I got a call recently from an old friend who wants to know if I have any suggestions for what to do with his uncle's "old Buick". Turns out to be a 61 Electra 225 4 door, which hasn't been started or left the garage in about 30 years. Of course I told him that I'm interested in seeing the car. I haven't seen the car yet, but he says it has some rust (we're in New England), dents, and about 100K miles. So I don't think it's a hidden gem, I'm thinking in terms of it being a donor vehicle for a future rod project. I'm hoping to see the car this coming weekend. My questions: - Did all '61 Electras come with the 401 nailhead? - Is the ****** ok to use, or is a swap to a later trans recommended? - Would this car have aluminum brake drums? - Is there any value or interest in the rest of the car (trim, etc)? thanks! Rick Wilson 65LTD
Engine could be a 364 or 401, both look similar, 364 a bit narrower across the intake. Lots of parts are interchangeable between the two. It will have the aluminum finned drum brakes up front,I think in '61 they still had the "old style" wider spaced fins, which are more "old school" then the newer high count fins. ****** will be old model, I think if it works good, keep it, but if it's bad, think about switching to a later 64-66 switch-pitch turbo-hydro. Enjoy that big ride. Incidently, if there is a stock air cleaner housing on it, the number on it is not cubic inches, but torque rating, i.e. "WIldcat 445" is Buicks 401 4 bbl.
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