When I moved to the US in 1972, we brought a used nice Buick Electra 225 with fully equipped for $800.00. The US made car was beautiful and had a lots of feathers that the top Japanese like Toyota Crown and European brands like Rolls or Benze 600 does not have!
My dad's first new car, was a 67 Wildcat...He maintained the car very well, drove it for 22 years, and put 320 thousand miles on it...the only mechanical expense at all, was replacing the U-joints, twice. That 360hp engine was very strong, very powerful...The Wildcat could do 0-60 in 7.7 seconds...awesome quickness for a large vehicle. It was still running well, when a drunk hit the rear of the car, bending the frame. My dad shed a tear or two, as the tow truck hauled that amazing Buick to the junkyard. We will never see such impressive cars again!
67 Wildcat had a particularly attractive concave themed grille without the central divider that was on the other large 67’s and included on the 68 Wildcat forward.
@@curbozerboomer1773 TH-cam commentator “curbozerboomer1773’s” lament for the apparent demise of the family’s Buick seems to presuppose that a bent frame disqualifies an automobile from service. Is there no remedy, save for the junkyard?
@@fairfaxcat1312 It is a matter of degree....a good repair shop might true up a car very well...In my Dad's case, he knew that his great car was getting close to needing some serious attention...so he sadly made the decision to move on.
@@scoutandscooterWhat cars were you driving? Drum brakes were fine when adjusted properly, these cars corner fine at reasonable speeds especially with modern tires and shocks, there was no death trap unless you created it
My dad bought a '67 Electra new in '67 I think for $4700. I was 6. I recall he didn't like the factory dual exhaust, so he had single installed right off the bat. He sold that car in '77 when he moved us from Itasca, Illinois to Pacifica, Ca. But I loved that car so much. White with black vinyl top, black interior. As I got older, I took over washing and waxing it, I obsessed over that Buick. My friends' parents all had newer, fancier cars every few years, so I had to keep up the Buick's looks. I had that car looking its best always. A practice that I carried with my own vehicles my whole life. That Buick took us to church, to the Bears games after stopping off at White Castle for sliders and hot chocolate. Drive-ins, Grandma's home in Lake Zurich, Uncle's home in Lake Forest, stopping at Howard Johnsons over the Tollway on the way home. Adam, I appreciate your work. So well done and your work spurs many happy, comforting memories. Thank you.
Hmm, I don't think it was common for someone to have factory duals replaced with a single exhaust. My Dad bought a new 64 Ford Country Sedan (a car I just barely remember) with 352 V8 and factory duals. When reminiscing about that car, Dad told me he had glass packs installed, and that the car ran super good. Mom hated the poor mileage ("It was a gas hog!"), so we didn't have the car for long. We had a 67 Ford Custom 500 sedan, bought new when I was 3. That was a car I really liked. And I get nostalgic when I see a 67 "standard" Ford.
@@globalswgetter How was the noise level on the Buick product? The Ford automobile billed itself as quiet as a Rolls Royce kind of thing. Was your father in search of quiet when he switched the Buick over to single exhaust?
@@fairfaxcat1312 Yes that is why. But I will tell you, I recall as a kid, even that single exhaust sounded meaty. The 430-4 had a wonderfully beasty sound.
Although mid to late 60's Pontiacs had my heart, I now realize how graceful the Buicks were. That S-curve swage line is nothing short of masterful and carries the entire body theme - whether sedan, coupe or convertible. These cars also had just enough trim as an accent and not one piece extra. Absolutely peak GM and peak US automotive design! I don't believe we'll ever see this level of excellence ever again. The full-width tail light on the Electra is surprisingly contemporary.
However the quality of the Buicks were far and away superior. Pontiacs used plastics in their valves and were subject to breaking timing belts on a regular bass. Oldsmobiles might have looked a bit staid but Buick and Oldsmobiles had the quality in the GM stable down to a science that even Cadillac couldn’t match.
@@LlyleHunter I agree, our neighbors ordered a 69 Pontiac Grand Prix. A beautiful car. That got me hooked on Pontiac being my favorite division. The timing change broke at 52 thousand miles. Two starters on it. I was 9 in 69. He said the starters were not strong enough for the 428 motor. Mom had a 72 Cutlass Supreme. 350. Had it 10 years. Never a bit of trouble. In 72 Oldsmobile didn't offer a 6 in any model. I heard Oldsmobile had the best 350 motors. Of any GM divisions. I don't know if that's true or not. My first car. A 76 Pontiac Grand Le Man's. A beautiful car. Had the 350. No trouble, beautiful dashboard. Like the 69 Grand Prix. Console was tilted towards the driver. It had firethorne red interior. Factory AM-FM 8 track. Factory air, tilt wheel. I miss all the cars from then. Sad they let Oldsmobile and Pontiac die off.
What made the 60s cars the best was that car makers employed designers as well as engineers. Every aspect of the car had human developement. Today all makers start with a Tesla S and either squish it or elongate it. 60s era cars are worth more than today's cars because more human effort went into building them than today's cars. Even if they don't run as well or as long. Give me an Electra over an S any day!
The first time I've read about him is when he commented about the Boattail Riviera in a 1990 issue of Collectible Automobile magazine. I was 13 then! Two years later I bought my first Buick, a '68 Wildcat Custom hardtop sedan. I've had plenty of 1965-68 full size Buicks, they are my favorites. What I just learned about Dave Holls is that he was involved in the design of the 1992 Seville, another favorite of mine (for its looks at least!). Not that I'd want to own one!
1967 was an amazing year for all the car manufacturers. First Gen Camaro, second Gen Mustang, second Gen barracuda, the front wheel drive Eldorado/Tornado, AMC Rebel, etc...
I'm surprised you didn't feature the '67 Buick Wildcat. As a kid (6 years old) I first laid eyes on a red '67 Wildcat with Buick's iconic black and chrome wheels, black vinyl top and black interior. The car was always kept clean and was in flawless condition. The owner would park it outside on on weekends but they family move away and I never saw it again. Years later I saw a young man at a car show with a stock '73 Buick Apollo in pristine condition with similar but not as nice Buick chrome and black wheels. He told me his father was a Buick man and as we talked more it turned out he grew up on the street of my cousin's house and that was his father's Wildcat. He told me his father still owned the car that he bought new at Reason Buick in Santa Ana, CA. just a few miles from their home. This was 20 years ago but I'm hope dad's Wildcat is still in the family. '67 was the first year for the collapsible steering column and the dual reservoir brakes. It was the last year for the blinged out dash with lot's of chrome. The '68 Buicks really toned things down as did most American cars due to DOT regulations.
My best friend's father traded his 1964 Coupe de Ville for a 1967 Wildcat in midnight blue, and I well remember riding in the back seat of that car. You'd think going from a Caddy to a Buick was a step back, but that 64 had issues and the Buick was super reliable for him.
The '67 Wildcat you describe still remains to this day in the hands of its original owner. The beautiful car is well-known within the Buick Club of America. There are wonderful photos showing the owner and his wife leaving their wedding in 1967 in the spectacular Wildcat. Another tidbit regarding this car is that the owner walked alongside the car throughout its assembly at General Motors Assembly Division's Southgate, California assembly plant.
I really like the '67 full sized Buicks a lot. But I love the '68 versions! To me, the grills on the '68's are much cleaner looking, and the taillights are designed better to look more elegant. My parents had a '68 Wildcat 4 door sedan, in that real popular greenish gold color with a black vinyl roof and black vinyl interior. It was loaded with power windows, seat, tilt wheel, AC, etc. One of the cool options was the "speed alert". You turned a knob to set the speed that you didn't want to go over. If you went over the speed, it made a horrible sound that was kind of loud. My dad always said the engine was amazing and it was the best car he ever owned.
I've always admired the exterior styling of the '65-'68 GM full size coke-bottle fastback coupes. Some of the finest styling of any manufacturer's two door full size cars. 1967 was a great year for Buick and the last year before DOT, EPA, and eventually OPEC and CAFE brought in the malaise era. Love your channel, Adam!
These ;67 full-size Buicks always looked good to me, well-designed for their intended market, model for model. Good body detail, a spare use of chrome, with a certain grace for large cars. That low-mileage example is quite something! Especially that upholstery fabric.
The fix for the oil pumps was switching from the aluminum cover (that the gears ride against) to a hardened steel one. A friend of mine fixed his on a ‘70 Le Sabre with 455. The front mounted sump on the oil pan didn’t help, either, as hard launches could cause oil starvation, especially if you didn’t stay on top of the oil level.
Believe it or not! As an amateur stylist in this time I used an "S" line in several of my drawings about two years before Buicks appeared with a similar "S" line. I had no way of seeing Buicks with this line before I made my drawings. Thus the Buick stylists and I had similar thoughts in approximately the same time period. The "S" line seemed perfectly logical so I don't claim a great insight. But when I see these cars I am reminded of my very amateur drawings at a young age. I never thought about pursuing a career as a stylist. I had no idea that I could have. Competitive occupation I'm sure.
Luv all 67 to 70 Buicks. The beautiful swath trim running almost the full length, defining the upper and lower body. Sleek and wonderful.. . . . .drive critics, I really don't give a stuff. I get a little psd off. Read so many reviews criticizing the handling, floating etc.. But these cars were never designed to be a Sports car. . . . .of any desription! What they were designed for, they were unbeatable. Often adding insult to injury, people are reviewing from a modern context! Once again Adam great work! Total respect bro.
For as gorgeous as these cars are in photographs, they really pop in person! 65-70 (especially 67-68) Buicks are truly some of the best. The big fastbacks are awesome, but i do love the formal roof hardtop sedan Electras. Absolutely elegant.
I have my great grandparents 67 Special Deluxe bought new at Korn Buick in Kalispell MT. In 92, mom and I drove it back home to California SoCal. I still have the Special Deluxe, and it has always been garaged. I have been with the Buick Club of America for over 20 years and have done many shows here in SoCal. The car has won many 1st and 2nd place awards. You don't see many with the 225 V6 and factory KL aqua on aqua two-tone paint.
My grandparents had a 1965 Buick Electra that my parents inherited. Wonderful smooth riding cars that was great on a long road trip. Largest power front bench seat probably every engineered. Super thin steering wheel with equally over boosted power steering. The length and weight of that Buick really needed that power steering. My parent's model had the 401-445 Wildcat motor with the Single Carter AFB. Plenty of power to make some tracks with bias ply tires. Thanks for the video, brought back some memories.
Please do a video on the brochure! 1960s American car ads were so often works of art themselves - erudite writing, accompanied by superb artwork & photography.
Just the quality of those mid 1960s GM cars was fantastic. A friend of my grandmothers had a fully loaded 1967 Buick Electra, which she kept garaged at her home in Bel Air, CA. When she passed away, her son asked if I could drive it to Pasadena to drop it off at one of her children’s house. It was an amazing car in pristine shape and I loved the power vent windows and the upholstery, etc., etc. The car was nearly 30 years old and looked brand new. I never knew what happened to it.
Truly beautiful automotive design. Some of the best looking cars ever made were GM's full-size mid-late sixties models. Today's cars just can't compare. Inevitably, form suffers from the emphasis on function today.
Adam, thank you for mentioning Buick's two-piece drive shafts. This feature allowed a more shallow angle for the propeller shaft resulting in a reduced drive tunnel in the floor for rear seat passengers. When Buick bragged about rear passenger "three-across seating", they had the goods to back that up. Popular Science magazine reporters, Jan P. Norbye and Jim Dunne, recalled an interview with Buick General Manager Ed Ragsdale in 1960, he was so proud of Buick's continued use of Torque Tube drive (replaced by the two-piece drive shaft the next year).
@@RareClassicCars I read a book on Professional/Commercial vehicles, and the two-piece drive shaft was a way to create a flat floor for ambulance and hearse coachbuilders who wanted a lower overall height for the load floor. I admire the way each GM division made cars with unique features that gave buyers something to think about.
My cousin had a '65 LeSabre coupe, deep red. Side style line was straight, but car was beautiful. I was too young to drive but she let me wash it and drive it around the area. I loved it. Great reviews.
My dad bought a’67 Buick Special brand new. I was only a few years old at the time but I still clearly remember the day he brought it home and took us out for a ride. We had that Buick for many years, many family trips and fond memories. It was the car that I learned to drive in, and took my driving test in. I think he traded it in 1991. They definitely don’t make them like that anymore.
Dad had a ‘67 LeSabre coup in white (!!!). He was a working guy and ran that car hard. It held up well…a fond memory. Loved that fastback. Never saw that ever again in one of our family cars. Dad eventually graduated to an Electra 225…Also a fond memory: Robert Lansing (12 O’Clock High)….
Dad replaced his 64 LeSabre Spot Coupe with a 68, which is basically the same as the 67, with some trim variations; the IP was the most obvious. Both the 64 and 68 had bucket seats with a storage console, I have never seen another so equipped. Both cars were optioned identically as I remember, power steering and brakes, AC, and the 68 also had a factory 8-track player (I believe the first year available from Buick). I went with dad to order the 68, we specified gold with a white top.We were surprised when the LeSabre arrived with a painted top, we both thought it was going to be vinyl. Evidently we checked the wrong box, again, I've never seen another like this.
I usually love the 1950s the most for design, I own a 1954 Pontiac star chief, but have also just picked up a 1968 Buick Wildcat! It's beautiful, 67-68 definitely best years!
Great video! When I was a twelve-year old kid, I was with my Dad at the local Buick dealership, having the oil changed in our beautiful '65 Wildcat coupe. The dealership owner called us into his office. He had just received a large envelope from Buick Motor Division, containing the big, glossy black-and-white publicity photos for the new 1967 Buicks. When I saw the forthcoming '67 Wildcat coupe, I went crazy. Was thrilled when the first example arrived on the showroom floor a couple of months later. These cars are stunningly beautiful! I still love the Buicks of this era, and have a fine, low mileage '65 Wildcat coupe today. . . . By the way, the late Buick engineer who owned that super low mileage Electra 225 in the video is the guy who developed the balance shafts for the 3800 V6 engine.
I learned to drive on a 68 Wildcat, which is the same as the 67, what a hood, the LeSabre body on the Electra wheelbase with the extra length ahead of the firewall.
Love this! I was a gofer after high school in the early 70s for the local Buick dealer in SC. I drove my Mom's hand me down 69 Riviera, and I met a guy that regularly brought in a stunning Electra 225 convertible in a burgundy with black interior. All of these great lines were gorgeous on that car.
My folks had a '67 LeSabre in forest green with black vinyl roof...if only I could have that car today....I was a small kid then and my siblings and I could sleep up on the back dash due to the fastback styling. Loved that car!
My grandfather bought a new 1967 Buick Electra 225 at the beginning of the model season and enjoyed it until 1974 when he replaced it with a lightly used ‘72 Coupe DeVille. The Buick was grand! I liked the Cadillac just as well, though two doors lacked the convenience of the sedan.
Buick is my favourite brand and has been for decades. I love the 1960 fullsize models, the 63/64 riviera, the 67 riviera, the 70 and 71-73 rivieras and basically their whole fullsize 71-76 offerings and 73-77 intermediates, the G body regal, the 84-85 lesabre and i could go on and on.
I liked the '67 Buicks, too. Our next-door-neighbors in the late sixties had a red 1967 Wildcat fastback with black vinyl roof and black interior, a beautiful car.
My Dad always said his 66 Electra 225 Custom 4 door HT was the best car he ever owned. Big step up from his 64 Impala SS. The doors shut like a vault - super solid. No rattles. AC would freeze you out. Power seat and windows. The windows would work with key off. The only issues I recall was paint that was like enamel on a sink and easily chipped and a tendency to run hot when cruising with the AC on at 80 MPH. Dad had the speed alert set at 85 that would buzz annoyingly when passing someone on the 2-lanes!
Some might argue it was 1955 when Buick was number 3 in US sales behind Chevy and Ford, the only time they rose that high and those 55 Buick's were amazing looking.
Yes good car. Dad traded off his 65 Pontiac Parisienne for a 2 door leSabre. It was awesome, he let me take it to school and everyone loved it they all wanted a ride.
One of my uncles had a 67 LeSabre, it was a nice car. My father had a 68 Ford LTD. Both cars were 4 doors. I remember the different sounds that the doors on the cars made when you closed them. The LTD sounded very solid.
The LeSabre’s feature line along the side is a continuation of the the nautical theme-it’s not just portholes. Think of the way water is tossed up at the bow, then the wake settles down and spreads wider towards the stern. A boat indeed!
I agree! My first car was a 67 Electra convertible- wonderful car, both exterior and interior were gorgeous. I later owned a 67 Special sedan and a 66 LeSabre coupe. I think the two piece driveshaft was done to reduce the height of the transmission tunnel. The Electra also had real wood veneer on the dash.
As interesting as the sedans were, the mostly carry-over 67 Riv was still outstanding. What a hunk of sculpture! As much as I like the rim 65 Riv, the 66-67 took styling to a different level. How GM ever got to the 71 Toronado and El Dorado, I will never know especially since the boattail Riv again dropped your jaw.
I agree with the narrator, especially where the Electra-225 is concerned. Besides all the details he touched on, one other detail that I always loved of that year (and the two years that followed) was the very elegant script font of the nameplates. Even something as trivial as a nameplate can add a touch of elegance to a car, if done right. I was lucky to be able to copy those nameplates by making clay impressions of actual badges from a '67 Electra (with the owner's permission), then use those clay impressions to press my own repro nameplates which I then installed on a '79 Electra I had at the time (which incidentally I considered *the* best-looking car of that year, at least in its 2-door guise). They really made all the difference! I'm primarily a Lincoln devotee, so that would be my first car of choice for this year. That said, Buick is my favorite GM brand, and the Electra my favorite of Buick's offerings; so this would be my second-choice car of this year (I think the Electra-225 was the most Lincoln-like in its looks of all the GM luxury/near-luxury models). Granted, the lack of headrests could be prone to cause trouble; but, with parts cannibalized from a seat of a later year and a little mad-scientist skill, that can be remedied. I can also think of a few other subtle upgrade mods I'd do to a stock Electra of this year...such as retrofitting a later-year hood ornament and an *inside* hood release, along with power locks (if not already fitted) and a few other creature-comforts that may not have been available to Electras yet.
Great video. I really appreciate your use of design language when describing these cars, it gives a depth to the presentation that is lacking from other presenters. Thank you, Adam, and keep up the good work!
I had a 1968 La Sabre that I replaced the front bench seat with the bucket seats from a mid 1970's Honda Civic. The interior room went from large to ENORMOUS!
GM built so many great looking cars in the ‘60’s. These Buicks are beautiful!
When I moved to the US in 1972, we brought a used nice Buick Electra 225 with fully equipped for $800.00. The US made car was beautiful and had a lots of feathers that the top Japanese like Toyota Crown and European brands like Rolls or Benze 600 does not have!
My dad's first new car, was a 67 Wildcat...He maintained the car very well, drove it for 22 years, and put 320 thousand miles on it...the only mechanical expense at all, was replacing the U-joints, twice. That 360hp engine was very strong, very powerful...The Wildcat could do 0-60 in 7.7 seconds...awesome quickness for a large vehicle. It was still running well, when a drunk hit the rear of the car, bending the frame. My dad shed a tear or two, as the tow truck hauled that amazing Buick to the junkyard. We will never see such impressive cars again!
As a kid who was born in 1966 I remember the Wildcats as used cars in the mid-late 70s and LOVED THEM! Always thought they were so cool
67 Wildcat had a particularly attractive concave themed grille without the central divider that was on the other large 67’s and included on the 68 Wildcat forward.
@@curbozerboomer1773 TH-cam commentator “curbozerboomer1773’s” lament for the apparent demise of the family’s Buick seems to presuppose that a bent frame disqualifies an automobile from service. Is there no remedy, save for the junkyard?
@@fairfaxcat1312 It is a matter of degree....a good repair shop might true up a car very well...In my Dad's case, he knew that his great car was getting close to needing some serious attention...so he sadly made the decision to move on.
Honestly I think 1967 was the high water mark for all of General Motors
GM design of this era was so sensual. Nobody else came close. Nobody.
This era was before government regulations starting hitting
They could not handle a simple corner, had no brakes and were generally death traps, but they looked good.
@@scoutandscooter Yes.. that's what we're discussing here. Design artistry.
@@scoutandscooterWhat cars were you driving? Drum brakes were fine when adjusted properly, these cars corner fine at reasonable speeds especially with modern tires and shocks, there was no death trap unless you created it
Certainly true for domestic brands.
My dad bought a '67 Electra new in '67 I think for $4700. I was 6. I recall he didn't like the factory dual exhaust, so he had single installed right off the bat. He sold that car in '77 when he moved us from Itasca, Illinois to Pacifica, Ca. But I loved that car so much. White with black vinyl top, black interior. As I got older, I took over washing and waxing it, I obsessed over that Buick. My friends' parents all had newer, fancier cars every few years, so I had to keep up the Buick's looks. I had that car looking its best always. A practice that I carried with my own vehicles my whole life. That Buick took us to church, to the Bears games after stopping off at White Castle for sliders and hot chocolate. Drive-ins, Grandma's home in Lake Zurich, Uncle's home in Lake Forest, stopping at Howard Johnsons over the Tollway on the way home. Adam, I appreciate your work. So well done and your work spurs many happy, comforting memories. Thank you.
Great memories.
Hmm, I don't think it was common for someone to have factory duals replaced with a single exhaust. My Dad bought a new 64 Ford Country Sedan (a car I just barely remember) with 352 V8 and factory duals. When reminiscing about that car, Dad told me he had glass packs installed, and that the car ran super good. Mom hated the poor mileage ("It was a gas hog!"), so we didn't have the car for long. We had a 67 Ford Custom 500 sedan, bought new when I was 3. That was a car I really liked. And I get nostalgic when I see a 67 "standard" Ford.
@@MisterMikeTexas Right, me too. I am my whole life a dual exhaust guy-I think because of Dad's move the other way. He wanted quiet. Like the Caddys.
@@globalswgetter How was the noise level on the Buick product? The Ford automobile billed itself as quiet as a Rolls Royce kind of thing. Was your father in search of quiet when he switched the Buick over to single exhaust?
@@fairfaxcat1312 Yes that is why. But I will tell you, I recall as a kid, even that single exhaust sounded meaty. The 430-4 had a wonderfully beasty sound.
Although mid to late 60's Pontiacs had my heart, I now realize how graceful the Buicks were. That S-curve swage line is nothing short of masterful and carries the entire body theme - whether sedan, coupe or convertible. These cars also had just enough trim as an accent and not one piece extra. Absolutely peak GM and peak US automotive design! I don't believe we'll ever see this level of excellence ever again. The full-width tail light on the Electra is surprisingly contemporary.
I agree, simply gorgeous
Peak America too
I think the '60s Buick is some of the best-looking full-size cars Gm ever offered.
Buicks and Pontiacs were THE ones!
They still are!
However the quality of the Buicks were far and away superior. Pontiacs used plastics in their valves and were subject to breaking timing belts on a regular bass. Oldsmobiles might have looked a bit staid but Buick and Oldsmobiles had the quality in the GM stable down to a science that even Cadillac couldn’t match.
@@LlyleHunter I agree, our neighbors ordered a 69 Pontiac Grand Prix. A beautiful car. That got me hooked on Pontiac being my favorite division. The timing change broke at 52 thousand miles. Two starters on it. I was 9 in 69. He said the starters were not strong enough for the 428 motor. Mom had a 72 Cutlass Supreme. 350. Had it 10 years. Never a bit of trouble. In 72 Oldsmobile didn't offer a 6 in any model. I heard Oldsmobile had the best 350 motors. Of any GM divisions. I don't know if that's true or not. My first car. A 76 Pontiac Grand Le
Man's. A beautiful car. Had the 350. No trouble, beautiful dashboard. Like the 69 Grand Prix. Console was tilted towards the driver. It had firethorne red interior.
Factory AM-FM 8 track. Factory air, tilt wheel. I miss all the cars from then. Sad they let Oldsmobile and Pontiac die off.
Didnt have plastic valves, had plastic cam gear, not timing belt was chain in@@LlyleHunter
1967 was a good year for most makes
None more than GM
My first car was a 1970 buick electra 225 ! I paid $50 for it and found $26 under the back seat ! This car just ran and ran like no tomorrow !
What made the 60s cars the best was that car makers employed designers as well as engineers. Every aspect of the car had human developement. Today all makers start with a Tesla S and either squish it or elongate it. 60s era cars are worth more than today's cars because more human effort went into building them than today's cars. Even if they don't run as well or as long. Give me an Electra over an S any day!
I agree and well said...
Those car run much, much longer than any new car. Easy to fix, even by yourself with a little mechanical knowledge.
Never heard of Holls but he designed some of my favorites. That's why I like this channel.
The first time I've read about him is when he commented about the Boattail Riviera in a 1990 issue of Collectible Automobile magazine. I was 13 then! Two years later I bought my first Buick, a '68 Wildcat Custom hardtop sedan. I've had plenty of 1965-68 full size Buicks, they are my favorites.
What I just learned about Dave Holls is that he was involved in the design of the 1992 Seville, another favorite of mine (for its looks at least!). Not that I'd want to own one!
1967 was an amazing year for all the car manufacturers. First Gen Camaro, second Gen Mustang, second Gen barracuda, the front wheel drive Eldorado/Tornado, AMC Rebel, etc...
1967 was the pinnacle for GM styling
I'm surprised you didn't feature the '67 Buick Wildcat. As a kid (6 years old) I first laid eyes on a red '67 Wildcat with Buick's iconic black and chrome wheels, black vinyl top and black interior. The car was always kept clean and was in flawless condition. The owner would park it outside on on weekends but they family move away and I never saw it again. Years later I saw a young man at a car show with a stock '73 Buick Apollo in pristine condition with similar but not as nice Buick chrome and black wheels. He told me his father was a Buick man and as we talked more it turned out he grew up on the street of my cousin's house and that was his father's Wildcat. He told me his father still owned the car that he bought new at Reason Buick in Santa Ana, CA. just a few miles from their home. This was 20 years ago but I'm hope dad's Wildcat is still in the family. '67 was the first year for the collapsible steering column and the dual reservoir brakes. It was the last year for the blinged out dash with lot's of chrome. The '68 Buicks really toned things down as did most American cars due to DOT regulations.
My best friend's father traded his 1964 Coupe de Ville for a 1967 Wildcat in midnight blue, and I well remember riding in the back seat of that car. You'd think going from a Caddy to a Buick was a step back, but that 64 had issues and the Buick was super reliable for him.
The '67 Wildcat you describe still remains to this day in the hands of its original owner. The beautiful car is well-known within the Buick Club of America. There are wonderful photos showing the owner and his wife leaving their wedding in 1967 in the spectacular Wildcat. Another tidbit regarding this car is that the owner walked alongside the car throughout its assembly at General Motors Assembly Division's Southgate, California assembly plant.
@@brianlaurance8570 Thanks so much for the update Brian!
The length of the rear quarter panel is tremendous!
Full length/width styling cues, Electra's wheel covers were absolutely ageless classics, and 430 with switch-pitch was up to the task.
I really like the '67 full sized Buicks a lot. But I love the '68 versions! To me, the grills on the '68's are much cleaner looking, and the taillights are designed better to look more elegant. My parents had a '68 Wildcat 4 door sedan, in that real popular greenish gold color with a black vinyl roof and black vinyl interior. It was loaded with power windows, seat, tilt wheel, AC, etc. One of the cool options was the "speed alert". You turned a knob to set the speed that you didn't want to go over. If you went over the speed, it made a horrible sound that was kind of loud. My dad always said the engine was amazing and it was the best car he ever owned.
Grandfathers 59 buick had speed alert that buzzed if excedding set limit, used to call it a wounded duck alarm
Had a 67 Riviera GS. Wouldn't mind a Electra 2 door hardtop Limited today.
I've always admired the exterior styling of the '65-'68 GM full size coke-bottle fastback coupes. Some of the finest styling of any manufacturer's two door full size cars. 1967 was a great year for Buick and the last year before DOT, EPA, and eventually OPEC and CAFE brought in the malaise era. Love your channel, Adam!
That side profile shot of the '67 LeSabre coupe is absolutely beautiful. Whew.
As if it is in motion! Absolutely stunning....
Buick styling and engendering of this era through 1970 were top notch! Love the signature Buick “side sweep” body lines!
These ;67 full-size Buicks always looked good to me, well-designed for their intended market, model for model. Good body detail, a spare use of chrome, with a certain grace for large cars. That low-mileage example is quite something! Especially that upholstery fabric.
The Pontiac Catalina also had a beatiful 2 door fast back with great 389 engine.
1967 was an awesome year for GM.
The fix for the oil pumps was switching from the aluminum cover (that the gears ride against) to a hardened steel one. A friend of mine fixed his on a ‘70 Le Sabre with 455. The front mounted sump on the oil pan didn’t help, either, as hard launches could cause oil starvation, especially if you didn’t stay on top of the oil level.
Believe it or not! As an amateur stylist in this time I used an "S" line in several of my drawings about two years before Buicks appeared with a similar "S" line. I had no way of seeing Buicks with this line before I made my drawings. Thus the Buick stylists and I had similar thoughts in approximately the same time period. The "S" line seemed perfectly logical so I don't claim a great insight. But when I see these cars I am reminded of my very amateur drawings at a young age. I never thought about pursuing a career as a stylist. I had no idea that I could have. Competitive occupation I'm sure.
Fastback looks good
on practically every model.
Luv all 67 to 70 Buicks. The beautiful swath trim running almost the full length, defining the upper and lower body. Sleek and wonderful.. . . . .drive critics, I really don't give a stuff.
I get a little psd off. Read so many reviews criticizing the handling, floating etc.. But these cars were never designed to be a Sports car. . . . .of any desription! What they were designed for, they were unbeatable. Often adding insult to injury, people are reviewing from a modern context! Once again Adam great work! Total respect bro.
All the full size models and Riviera deserved sequential taillights
For as gorgeous as these cars are in photographs, they really pop in person! 65-70 (especially 67-68) Buicks are truly some of the best. The big fastbacks are awesome, but i do love the formal roof hardtop sedan Electras. Absolutely elegant.
I have my great grandparents 67 Special Deluxe bought new at Korn Buick in Kalispell MT. In 92, mom and I drove it back home to California SoCal. I still have the Special Deluxe, and it has always been garaged. I have been with the Buick Club of America for over 20 years and have done many shows here in SoCal. The car has won many 1st and 2nd place awards. You don't see many with the 225 V6 and factory KL aqua on aqua two-tone paint.
My grandparents had a 1965 Buick Electra that my parents inherited. Wonderful smooth riding cars that was great on a long road trip. Largest power front bench seat probably every engineered. Super thin steering wheel with equally over boosted power steering. The length and weight of that Buick really needed that power steering. My parent's model had the 401-445 Wildcat motor with the Single Carter AFB. Plenty of power to make some tracks with bias ply tires. Thanks for the video, brought back some memories.
Looking at these beautiful Buicks makes one wish for a time machine!
Please do a video on the brochure! 1960s American car ads were so often works of art themselves - erudite writing, accompanied by superb artwork & photography.
Adam, I will take one example of each '67 Buick sedan and two Sport Wagons. 🤩🤩
Buick really had some great designs! Nice
Just the quality of those mid 1960s GM cars was fantastic. A friend of my grandmothers had a fully loaded 1967 Buick Electra, which she kept garaged at her home in Bel Air, CA. When she passed away, her son asked if I could drive it to Pasadena to drop it off at one of her children’s house. It was an amazing car in pristine shape and I loved the power vent windows and the upholstery, etc., etc.
The car was nearly 30 years old and looked brand new. I never knew what happened to it.
Cool story! I can picture the car and little road trip in my vivid imagination LOL
The color on the Electra sedan was called Champagne Mist which was the prettiest Buick color ever imho
Favorite year of my favorites marque. Can't wait to own as many as possible.
Truly beautiful automotive design. Some of the best looking cars ever made were GM's full-size mid-late sixties models. Today's cars just can't compare. Inevitably, form suffers from the emphasis on function today.
Altho function suffers now with electronic engine control failures
Adam, thank you for mentioning Buick's two-piece drive shafts. This feature allowed a more shallow angle for the propeller shaft resulting in a reduced drive tunnel in the floor for rear seat passengers. When Buick bragged about rear passenger "three-across seating", they had the goods to back that up. Popular Science magazine reporters, Jan P. Norbye and Jim Dunne, recalled an interview with Buick General Manager Ed Ragsdale in 1960, he was so proud of Buick's continued use of Torque Tube drive (replaced by the two-piece drive shaft the next year).
Ah! Thx for the tip
@@RareClassicCars I read a book on Professional/Commercial vehicles, and the two-piece drive shaft was a way to create a flat floor for ambulance and hearse coachbuilders who wanted a lower overall height for the load floor. I admire the way each GM division made cars with unique features that gave buyers something to think about.
@@RareClassicCarsthe advantage of torque tube shaft is it absorbes engine torque to prevent axle wrap n wheel hop
One of my HS teachers had a 1967 Wildcat that I admired every day. What a beautiful car!
they were superb the dad of a friend of mine bought the LeSabre convertible in 1967 - it was a knock out !!!
My uncle Vincent had a loaded '67 Electra, it made me weak in the knees from it's beauty. Crazy for a 5 Y/O. The new 430 got 20 mpg on the highway .
My dad had a 1968 Wildcat Custom. All my friends remember it to this day.
My cousin had a '65 LeSabre coupe, deep red. Side style line was straight, but car was beautiful. I was too young to drive but she let me wash it and drive it around the area. I loved it. Great reviews.
Top quality well built cars . ❤
My dad bought a’67 Buick Special brand new. I was only a few years old at the time but I still clearly remember the day he brought it home and took us out for a ride. We had that Buick for many years, many family trips and fond memories. It was the car that I learned to drive in, and took my driving test in. I think he traded it in 1991. They definitely don’t make them like that anymore.
Totally agree on Buick. I had a 68 Wildcat 4 door hardtop. It was a terrific looking car, I thought. Well built too.
Dad had a ‘67 LeSabre coup in white (!!!). He was a working guy and ran that car hard. It held up well…a fond memory. Loved that fastback. Never saw that ever again in one of our family cars. Dad eventually graduated to an Electra 225…Also a fond memory: Robert Lansing (12 O’Clock High)….
Dad replaced his 64 LeSabre Spot Coupe with a 68, which is basically the same as the 67, with some trim variations; the IP was the most obvious. Both the 64 and 68 had bucket seats with a storage console, I have never seen another so equipped. Both cars were optioned identically as I remember, power steering and brakes, AC, and the 68 also had a factory 8-track player (I believe the first year available from Buick). I went with dad to order the 68, we specified gold with a white top.We were surprised when the LeSabre arrived with a painted top, we both thought it was going to be vinyl. Evidently we checked the wrong box, again, I've never seen another like this.
The ‘68 also benefited from the dual chamber master cylinder braking system. That was a major improvement.
I usually love the 1950s the most for design, I own a 1954 Pontiac star chief, but have also just picked up a 1968 Buick Wildcat! It's beautiful, 67-68 definitely best years!
Great looking cars.
Gorgeous Machines.
Gorgeous car, a work of art.
Pure class!
My uncle had a gray 67 4 door. Gorgeous.
Great video! When I was a twelve-year old kid, I was with my Dad at the local Buick dealership, having the oil changed in our beautiful '65 Wildcat coupe. The dealership owner called us into his office. He had just received a large envelope from Buick Motor Division, containing the big, glossy black-and-white publicity photos for the new 1967 Buicks. When I saw the forthcoming '67 Wildcat coupe, I went crazy. Was thrilled when the first example arrived on the showroom floor a couple of months later. These cars are stunningly beautiful! I still love the Buicks of this era, and have a fine, low mileage '65 Wildcat coupe today. . . . By the way, the late Buick engineer who owned that super low mileage Electra 225 in the video is the guy who developed the balance shafts for the 3800 V6 engine.
Come on Buick Light My Fire!!!
All of those '67-'70 Electras are the epitome of automotive elegance!
Yes the styling is just fantastic! And that brochure is such a period piece. Brilliant!
I learned to drive on a 68 Wildcat, which is the same as the 67, what a hood, the LeSabre body on the Electra wheelbase with the extra length ahead of the firewall.
Yes! The body proportions of the Wildcat were fabulous!
@@pebble4713for a faster ride use 67 skylark, same style w less #
Love this! I was a gofer after high school in the early 70s for the local Buick dealer in SC. I drove my Mom's hand me down 69 Riviera, and I met a guy that regularly brought in a stunning Electra 225 convertible in a burgundy with black interior. All of these great lines were gorgeous on that car.
My DAd had a 63 Lesabre,68 Electra & a 70 Electra with a 455. I loved driving those old cars. They could out run anything on the road today
Yes! I love the 1967 lineup, definitely my favorite for sure. Need another Buick in my life.
I had a '67 Riviera a few years back. Beautiful design. The 430ci was a torque monster!
My folks had a '67 LeSabre in forest green with black vinyl roof...if only I could have that car today....I was a small kid then and my siblings and I could sleep up on the back dash due to the fastback styling. Loved that car!
My grandfather bought a new 1967 Buick Electra 225 at the beginning of the model season and enjoyed it until 1974 when he replaced it with a lightly used ‘72 Coupe DeVille. The Buick was grand! I liked the Cadillac just as well, though two doors lacked the convenience of the sedan.
Thanks! I remember our family's '67 Wildcat 4dr. Rode in it on many trips.👍
Buick is my favourite brand and has been for decades. I love the 1960 fullsize models, the 63/64 riviera, the 67 riviera, the 70 and 71-73 rivieras and basically their whole fullsize 71-76 offerings and 73-77 intermediates, the G body regal, the 84-85 lesabre and i could go on and on.
I liked the '67 Buicks, too. Our next-door-neighbors in the late sixties had a red 1967 Wildcat fastback with black vinyl roof and black interior, a beautiful car.
'67-70 Buicks are GREAT-looking cars!!
My dad had a 66 wildcat it was beautiful car lots of memories in my youth
Full-size GM cars in the mid-60s were indeed among the most beautiful ever made. My family had Olds 98s, which were similarly graceful.
I'd love to see the entire 1967 Buick brochure.
Truly gorgeous cars, especially the leSabre 2 dr
My Dad always said his 66 Electra 225 Custom 4 door HT was the best car he ever owned. Big step up from his 64 Impala SS. The doors shut like a vault - super solid. No rattles. AC would freeze you out. Power seat and windows. The windows would work with key off. The only issues I recall was paint that was like enamel on a sink and easily chipped and a tendency to run hot when cruising with the AC on at 80 MPH. Dad had the speed alert set at 85 that would buzz annoyingly when passing someone on the 2-lanes!
That LeSabre is gorgeous.
My first car was a 67 Electra 225 Sports coupe - i still miss it
The 63 Wildcat was one of my favorites with that silver side trim. The Olds Starfire did a similar treatment.
Some might argue it was 1955 when Buick was number 3 in US sales behind Chevy and Ford, the only time they rose that high and those 55 Buick's were amazing looking.
Yes good car. Dad traded off his 65 Pontiac Parisienne for a 2 door leSabre. It was awesome, he let me take it to school and everyone loved it they all wanted a ride.
Agreed Again Adam! Enjoyed, Love the turbo 400 transmissions as well!
Buick had a ST300 and ST400 with the switch pitch converter.
One of my uncles had a 67 LeSabre, it was a nice car. My father had a 68 Ford LTD. Both cars were 4 doors. I remember the different sounds that the doors on the cars made when you closed them. The LTD sounded very solid.
2:00. I recall the body side swage line being described as a “bow wave”. I think this defined it perfectly.
The LeSabre’s feature line along the side is a continuation of the the nautical theme-it’s not just portholes. Think of the way water is tossed up at the bow, then the wake settles down and spreads wider towards the stern. A boat indeed!
I agree! My first car was a 67 Electra convertible- wonderful car, both exterior and interior were gorgeous. I later owned a 67 Special sedan and a 66 LeSabre coupe. I think the two piece driveshaft was done to reduce the height of the transmission tunnel. The Electra also had real wood veneer on the dash.
I would agree Adam that the Buicks for model year 67 were exceptionally well designed and made.I had a flawless 67 GS Riviera
As interesting as the sedans were, the mostly carry-over 67 Riv was still outstanding. What a hunk of sculpture! As much as I like the rim 65 Riv, the 66-67 took styling to a different level. How GM ever got to the 71 Toronado and El Dorado, I will never know especially since the boattail Riv again dropped your jaw.
Fastback styling really helps
Proud owner of a 68 Le Sabre 400 2 door coupe w/ bucket seats and mini console!
The 1966 full size Ford has a feature line running low front to back, very attractive.
My Dad had a 67 LeSabre 2dr with a 340 2V. It was a nice cruising car.
These are among the most handsome cars made.
beautiful cars indeed.
How well I remember Uncle Fred's 67 Olds Delmont 88 coupe. I remember my fourth grade teacher's 67 Electra four door as well, beautiful cars
Those 67 Buicks were sharp!
I agree with the narrator, especially where the Electra-225 is concerned. Besides all the details he touched on, one other detail that I always loved of that year (and the two years that followed) was the very elegant script font of the nameplates. Even something as trivial as a nameplate can add a touch of elegance to a car, if done right. I was lucky to be able to copy those nameplates by making clay impressions of actual badges from a '67 Electra (with the owner's permission), then use those clay impressions to press my own repro nameplates which I then installed on a '79 Electra I had at the time (which incidentally I considered *the* best-looking car of that year, at least in its 2-door guise). They really made all the difference!
I'm primarily a Lincoln devotee, so that would be my first car of choice for this year. That said, Buick is my favorite GM brand, and the Electra my favorite of Buick's offerings; so this would be my second-choice car of this year (I think the Electra-225 was the most Lincoln-like in its looks of all the GM luxury/near-luxury models). Granted, the lack of headrests could be prone to cause trouble; but, with parts cannibalized from a seat of a later year and a little mad-scientist skill, that can be remedied. I can also think of a few other subtle upgrade mods I'd do to a stock Electra of this year...such as retrofitting a later-year hood ornament and an *inside* hood release, along with power locks (if not already fitted) and a few other creature-comforts that may not have been available to Electras yet.
Great video. I really appreciate your use of design language when describing these cars, it gives a depth to the presentation that is lacking from other presenters. Thank you, Adam, and keep up the good work!
My father had a 1967 Wildcat convertible. It was white with a black top and red interior. He bought it new.
Yes!... Full-size 1967 Buicks looked the best!! A family member drove a '67 Wildcat Sedan in White!!... Beautiful car!
I had a 1968 La Sabre that I replaced the front bench seat with the bucket seats from
a mid 1970's Honda Civic.
The interior room went from large to ENORMOUS!