Clean Survivor: 1979 Buick Electra Park Avenue
Different people have different views and tastes when it comes to what constitutes a classic car. Some people have a strong leaning towards muscle cars, for some, it will be sports cars, while some will gravitate towards more luxurious offerings. This 1979 Buick Electra Park Avenue certainly fits into the latter category, offering the next owner the opportunity to travel in comfort, style, and splendid isolation. It is a nicely preserved original survivor, and if it sounds tempting to you, then you will find it located in Kent, Ohio, and listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has reached $3,205 in what is a No Reserve auction.
The owner purchased the car from the estate of the second owner and has returned the car to good mechanical health. The paint on the car is said to be original, with no previous accident damage, or signs of a repaint. The owner says that he has done little more than give the exterior of the vehicle a wash since it was removed from storage, and the paint is beginning to show its age a bit. However, he does suggest that it might respond well to a professional buff and polish, so this might be worth investigating further. It would certainly be cheaper than a repaint and would retain the Buick’s originality. The wheels that are fitted to the car are original, but the vinyl top has been replaced at some point. The trim, chrome, and glass, all appear to be in good condition, and there is no doubt that thanks to the Buick’s overall condition, it is sure to be an eye-catcher out on the streets.
The owner describes the condition of the Electra’s interior as being close to perfect, and who am I to argue with him on that point? The red upholstery on the seats looks clean, free of any tears, and incredibly luxurious. The door trims, the dash, the pad, and the wheel, also look to be in impressive condition. The owner says that the headliner has been replaced at some point, and if I am going to pick any visible faults inside the car, it looks like there might be a mark on the carpet near the driver’s left foot. Mind you, that’s not a lot after 40-years, and I could certainly live with it. Being the range-topping offering in the 1979 Electra range, luxury features abound. The first of these is air conditioning, and this has not only just been treated to a new compressor and condenser, but is now said to blow ice cold. Add in power windows, power seats, cruise control, and a tilt wheel, and life would be quite pleasant inside the Park Avenue. The vehicle has been fitted with the optional electronic radio, but it won’t lock onto a station. The owner also identifies a fault with the power antenna, and I would be very tempted to think that these two faults might be related.
Under the hood of the Park Avenue, you will find the 155hp 350ci V8. The power from the engine is sent to the rear wheels via a TH350 automatic transmission, while the life of luxury continues with the inclusion of power steering and power brakes. It appears that the Buick had been in storage and was not being used when the owner purchased it, but he is a little vague on this subject. He has replaced the plugs and wires and says that the car runs and drives perfectly. There are no squeaks or rattles, the transmission shifts smoothly, and the brakes stop the car straight and true. What he is not vague about is the fact that the Park Avenue has a genuine 58,000 miles on the odometer, and that he has documentary evidence to verify this.
The person who buys this 1979 Buick Electra Park Avenue is set to score a lot of car for their cash. These were by no means a cheap car when they were new, and they are also a model that has not managed to retain its value. With that in mind, I believe that this is probably a car that will struggle to reach a final price of $10,000. If that is the case, then it could be a viable option for someone who is looking to secure their own little slice of luxury.
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Comments
$10,000 was about what that car cost new! It’s beautifully preserved!
My Dad was close to buying the 2 door version back in ’79, same color scheme, same luxurious seating. Then he decide to get a blue over silver Chevy Caprice. I wonder was price a factor? Think I’ll ask him!
This vehicle will be donked within the first 24 hours of purchase
It will be loved
Exactly, and fine by me as it has no real value to begin with so it’s a perfect candidate.
Too bad it has so many doors. If it were a coupe, I’d be on it.
Lose the whitewalls (but keep the ‘road wheels’ of course!), go through the PITA of removing the RH fender to repair/replace the power antenna assembly, fix any other minor issues that may appear… and float on down the road.
That’s a super looking creampuff. We had a lot of neighbors with similar cars no problems with them, they gave good service except for the GM diesel V8 cars. Seems like all those always had ether cans in the floorboard.
I would prefer the diesel. Ether cans on the floor means no proper service.
Olds made a 350 cu in (5.7 L) diesel V8. And Buick came up with one, beginning in the early 80s. But I don’t think it was available in a ’79 Park Ave.
Someone tell me differently.
Correct the diesel became available in the rest of the GM line up after Oldsmobile and Cadillac in 1980.
Oldsmobile had it first in 1978, along with the Seville and then Cadillac got it across the line up in 1979.
For such a claimed original car why has the steering wheel been replaced with one from a Cadillac? Here’s what it should look like.
That very steering wheel made to Australia the mid ’70s for the Holden Caprice. No reason Buick couldn’t have used it. As for the engine, you can wake up that SBB and surprise a few at the lights.
Errrr…WRONG.
If you got a tilt and tele wheel in Buicks during this era you usually got the previous model years Cadillac steering wheel with Buick badges its strange but correct.
This is whats called “knowing enough to be dangerous…”
Simple answer to your question, rmward…..
It’s as close to being a Cadillac wannabe. without paying a caddy price.
I’m curious about one little thing. I live a mile north off I-80 in Pa.,at the Ohio line. Kent, Ohio is 50 miles west of me. What’s with the Pa. plate? Just askin’..
Wish I had a larger garage.
I thought the same thing, as it appears to be a Cadillac wheel, but it does have a buick insignia in the center so thats perhaps what came with the park ave, vs. Lesser Buicks?
Not sure about that either. The emblem looks to be authentic. It may have been an optional upgrade? I found a 1977 PA Electra on CarGurus with the same wheel.
It’s definitely a Buick steering wheel…
http://oldcarbrochures.org/United%20States/Buick/1978_Buick/1978_Buick_Brochure/slides/1978%20Buick-18-19.html
http://oldcarbrochures.org/United%20States/Buick/1977-Buick/1977-Buick-Full-Line-Brochure/slides/1977%20Buick%20Full%20Line-12-13.html
I saw a lot of those wheels back in the day on the 1977-78 Electras for sure. I don’t know what triggered that wheel versus the other steering wheel though.
Thing is, you’re getting Cadillac comfort without paying a Cadillac price. It’s all part of the GM family.
That is the correct steering wheel for a car equipped with the optional tilt and telescopic wheel.
I’ve seen other buicks with caddy steering wheels….even in 1976 full size buicks….Why?…I don’t know yet.
Far too small…no legroom, no headroom….not a classic Buick in the true sense. ! Can’t hold a candle to a real Buick…e.g. the ’58 Limited..227.1 ” overall length. The ’58 had more chrome on a door handle than does this ’79 have on the entire car. Pathetic what they did to the brand.
Ok Grandpa…..
too small….
What are you like 8ft 4?
HaHahahahaha…….
Ralph: First of all, I’m not a “Grandpa”…..and second my opinion is shared by many. Therefore, who are YOU to write offensive, sarcastic comments and attacks against other people !!?? I thought that this group maintained respect and dignity in posts. ..apparently not !! You’re a ridiculous clown.
Actually these are more comfortable and roomy that the larger model it replaced, the 1976 version’s.
Duaney: Hardly. Simply compare the dimensions published by GM itself…e.g. headroom, legroom…etc…etc. They are quite self-evident.
Your comment is one of the rare times I’m stumped. I can’t quite tell if you actually mean what you said or if it was sarcastic humor.
had the same car same year but in blue a real nice ride
Ralph, now THAT’S funny.. LOL!!
Stan Marks: No, it’s an insulting, offensive, uninformed and ridiculous comment.
This is supposed to be a group for people who appreciate fine,
classic automobiles, not a group for personal attacks on the opinions of others.
Wow! While I agree that we all should exercise an appropriate level of respect to others opinions and insights while posting, you Dave have proven you’re nothing short of a whimpering pansy! Ralphs comment was simply innocent ribbing and was far from deserving of your dramatic reaction. Please Davie, it’s about time you toughen up cupcake! Lol
(Proceed with the tantrum)
I think he might have “size issues”…….
Whats your daily driver big man?
I assume it has to be a stretched Fleewood 75 or something….
With all due respect, Dave, I think it wasn’t a personal attack against you, per se. In my opinion, Ralph was being sarcastic & making a joke.We are all pretty much strangers here. I’m sorry if you took offense.
BTW… I’m proud to say, I happen to be a 75 yr. old grandpa.
Please, let’s get along.
Everyone have a happy & healthy New Year.
Stan: I think it’s wonderful that you have grandchildren…I’m looking forward to that. The others’ comments were sarcastic and condescending and disparaging toward those of us, and there are many, who favor pre ’77 GM and other makes. We are “whimpering pansies” and “8-feet tall”.if we prefer a certain auto !? I think not. By the way, my first Grandson will be in line to have, one day, my ’76 Fleetwood Sixty Special and a maybe a couple of the others in the collection.
Thanks Dave.
It took 72 yrs. to finally see my first grandchild.
She turned 3 Dec.13th. My 2nd granddaughter turned 1 Dec.10th. They are my world. 😊
You can prefer whatever you want, but when you brag about a 227in long car being a “real Buick” and a 222in one as being “too small” and not a “REAL Buick”, you kind of come across as a mean ignorant troll, sorry if someone calling you out on that crap made you mad……
Read your post again.
My Dad had one of these as a company car. It drove pretty nice for a lead sled.
Does that include the whip?😏
If that’s what floats your boat Stan!
This group is really deteriorating in quality and respect for others.
😢😩
I don’t float in that boat, Chris.
Ralph..so…in your view , people who favor a full-size GM are ignorant trolls? Please do continue with your insane diatribe.
Good to see you learned nothing…..
Do continue with your ignorant and insignificant nonsense.
Seems it’s you Dave who is continuing with the “insignificant nonsense.” Lol Jeepers
How about we all move on, PLEASE.
It’s a new year.
And a happy New Year to you all.
This Buick, for it’s time, was quite a plush ride. Even w/ the red interior, well at least back then you had a color choice of more than 2 or 3 like nowdays!
My family had a green ’78 with the factory CB radio. It was a very nice car 😊
Can anyone give me an idea of what a 1979 Buick Electra Limited with 622k miles on it would be valued at? I don’t know how to post pictures on here but if you need to see pics, you can email me and I can email them back. Any info and honest opinions on value would be greatly appreciated as I don’t know much about these cars.
My email is [email protected]
I know that the last post was over a year ago.
But, Did you mean 622,000, 62200 or 62,000???