Desired Drivetrain: 1978 Buick Electra Limited Landau Coupe – SOLD!

June 27, 2021 Update – we confirmed the seller of this “Classifind” deleted their listing, so we’re now able to call this one “SOLD!” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

As emissions standards became increasingly tough to meet by the late 1970s, General Motors’ bean counters implemented a practice long accepted by Ford and Chrysler buyers: install “corporate” engines across its various divisions. However, when consumers bought a Buick or Cadillac, they expected an engine built by that same division.  Consequently, a class-action lawsuit developed, and as part of a costly settlement, GM moving forward had to disclose which division supplied the engine in each car.

The seller of this top-of-the-line 1978 Buick Electra Limited originally listed in June 2021 on Craigslist in Wilson, North Carolina points out their 75K mile survivor has a Buick engine by pointing the following disclaimer label from their car’s documentation:

“FINAL ASSEMBLY POINT: LINDEN, NEW JERSEY. THIS VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH A GENERAL MOTORS ENGINE MANUFACTURED IN A GENERAL MOTORS PLANT OPERATED BY BUICK, FLINT, MI.”

That fancy GM speak means this Electra is equipped with the actual Buick-made 350 cubic inch V8 rather than the optional Oldsmobile 403 cubic inch mill also available that year.  Offered at $10,000, comparing that price against the  Collector Car Market Review Online Tool reveals the seller’s asking price is two hundred dollars less than this guide’s #1 “Excellent” appraisal of $10,700.

For the 1977 model year, General Motors downsized all of its full-size B- and C-body cars, which Buick’s case was the LeSabre and Electra, respectively. The new Electra was nearly one foot shorter and several hundred pounds lighter than the car it replaced all while offering the same interior and luggage space.

We found this 1978 Buick commercial featuring actor Glenn Ford pitching the downsized-for-1978 Buick Electra:

This black-and-tan Electra Limited appears to be a nicely preserved version. The only cosmetic defect we can find is the faded Landau top but as Rudy’s video on How To Restore a Cadillac Eldorado Landau Top shows, you can get like-new results for about thirty dollars in materials.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“RARE 1978 BUICK ELECTRA PARK AVENUE 2 DOOR COUPE with 74,669 original miles. The original black paint is in excellent condition as it has been carefully stored in a garage since the early eighties. It sports a 350 V8 engine and runs great. No known leaks. All original paperwork includes owner’s manual, warranty book, window sticker and more. Originally purchased at Howell Buick in Rocky Mount, NC, this car was passed on to the owners son. The asking price is what the car was originally purchased for brand new.

Car’s options include:
-power seat-6 way
-electric door locks
-soft ray tinted glass
-carpet savers and handy mats
-door edge guards
-heavily padded LANDAU Top
-air conditioner-manual controls
-cruise master
-tilt steering column
-chrome platted wheels
-steel belted radial w/s tire GR78-15
-DELCO-GM AM-FM stereo radio with front and back dual speakers
-automatic power antenna
-bumper guard-front and rear
-color coordinated protective wide body side molding-TAN

FINAL ASSEMBLY POINT: LINDEN, NEW JERSEY. THIS VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH A GENERAL MOTORS ENGINE MANUFACTURED IN A GENERAL MOTORS PLANT OPERATED BY BUICK, FLINT, MI.

A luxury car in its day, the PARK AVENUE was an optional package for the Electra Limited sedan. This interior comfort and appearance package gave buyers velour, pillow-topped seating, velour headliner, thicker carpet, and an upscale door panel design. A heavily padded LANDAU top is in great condition too. Call to make an appointment.​“

Show or go: what would you do with this Buick Electra Survivor?  Comment below and let us know!