Buick - Electra 225 4-Door Riviera - Brochure - 1959 - 1959

Buick Vehicles from 1953 to 1966 Full Size Luxury Models 1959 Electra and Electra 225 In 1959, Buick's models were renamed, with the Electra spanning the Super/Roadmaster, and the Electra 225 taking the place of the Roadmaster 75 and Limited models. The Electra 225 nameplate was a nod to the vehicle's overall length of 225.4 inches, earning it the street name "deuce and a quarter". The Electra 225 Riviera was the top-line model, and it shared its 6window hardtop roofline with the Cadillac Fleetwood. 1959 Electra 4-Door sedan Exterior distinction came from the wide moldings with a massive Electra emblem on the molding's front fender extension. Electra 225 script was found on the front fenders ahead of the wheel opening. The four-door models had an extension of the molding into rear fender as well. Styling was a dramatic departure across the board at GM; with all vehicle lines stressing front and rear "wings". At Buick there were two; with the first beginning just above the headlights and sweeping all the way back to the tail lights. Another huge wing began at the junction of the windshield and the door and flowing back all the way to the rear (these rear fins were called "Delta Wings"). 1959 Electra 2-Door hardtop Single round tail lights were placed just under this wing, looking like the exit of a jet exhaust. The grille was similar to the 58 piece, but the headlights were canted and placed just under the termination of the front wing as if they were the intakes for those same jet engines. Roof lines in both the 2 and 4 door cars were light and airy, with the 4 door hardtop's rear termination almost station wagon-like. This was the first styling exercise of Bill Mitchell, who replaced Harley Earl s chief designer for GM. It was a huge change and a huge risk – but the public and the press liked it. As in ‘57 and ’58, the convertible received a different interior. For the first time, the drop top was available with bucket seats! 1959 Electra 4-Door hardtop The Electra & Electra 225 were on the same 126” wheelbase, but the 225 was 225.4” long (hence the “225” name) with the extra 4+ inches found in rear overhang. The 225s had nicer interiors and additional standard equipment (see next page). Electra and 225 were offered different body styles – see the pictures above an below for the breakout. All other Electras received an interior similar to the ’58, even though the body style had changed. “Textured nylon Mojave cloth” or “hipile wool broadcloth” were the choices. In 1959, a larger 401 cu. in. V-8 was introduced and offered in the Electra and the Invicta It was the most powerful standard Buick V-8 offered to date with the exception of the high performance NASCAR 330 hp 364 of 1957-1958. Once again, the block was redesigned to accommodate the larger bore and stroke, with the deck height raised to 10.025”. This engine would be available along with the later introduced 425 cubic inch version until 1967, when it was replaced with the new 400-430 V-8. 1959 Electra Line Engine & Transmission 1959 Electra 225 Convertible 1959 Electra 225 4-Door Riviera Engine:  Bore and stroke of 4.1875” x 3.640”. Displacement: 401 cu. in.  Cast iron block, overhead valve, 5 main bearings & hydraulic valve lifters.  Carburetion: Carter 2840 or Rochester model 7013044-15900 four-barrel.  Compression ratio: 10.5:1; Dual exhausts standard.  Horsepower: 325 @ 4400 R.P.M. Torque: 445 @ 2800 R.P.M. Transmission:  Variable Pitch Twin Turbine Dynaflow automatic. Optional: Triple Turbine “Flight Pitch” Dynaflow. - 20 - 1959 Electra 225 4-Door hardtop sedan. This body style was shared by Buick and Cadillac only. Buick Vehicles from 1953 to 1966 Full Size Luxury Models The big news was that a new chassis was introduced with a "K" frame replacing the "X" frame for added stiffness. The Electra and Electra 225 models again offered the optional "air ride suspension" in place of the standard coil springs. “K” Frame 1959 Electra Standard Features: Twin Turbine Transmission • Directional signals • Sliding sunshades • Cigarette lighter • Automatic glove compartment light • Electric windshield wipers • Outside rear view mirror on convertible • Dual horns • Gas-filler door • Horizontal Redline speedometer • Trip-mileage indicator • Foamtex Cushions • Electric clock • Automatic trunk light • License plate frame • Safety instrument panel cover • Deluxe steering wheel • Deluxe wheel covers • Outside rear view mirror on convertible • Power steering • Power brakes • Wide-sweep electric windshield wipers with integrated windshield washer • Dual exhaust • Safety Plate glass in every window. 1959 Electra 225 Standard Features: Upgraded interior • Back-up lights • Glare-proof mirror • Parking brake signal light • Safety buzzer • Map light • Super Deluxe wheel covers. On Convertible • Power front and rear windows. New 1959 Chassis - Electra shown. Note the huge rear overhang. 1959 Electra Comfort and Convenience Options: Triple Turbine Transmission • Positive traction differential • Portable Transistor Radio • Electric Antenna • Safety Buzzer • Super Deluxe wheel covers (standard Electra 225) • Easy-Eye Glass • Wonder Bar radio • Rear seat speaker • Power front and rear windows • Power vent windows • Autronic Eye • Automatic heat control • Air conditioning • Positive Traction Differential • Air Ride. New 1959 Windshield. ’59 and ’60 was the ultimate, with the glass extending into the roof. 1959 Electra Line Key Specifications Surprisingly, the new design did not breathe that much added life into the full Buick line, with total sales of the LeSabre, Invicta and Electra still well below the totals of the earlier 50's. However the 1959 Electra and Electra 225 did sell much better than the 1958 Roadmaster and Limited had. The new totals were the highest for the premier line car since 1953 with Electra and Electra 225 selling 66,661 units. With the total Buicks sold hitting 285,089, the Division was doing well in the middle of a recession. But for Buick to return to its totals of the mid-fifties, something more would be needed. 1959 Wheel Covers DeLuxe (Electra) Super DeLuxe (Electra 225) 1959 Electra 225 4-Door Riviera in Ad - 21 -