The 1960 Buick Electra

While the 1950s were known for their flashy designs, the 1960s began on a more subdued note, as seen in the 1960 Buick Electra and other General Motors vehicles.

The 1959 Buicks underwent significant transformations, featuring massive angled "Delta wing" fins and slanted quad headlights. Many regarded it as the most striking Buick ever, standing in stark contrast to the overly ornate 1958 model, which was laden with excessive chrome embellishments.

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The 1959 model names and body styles carried over into this year: the affordable LeSabre, the sporty mid-tier Invicta, the luxurious Electra, and the even larger Electra 225. The latter name indicated the extended dimensions of the long-deck version, which measured 4.7 inches longer than the standard Electra.

The overall look remained similar to the 1959 design, featuring the then-new long-deck silhouette, slim roofline, and expansive glass areas. This year's updates were subtle but effective in toning down some of the more extravagant and sharp-edged elements.

The grille was redesigned with a more understated appearance, featuring concave vertical bars—a notable departure from the bold chrome block pattern of the 1959 model. Additionally, the quad headlights were now positioned side by side.

The tailfins maintained their angled design, seamlessly blending into the car's overall profile, with their upper lines extending toward the windshield. However, they were now more tightly integrated, emphasizing the deeply sculpted body sides rather than competing with them.

Hardtop sedans were available in two unique roofline designs: a six-window Riviera featuring a curved rear and triangular rear-quarter windows, or a four-window version with a flat roof, slender pillars, and an expansive wraparound rear window.

Traditional enthusiasts were treated to a feature absent for years: the return of VentiPorts. These iconic "portholes," which first adorned Buick fenders in 1949, made a comeback, albeit in a slightly updated design.

To explore further details about the 1960 Buick Electra's engine, transmission, and design, continue to the next page.

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The 1960 Buick Electra and Invicta models were equipped with a 401-cubic-inch V-8 engine, introduced in 1959 and known as the Wildcat 445 due to its torque rating. This engine produced 325 horsepower. The LeSabre models featured a 364-cubic-inch engine, delivering between 235 and 300 brake horsepower.

Electra models included power brakes and steering, but the dual exhaust system was replaced with a single transverse muffler for this year. The Triple Turbine Drive transmission, optional since 1958, was discontinued due to limited demand and high costs.

Replacing the old system, a new Turbine Drive transmission was introduced, utilizing a variable-pitch fluid-control mechanism instead of traditional gears. Harold Fischer, Buick's Transmission Engineer, explained to Car Life that "for peak acceleration ... you don't shift gears; you redirect a continuous flow of oil."

Rather than the typical abrupt downshift during overtaking, the magazine noted "a seamless surge akin to a rolling wave."

Additional innovations were introduced inside the cabin, including the Mirromagic instrument panel. This feature allowed drivers to view the bar-style speedometer and warning lights through an adjustable tilting mirror.

Passengers benefited from the lowered central tunnel and floor pan, which provided more legroom. Additionally, the rear doors were designed to open wider than before, likely catering to the typical Electra buyer's preferences.

Buick's reputation for a smooth ride was upheld with the Electra's Torque Tube driveline, full-coil suspension, and sturdy K-braced frame. The previously optional Air Poise suspension was discontinued, becoming a thing of the past.

The Electra models were built on a 126.3-inch wheelbase, which was 3.3 inches longer than other Buicks, and were fitted with 8.00 x 15 tires. The convertible was exclusively available in the Electra 225 series, with a price tag of $4,192. For those seeking affordability, the base Electra hardtop sedan started at just $3,818.

A range of premium options was available, such as Twilight Sentinel for automatic headlight activation, Guide-Matic for automatic dimming, power windows, a six-way power seat, air conditioning, and a "Wonder Bar" radio with station-seeking capabilities.

While production had surged in 1959, Buick fell from fifth to seventh place in industry sales. However, 1960 saw a decline in output, with only 253,807 units produced (including 56,314 Electras), compared to 284,248 the previous year.

This decline pushed Buick to ninth place, marking its lowest ranking in 55 years, while its corporate counterpart, Pontiac, was experiencing a rise in success.

Whether due to sluggish sales or a shift toward more restrained design, this update paved the way for a toned-down aesthetic and the rapid disappearance of the slanted tailfins.

Buick was now poised to streamline its designs, enhance performance, and introduce a compact model to complement its full-size luxury vehicles.

"When better automobiles are built," Buick advertisements proclaimed consistently, "Buick will build them." Whether the 1960 Electra was an improvement over the 1959 model remains a subjective debate.

Even today, these massive vehicles, especially with their convertible tops down, continue to draw attention—though some onlookers might be startled by the sheer amount of chrome and size.

To explore the specifications of the 1960 Buick Electra, proceed to the next page.

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1960 Buick Electra Specifications

Compared to the 1959 model, the 1960 Buick Electra adopted a more refined and understated appearance. However, with its tailfins, VentiPorts, and the robust "Wildcat 445" engine, the sedan remained a strikingly designed and powerful luxury vehicle.

Specifications

Engines: overhead valve V-8, 401 cubic inches (4.19 × 3.64), 325 brake horsepower

Transmission: Turbine Drive (dual turbine) automatic

Front Suspension: upper and lower A-arms with coil springs

Rear Suspension: live axle supported by coil springs

Braking System: drum brakes on both front and rear

Wheelbase (inches): 126.3

Weight (pounds): 4,453 to 4,653

Maximum Speed (mph): 110 to 180

Acceleration 0-60 mph (seconds): 11.0 to 12.0

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