! My grandparents drove Buicks back in the 50s, when they were rather young, my grandmother being in her 30s, my grandfather, in his 40s, up to about the 1980s, when they were in their 80s and their 60s.
Thanks Adam, a pleasure to listen to your review of this lovely car. The end of the craftsmanship and build quality era. All available now are overpriced disposable plastic money pits.
Surprising that Buick had one of the stiffer suspensions of all the divisions! Later on they would compete with Cadillac for the supple suspension feel and it became a hallmark of the Brand. A soft, comfortable ride is synonymous with Buick. People used to joke that the Buick suspensions were designed by Posturpedic :) I myself love a soft, nautical ride and find it sorely missing in most modern vehicles.
This is a beautiful car. Another contributor to the Buick's handling is that 67+ Buicks had the lightest big block engines. The old nail head V8's were heavy and heavy couldn't fit the larger valves required for top end power. When designing the new for 67 big block Buick made sure to fix these flaws, it had good air and exhaust flow, and thus good high end power, while weighing 200 pounds or more less.
My dad bought this era Buick Electra 225's, because the local Cadillac dealership was arrogant. He didn't buy the Limited, because he liked the Naugahyde seats of the standard Electra.
Dad had a 67, and a 69. He akso had a 65 wildcat. He was a heavy buick guy. I owned only one Buick. And i have owned so many cars. But my Buick is the finest car that i ever owned. Mone was a 1960 Buuck Le Sabre. 2 door hardtop. Midnight Blue. If i could find one today, i would purvhase it.
Have always loved Buicks, they were always out of reach for our family while growing up, just saw them from afar. Seems like Pontiac did a great marketing job as the performance division, but this Buick was the way to go. Buick/GM at the top of their game for sure
From here in England. The Best Buicks of all time were my Grandmothers 1936 Special, My 1956 , and the 1964 s Electra 225 s , The Stars Of "Hush Hush, Sweet Charlotte ".
I always thought the 70 Electra was the best looking Buick of all time. It just had such a classy look to it. This car is a beautiful example of just how nice they were.
Give me a 71-73 boattail Riviera
I liked the 69 Electra although his 70 is fantastic. I had a 70 Riviera GS 455 and there was no problem with low end torque. His must be the rear end ratio that causes it to feel more of a high rpm engine. The 455 with 510 ft-lbs of torque I had, when you stomped on it, it was phenomenal throughout the entire rpm range. The GS engine got it's torque at 2800 rpm. I would love to have it back.
@@ericlockard6376 Had a 73 and it was a great car and head turner.
I agree. Who would have ever thought Buick would stop making cars ? Now they are all SUV's. Sad.
@@jeffhayes7036 Yup.. gotta go to China to find a Buick car these days..
Omg this is one of my dream cars. My Mom's parents always had Buicks. My grandmother drove a 69 Electra 225, almost identical to this car, except a 2 door. The smoothest, most comfortable, quiet ride that car had. This car reminds me of her car so much. I wish I could find one in this condition. I'd drive it for the rest of my days. The new garbage they make now just can't compare to cars like this. These were made to last and stand the test of time. Thanks for this great walk down memory lane. It was a treat! 💜
Really beautiful. Electra’s always seemed to have such beautiful lines along the sides. Love the older Electras.
Well done again, Adam. I enjoy the combination of technical facts combined with your subjective observations in your videos. Keep them coming! Greetings from AZ 🌵
Would love to see you guys do one on the Delta 88 would definitely be a classic check
We had a 73 Buick Electra park Ave, blue on blue, 455, amazing pillowed valor int, the heaviest most beautiful riding car that I've ever driven, creampuff. Thanks for great video.
Beautiful car, and a beautiful setting! I enjoy that you bring a lot of the interesting contemporaneous technical details and differences into your videos.
Great video a time in car manufacturing and engineering we will never see again .im glad I grew up in the 1970 s with those great cars 👍
Me and my dad used to hang out and watch recorded car auctions (Mecum or BJ) and comment on every classic car that went over the block. Wed do this for hours on-end while we'd laugh, reminisce, BBQ and drink down some adult beverages. My dads gone now, but every time I watch your videos, I wonder how much fun we would have had commenting on your videos as they are so very well done. Would love to be able to watch one more car show with him. Miss ya pops. Someday we'll be together again and talk about cars for eternity. Thanks for taking the time to put these quality (long/detailed) videos out.
I always felt the older platform Buicks were of a distinct sporting demeanor, despite that boulevard cush character in the seat. Your analysis of frame gauge, steering and spring rates, coupled with the premium fuel hp advantage… it explains why I’ve always believed there is no substitute for one of these era Buicks. The narrow greenhouse affords a stately, muscular scale to this car unequaled in anything else offered after it. Well done, Adam. Love your videos!
Adam, I'll never forget the day our nextdoor neighbor brought home her new dark blue 1969 Electra. Pure class! The styling was almost identical to the 70. Thanks for bringing back the memory of that fall day.
Love, love, LOVE your videos. The ceaseless stream of technical data as you compare and contrast various makes -- ON THE FLY, mind you -- is seamless and seemingly effortless. I have to watch twice. First time I pay attention like there's gonna be a quiz later, next time I just sit back and enjoy the ride. Beautiful car, gorgeous setting. That's the kind of neighborhood this stunner was born to prowl. So glad I found this channel. You are amazing.
Well said!
Much like the ‘70 Electra 225 was closer to 226” long, the 455ci V8 was actually 456ci. Buick actually gave you more than what they advertised.
I'm blown away by your presentations. I hope you don't run out of inventory to review as this channel is at the top of my list. Great job!
Have a lot more left and lots of friends ;)
I was lucky enough to own one of these as my first car in HS, a hand me down from a relative, and boy did it make an impression. The car has SO much power, feels really substantial, and had amazing comfort. Stomp on the gas and you could just watch the front of the car ride. Unforgettable.
I love your channel! There's no stupid intro or loud music. Please keep it that way. I just subscribed. Lots of great cars and information.
Quality Quality Quality
All countries had their cars that they are proud of but no country no person from any country would ever come over to our country and not be blown away when sitting in the backseat of that Buick. Especially when entering a major highway on the on-ramp like a runway in a jet plane just pure torque thrust as you put the blinker on to merge onto the highway at night... with all the dash lights a soft glow ... that smooth silent ride... the powerful rumble heard when cruising at 80 mph turning what....2600 rpm? Summer breeze playing over the AM ....just nothing like it in the world.
Cheers
God bless you all
BEAUTIFUL!!! My Grandparents had a '70 like yours. It was silver with black top and interior. I drove it for about 6 months when I was in college in 1992. Loved the way it rode and drove. Because I was a poor student, I could BARELY afford the gas since it got (maybe) 9 MPG. They gave the car to my brother in law in the late '90s thinking he would restore it and pass it down to his and my sisters kids. Nope! The dips*it used it in a demolition derby. I and the family never forgave him for it. Thanks for posting yours!
A highlight to my Saturday night..My grandfather had one in 75, it had a great ride ,but we took all that stuff for granted back in the day . I really do miss the 70s keep up the good work
Thx!
Very cool. Really appreciate the technical information and comparison to other models of the time. Very informative.
Now I understand why, since my dad drove Buicks, I never understood people talking about how cars of the era drove like boats. He regularly drove very twisty roads at rates far higher than specified on the curves, while the car remained stable with very little lean. Parents of a friend of mine had one of these in triple dark green, it was beautiful, and was the most expensive car ever sold by the local small-town Buick-Olds-Chevy dealer up to that point.
👍The old Buick’s were definitely enjoyable! Thx for the ride.
Nice video. That car is right at home driving in that neighborhood. You are right about the buick 455 the engine is over square.. Bore exceeds the stroke. higher RPM engine The Pontiac is square ..bore and stroke the same, The olds is under square stroke exceeds the bore. which makes low end torque
I have always loved the 1970 Electra 225. The styling is so well done. I've driven big Buicks for the past 45 years and they're so comfortable to drive and ride in.
My uncle had a 1963 2 door Wildcat with the 455/2 bbl. Even in the late 60s-early 70s he was worried about gas mileage and dropped a 4 bbl on it. Not only did the gas mileage get better(don't say anything, i don't understand either) but my cousin discovered how fast that car was. It was black with red leather/vinyl interior. It even had bucket seats and console. Beautiful car. I haven't talked to her lately but I think she still has it! It was the definition of "land yacht".
I love to see somebody know what he talking about especially in a Buick that I used to build I used to work for GM I used to build that car I work for GM for 30 years until the assembly line closed down and then I retire at my house we used to have a 68 Buick Electra and a 76 and before that when I was a kid my dad used to have a a 1955 Buick century congratulation
Nostalgia for me. I worked with a guy who was financially irresponsible. He declared bankruptcy. A week later he showed up at work with a new 1970 Buick “deuce and a quarter”. That was middle class luxury back in the day.
What did he drive before?
My parents could afford Cadillac, but drove Buick because they weren't 'pretentious' and wouldn't insult the neighbors.
Of, course, having had both in the era of 1974-today, Buick is the more reliable car.
When I was young my grandmother had a 1965 Electra 225. I loved the satin quilted seats. My aunt had a 67 Eldorado that I though was fabulous even as a six year old. My parents were more practical and had a 1966 LeSabre. Your cars bring back great memories!
She's a beauty.
Very informative and entertaining presentation, the POV gives a personal experience, feeling and getting to know the car, can almost smell the car. 👍
Buick division was always top notch. My father worked for Chevrolet division back in those days. He always said Buick was a well built well well engineered car back then.
Well done!! I enjoyed the outdoor scenery as much as the review. That location is just wonderful. Very beautiful place to live from what was shown.
Exceptional car and a most-fitting neighborhood for it.
I had a girlfriend whose dad owned the car just like this but in a light tan color on the exterior.
The interior was the same excluding the eight track player.
It was by far the greatest car to take to a drive-through. Just fog up the windows and who cares about the movie.
It was a great car being very reliable with just minimal maintenance.
A little rough on fuel consumption especially since if you didn’t back off the timing you had to stick with high octane fuel.
For her dad I would take for the car for the oil & filter, plugs, cap, and rotor, points and condenser, and then take it to the airport and put a half a tank of 101LL in the tank and it ran like a dream!
That was a very impressive car!
The rearview mirror map light is identical to what was on our 70 Chevy Kingswood...same mirror and light configuration. I think the car had some kind of light and convenience package. Also had a low washer fluid light on the left side of the steering column....when the bottle was full, when the wipers were on, it would glow a bluish green....when it was empty...a reddish orange....Haven't had the car and 42 years and these videos can bring back some detailed memories of it.
My dad had one of these. We go for a "Sunday drive" he'd be chain smoking marlboros and drink a beer, mom would be sitting shotgun, I'd be in the back at age 10 standing up watching the telephone poles go by at 70 mph- not a seat belt in sight. Good times.
In my family, dad would have buckled up both the lap and shoulder belts and then the stories would have been the same.
Beautiful car. I always heard Buick referred to as 'the poor man's Cadillac.' My family owned Chevs, Pontiacs, and Olds until '66 when we moved to Ford-Lincoln-Mercury and never went back to GM. Keep up the great content. Thanks!
I had a 70 electra 225. I was 17 years old. I loved that car!! Amazing power and a great ride. Nothing like what came out of GM in 1970..
The fuel gauge needle really moves around a lot. I like the cursive writing on the dash; very classy 70's.
All old cars do that, I distinctly remember riding around with my grandfather in his 1978 GMC truck and watching the fuel gauge bounce around as the gas sloshed back and forth.
GM didn't use baffles in the fuel tank and coupled with a wide and shallow tank the gauges danced on every corner.
My mid 90s Buick is exactly the same way
This is the most beautiful ‘70 Limited that I have ever seen. It’s certainly the most loaded one that I have ever seen.
My mom and dad showed up at graduation time at my school in Washington state with a gorgeous new Buick Electra Limited Coupe in a Sandalwood and another color combo I can't remember, but it was a lighter shade of gold. It had the sumptuous brocade notch back seating. They had driven about 800 miles from where they lived at the time in California to Auburn, Washington. The first time I drove the car was taking them to their hotel several miles away. As I got onto the on-ramp my mom said, "Goose it, honey, and prepare to be pressed back in your seat." And she was so right. In my dad's never to be forgotten analysis of the power house engine, "This car goes like a ruptured duck." The good news--really good news--was that I was sourced for driving back to California. Not too many weeks later my dad had a continuing ed seminar in Southern California which -- of course -- meant more driving. We pulled into one service station and the attendant (remember those?) said, "That is one of the most beautiful new cars I have ever seen--and I see a lot of them." I also drove it around the hills of San Francisco quite a bit and there is a very steep incline on Gough Street going south in the Pacific Heights neighborhood. I had a taste of what the astronauts must have felt at lift off. It wasn't driving at its safest but it wasn't during rush hour either! They drove it into the ground; the odometer died at about 150k miles and my dad was in no rush to fix it. He didn't need an odomoeter to tell him how much driving was being done. In 1978 it was past the point of repairs especially given their driving patterns. My dad's office manager, as he was preparing monthly payments for auto costs, said, "You people drive like there is no tomorrow." My dad's other rule of thumb for trading cars? Count the number of oil spots on the painted garage floor--that's how I know. The next car was a 1978 Buick Electra (can't remember if it was 225 or Park Avenue by then) but it was unequivocally a lesser car. This Limited Coupe was truly in a class of its own. And some friends of ours who always had to do better than the Joneses a few weeks later just had to show off their new 1970 Cad Coupe de Ville (with a firemist metallic paint job they were among the insecure nouveau riche who relied on status symbols to flaunt their newly acquired "wealth"). Sorry, but it just wasn't the Buick. The finishes and appointments were sumptuous. By comparison the Caddy just looked like a second hand rose--and quite frankly, seeing both cars again side by side these many years after, this 1970 Buick Limited really was GM at its best. I would love to own one but I'm not sure that I'm classic car material at this point in life. Thank goodness for the fantasies and delusions offered on RUclips!
Excellent video. I love to some tech comparisons with other 70’s cars. The car looks beautiful.
Adam, thank you again for bringing us another magnificent car.
I'm looking at this absolutely superlative car and thinking that it's just so fit to ride in but also to completely enjoy. As well, I'm thinking that the auto manufacturer's must think we don't deserve to have them build something like this anymore. This car makes modern cars look like junk by comparison. I'd love beautiful fabric seats like this in modern cars, and instead what we get is the manufacturers charging us more money for a low grade of leather. And that's supposed to suffice for luxury. I don't know what's wrong with auto manufacturer's or perhaps what's wrong with our culture. But I'm sure there's plenty of people that would happily afford a car this comfortable and well-made in today's world.
I’m in love with this car.
My father and 3 of his 4 brothers were Buick owner their entire lives. Love them. Best riding cars eve,r even better than Cadillacs
A beautiful day for a drive in a very wonderful car. I'm surprised that the Buick is more of a "handler" than the Pontiac, and enjoyed your discussion of why.
Beautiful looking car! I've always loved 1970 Buick full-sized cars. These were cars of my childhood. I used to know someone who had a 1970 LeSabre, although I cannot remember whether he had a 4 door, or a 2 door. Very nice cars.
The car is just gorgeous.. but so is the neighborhood. what a lush, verdant place to live!
My Dads last new car was a '70 Electra 225, no frills , vinyl seats no A/C, AM radio no FM, and it was the car that I took my road test in.....great memories!
Listening to your '70 Buick presentation again. Brings back memories of my granddad's '71 triple black Limited. I can almost swear the upholstery was exactly like yours, although it was black. Now mind you this has been 50 years ago, but I remember so many details about it. One semi major difference in the interior was it had kind of a wraparound instrument panel with everything tilting in the drivers direction to where the passenger had very little control over anything like AC controls or even radio. It looked cool but I'm not sure it was as versatile and convenient as set up in your car. His car too, was loaded with almost every option you could imagine. I cannot remember the ride of the car, whether it had the characteristic jiggle of 71 through 76 models, but it seemed to me at the time that it was as luxurious as any Cadillac I had ever seen or ridden in. I do remember it had a 455, but it did run on no lead or low-lead fuel, although I could swear that he probably put premium in it. Not certain of that but, you know how older folks were at that time. If they had a big car like this, a lot of times they would put premium in it whether it needed it or not, lol. "No cheap gas in my Buick!". Beautiful car, and perfect year for it, Adam.
Great video!!! You did this beautiful Buick justice with an informative, & interesting video!! 👍👍
I just can't figure how so many people are in the dark about Buicks.Thats a good thing for people that know. I know I would really rather have a Buick.
Adam, Thanks so much for taking us on a cruise in this "Sporty-Nautical" Electra. I wonder whether a white yachting cap and blue blazer would be an appropriate sartorial selection for a ride aboard this magnificent car. :D
It's like speedboat and who doesn't like those.
My parents had two Buick Electras, 1967 and 1969. Both were sky blue with white tops. Both were convertibles. We kids were excited about the power windows, that was pretty hot stuff back then. I learned to drive in both of them. I paralleled parked … PARALLELED PARKED … the ‘69 during my driving test. I passed too. These cars were enormous and drove themselves. They seemed to float above the road. If you ran over anyone, you wouldn’t know it they were so smooth. Taking this “ride” brought back fond memories. Thank you for sharing. Oh, if you ever get a hold of a 1959 Chrysler 300B, please do a story on them. It was what I was riding in when I was a child. Thank you!
@@1NMKiddo I took my driving test in a clapped out 73 Duster.
@@rightlanehog3151 : Hot dang! ❤️
Love the way you describe and present the vehicles. You're the best classic cars chanel. ✌🏻
Another great review, tutorial & test drive Adam! Thanks for sharing this glamourous Electra Limited with us.
We had a 1968 Buick Electra 225. Our first luxury car. It was awesome!
...oh, yeah, Adam...we're never going to complain about a second ( or third, or fourth ...) video out oof your stable of "incredibleness"...
...this '70 Limited in Harvest Gold Metallic with a Medium Sandalwood premium brocade interior is just about as good as it gets...
...this massively sedate and elegant has all the majestic presence one could ask for; and thoroughly epitomizes the uncompromising standards set by GM's penultimate division...which always produced cars as worthy of note as anything Cadillac ever produced...and while the Cadillacs practically demand your attention...these premium Buicks quietly seduce you...
...cheers, and as ever, Adam...well done, lad...
Agree with your commentary on Buick Electras in that ERA being actually "Sporty"...in the Late 80s I had a 1970 Electra 225 4 door in this exact color but was not the Limited model. It came to me from a Buick guy who raced, and this was his driver. It had a Stage I cam, and for the size of this car it was a terror...I could easily pass traffic towing a 17 foot vintage fiberglass speedboat, and hit 2nd gear rubber at 50 MPH doing so...I bought it for $550. There were not many cars on the road at that time that could take that Buick. Also the 15" aluminum front drum brake system worked amazingly well too.
I love spending time with these videos and enjoy the details.....
Nice Buick, My dads boss had one in the 70s. They was very expensive in Sweden.
Love it. Nice work as always, Adam.
My parents had a mid 60's Electra 225 hardtop as well, that was my Mom's favorite car at the time, I've heard the big Buick described as a doctor's Cadillac!
It was stolen from us..
The folks then down sized to a Buick wildcat or LeSabre which my 8-9 year old perspective from the back seat was not as much room and smooth ride and although a fine car the next year the bought a slightly used 1970 Oldsmobile 98 Brougham which I will tell you had a tighter turning radius, effortless steering, the same premium cloth seats that were so comfortable we would actually look forward to taking on a trip, the rocket 455 engine had endless highway cruising power, and the only car that Dad commented that he never felt intimidated by convoys of big- rig trucks passing us by and buffeting us wind because the car was solid, heavy and had the power to pull ahead of the trucks if need be. The best part was we would drive all day into the night except for meal and fuel stops and never feel tired! Try that in one of today's luxury cars!
Finally the folks purchased a '67 Cadillac sedan DeVille in 1971 with low miles and that was a Hot Mom's favorite car ! Fire Engine Red with White Leatherette interior!
That car used to get buy offers where ever we were parked! It was everything that was great from Buick and Oldsmobile but just a little better Cadillac Better!! Although the Olds 98 had the best seats ever and probably the most pleasantly lit instrument panel for night time DRIVING. The Cadillac just had that EXTRA luxury feature and the Quieter engine and ride...Dad used to say we could roll over a fire hydrant and not even feel it!.
Yes these big GM cars of that decade gave you what you paid for...and the envy of the world....
Thank You so much for making this video and showing us your beautiful Buick, as u see it sure brought back memories for me!
BTW if you don't mind me saying , that neighborhood you drove around it was absolutely lovely on a beautiful sunny Day! If you don't mind sharing what part of the country that is.....
Beautifully appointed car Adam…..cracking day for a drive as well!
Love the observation about the shocking passing power! What a great car, and you present it so well.
I have been looking but I can't find your video on the 77-80 Seville or Caprice Classic. I love those cars especially the Caprice. My mom had a 72 Kingswood Estate wagon and a 78 Ford LTD Brougham. I took my driver test in the wagon. I was kinda short. The cop giving me my driver's test asked me if i could see and handle that wagon. I told him, "come on sir, let's get this done!" He freaked that I drove it and especially parallel parked it with no problem! What he didn't know was I practiced parallel parking that car every Sunday after church in the parking lot between my dad's baby his Chevy C-10 Scottsdale and my uncle's Cadillac. So I had to be spot on
I really didn't want to hit either of those cars!
Detroit sure turned out some beautiful cars back then. They all now almost look alike.
And they are all black, grey or white. Boring!
I was sold when I heard it had the 455 under the hood! Gorgeous ride.
You are ill advised to run aggressively in the higher rpm range in Buick’s early 455 due to main bearing oiling issues, however by 1974 it was FINALLY addressed. This was especially evident with the Stage 1 455 Skylarks that were more subject to abuse by performance enthusiasts. The 1974 Limited was the only year where a Stage 1 was offered as an option. I have a loaded, pristine 34,000 mile Limited, but alas not a Stage 1. A partial list of FACTORY performance options include limited slip, dual exhaust, heavy suspension & rear auto load leveling. I really enjoy your informative evaluations of Luxury Rides!
I must have missed your earlier video on this beautiful cruiser. One of the few cars that looks fabulous in brown paint! Thanks for the video, Adam. 👍 ~ John
THE MARK OF EXCELLENCE. A FINE GM. I LIKE ALL THE CARS YOU FEATURE AND HOW TELL HISTORY & FACTS OF EACH.
I don’t care if y’all talk about me. I’m totally nerding out on this. 😂
Nerd away my friend we are with you 100%
Nobody here is going to talk about you nerding out on this. We are all right in line behind you 😀.
Amazing car. I remember seeing adverts for these in old National Geographic magazines when I was a kid and being fascinated. In many ways the golden age of the American car. And what a neighbourhood! In the UK that type of housing and space is almost non-existent and at the very top end of the market only.
America and GM as well as Ford and Chrysler at there big luxury boat best. It is so refreshing to see cars like that kept in there orignal condition.
My father had a car similar to this. He had a 1970 Buick Electra 225, 4-door with the same color and top. It was a beautiful car.
My Dad first learned to drive ok this baby at 13 yes old on a ranch in Mexico!! My Grandad traded a burgundy with white top for 2 of his best cows in the 70’s and my pops says it looked just like this one. I’m hoping to own one one day so that my kids can learn to drive on this!!
Very nice video Adam, the 70 electra was one of the best luxury full size sedans . Perhaps the best one from the gm division regarding to handling and power.
My Uncle had one of these, in an Ugly Yellow. Only car I ever got Carsick in. It did move though
Big 455, fed by the 800 CFM Q-jet, but Strangled with an Air Cleaner with a Snorkel that could flow about 150 CFM, flipping the Lid helped a Bit. The Carbs were not interchangeable between Divisions, as Linkages, Chokes, Inlets, and Calibrations were different.
From 1971 - 1974,There was a Panel in the Fender Well that could be removed to access the Blower Motor, in 1975 they switched to Plastic Fender Wells that had a Pattern on it as to where to cut and fold it out of the way. a few big Screws, Washers, and some RTV were used to close it back up.
Chrysler was guilty at times in the 1970s, of taking styling cues from General Motors, and applying them to their cars.
If you check out the modular dashboard & steering wheel design of the 1976 - 1980 Plymouth Volare / Dodge Aspen, it looks very similar in layout and design, to this Electra Limited. Including the instrument cluster design and layout.
I inherited this car from my grandfather in the early 80's. He had the entire fuel system changed so it would run on unleaded regular fuel. I still don't know how I ever parallel parked this car. It was a good vehicle but did not pass many gas stations even with a large fuel tank. :) He had the regular deuce and a quarter not the limited model.
i had a70 225 in the same gold color, it was my first car in the mid 80's and, well...as a teenager, you know damn well i beat the crap outta that car, and it held up 100%! i kinda miss that land barge.
Many a grandma adored these.......rode like a luxury liner and were well built
Cars like this are still really special and despite all the advancements have something to offer that modern cars no longer have. The complete disconnected floating road feel.
Some people hate it but there is probably nothing more relaxing on a long road trip then a big cruiser with a low revving big v8 and a tall rear end, every road bump is completely filtered out and any sense of urgency is gone.
Another car for my bucket list great looking car keep these great videos and cars coming sir. I just added a 1986 1 owner Chrysler convertible to my small collection
Buick *"The Elder Person's Car Division".* That's funny! My grandparents drove Buicks back in the 50s, when they were rather young, my grandmother being in her 30s, my grandfather, in his 40s, up to about the 1980s, when they were in their 80s and their 60s.
I did not know. Very good u point out the diffs. 👍 Thank u
Thanks Adam, a pleasure to listen to your review of this lovely car. The end of the craftsmanship and build quality era. All available now are overpriced disposable plastic money pits.
Surprising that Buick had one of the stiffer suspensions of all the divisions! Later on they would compete with Cadillac for the supple suspension feel and it became a hallmark of the Brand. A soft, comfortable ride is synonymous with Buick. People used to joke that the Buick suspensions were designed by Posturpedic :) I myself love a soft, nautical ride and find it sorely missing in most modern vehicles.
I think a comparison of a 70 to 71, or a 76 to 77 gm car would be cool so we could see what changes gm made in that era
This is a beautiful car. Another contributor to the Buick's handling is that 67+ Buicks had the lightest big block engines. The old nail head V8's were heavy and heavy couldn't fit the larger valves required for top end power. When designing the new for 67 big block Buick made sure to fix these flaws, it had good air and exhaust flow, and thus good high end power, while weighing 200 pounds or more less.
My dad bought this era Buick Electra 225's, because the local Cadillac dealership was arrogant.
He didn't buy the Limited, because he liked the Naugahyde seats of the standard Electra.
Dad had a 67, and a 69. He akso had a 65 wildcat. He was a heavy buick guy. I owned only one Buick. And i have owned so many cars. But my Buick is the finest car that i ever owned. Mone was a 1960 Buuck Le Sabre. 2 door hardtop. Midnight Blue. If i could find one today, i would purvhase it.
I Had a ‘72 2door. With the 455. Wonderful Beast. Great to drive such a wonderful cruiser
Wow. My Dad had a 70 225. Didn’t know of limited series. On my bucket list to join my 67 Mustang.
Have always loved Buicks, they were always out of reach for our family while growing up, just saw them from afar. Seems like Pontiac did a great marketing job as the performance division, but this Buick was the way to go. Buick/GM at the top of their game for sure
When GM was KING.
And Queen and Prince and Princess and Duke and Duchess
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
At the time GM produced by one out of every five vehicles on the planet.
Cool car and speaking of Chryslers front reminds me of the Chrysler "fuselage" styling. Also nice classic brown paint, 70s-80s were the era of brown.
Turd Brown. This car would be so much more badass in Black, White, Silver, etc
I had a 1968 "deuce" , a 2 door hardtop. Loved it and was glad it had a large fuel tank.
From here in England. The Best Buicks of all time were my Grandmothers 1936 Special, My 1956 , and the 1964 s Electra 225 s , The Stars Of "Hush Hush, Sweet Charlotte ".
I love the halo trim on the vinyl top. Great color, and a great looking car.
very informative. my dad had a 70 225. i always thought it was a beautifully designed car
New subscriber. I really like the format. Lots of info, good walk around detail and a drive! Waw. Love your cars. Nice, thanks for sharing.
Great video of a great car! Was hoping to see one of your beauties cruising up Woodward today.