The 1961-1962 Buick
Electra 225 & Invicta 2-Doors are aptly described as
underappreciated big Buicks. The standard Electra was
canceled for '62, so its hardtop coupe became a "deuce and a
quarter," and the Invicta was soon supplanted as the "performance
Buick" by the Wildcat line, perhaps because buyers liked that name
better.
GM's '61 cars were the first to fully reflect the influence of Bill Mitchell, Harley Earl's successor as corporate design chief. Buick fared as well as any GM division, losing dogleg windshields and needless bulk while becoming simpler and more dignified.
The '62s were arguably cleaner still, if more visually massive. A novelty that year was "convertible-look" ribbing for hardtop coupe rooflines. As in 1959-60, Buick four-door hardtops and sedans offered four- or six-window styling, though not in every series, but collectors covet the two-doors. They're the best of this Buick bunch save the bucket-seated '62 Wildcat.
1961 Buick Electra hardtop coupe were underappreciated cars.
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GM's '61 cars were the first to fully reflect the influence of Bill Mitchell, Harley Earl's successor as corporate design chief. Buick fared as well as any GM division, losing dogleg windshields and needless bulk while becoming simpler and more dignified.
The '62s were arguably cleaner still, if more visually massive. A novelty that year was "convertible-look" ribbing for hardtop coupe rooflines. As in 1959-60, Buick four-door hardtops and sedans offered four- or six-window styling, though not in every series, but collectors covet the two-doors. They're the best of this Buick bunch save the bucket-seated '62 Wildcat.
Pluses of the 1961-1962 Buick Electra 225 & Invicta 2-Doors:
- More tasteful appearance
- Somewhat better economy
- Improved workmanship
- Huge gains in value over past decade
Minuses of the 1961-1962 Buick Electra 225 & Invicta 2-Doors:
- Plenty of interest value but questionable appreciation
- Still overshadowed by Buicks before and after
Production of the 1961-1962 Buick Electra 225 & Invicta 2-Doors:
- 1961: Invicta htp cpe 6,382; conv 3,953; Electra htp cpe 4,250; Electra 225 conv 7,158
- 1962: Invicta htp cpe 10,335; conv 13,471; Electra 225 htp cpe 8,922; conv 7,894
Specifications of the 1961-1962 Buick Electra 225 & Invicta 2-Doors:
Wheelbase, inches: 123.0
(Invicta), 126.0 (Electra 225)
Length, inches: 213.2/214.1
(1961/62 Invicta), 219.2/220
(Electra)
Weight, pounds: 4,100-4,400
Price, new: $3,447-$4,366
Engine for the 1961-1962 Buick Electra 225 & Invicta 2-Doors:
| Type | Size | Horsepower | Years |
| ohv V-8 | 401 cid | 325 | 1961-1962 |
Want more information about classic cars? See:
- Classic Cars
- Buick Muscle Cars
- Muscle Cars
- Sports Cars
- Consumer Guide Auto
- Consumer Guide Auto Used Car Search
