Ode to the land yacht. We love your sharp, mile-long edges, your limitless acres of chrome, your fields of plush interior upholstery, your floating, insulated ride that makes us wonder if your suspension rides upon tens of thousands of marshmallows. We long for the throaty grumble of your big-cube powerplants, your gentle shifts and almost intentionally poor gas mileage.
The land yacht is truly the most American of all cars. Sure Cadillacs are the “go to” for your highway barge needs, but we like to venture a little off of the beaten path and suggest this really nice ’70 Buick Electra 225 Convertible. Its original bamboo cream exterior compliments its vinyl saddlewood interior and power convertible tan top.
The big Wildcat 455 big block V8 still runs as smoothly as it did decades earlier, and the transmission shifts nice and smooth, just like you’d expect from this piece of luxury opulence. The owner claims that it’s undergone some improvements like the addition of electronic ignition, an aluminum Edelbrock intake and the addition of a dual exhaust system. The drivetrain was rebuilt less than 5,000 miles earlier and the 81,665 miles on the odometer is understood to be correct.
The power top features a glass back window and comes with a boot. The glass, trim and chrome bumpers are in good, driver quality condition. It has a new windshield. The big Buick is surprisingly rust-free, the frame, trunk and rockers are solid. The interior is in excellent condition too, with new loop carpet and all of its power options in fine working order: power seats, windows, steering and brakes.
The factory air still blows cool and the tires are mounted on rally wheels with new Buick center caps. The 41-year-old classic is the last year of the convertible Electra, making this a rare piece, especially if you’re into enjoying the open road in the lap of luxury.