Timewarp: Buick "Duece and a Quarter"

As Buick redefines itself into a world-beating brand, more popular in China than The States, it might be fun to look back at one of the brand’s most famous offerings.  Introduced in 1959 as the Electra 225, named for the car’s 225-inch length, the big Buick became known as the “Deuce and a Quarter.”

The Deuce was one gi-normous automobile.  My high school Biology teacher had one in fading gold with gold brocade seats that was well past its expiration date, but continued to run without complaint.  Six passengers had no problem fitting into the interior, which was encompassed by a body shell as large as a small boat.  Early models came with a 401 cubic inch V8 connected to a 2-speed Dynaflow automatic transmission.  Three-speed automatics came by the mid-60s while engines grew to 455 cubic inches. 

Models built from 1971-1976 were very close cousins to the Cadillac DeVille.  Electras dropped the 225 moniker when the fifth-generation arrived with slimmer forms in 1977.  Electras were downsized again in 1985 to GM’s new front-drive luxury platform that also supported the Oldsmobile 98.  After 1990, Electras became Park Avenues, eventually evolving into the Lucerne and stunning LaCrosse.  By the time Electra slipped into history, children and grandchildren of original Deuce owners were behind the wheels of Toyotas, Hondas, and Geos.

Wouldn’t it be 2 piece and a biscuit if Buick built a LaCrosse 225 just to get its groove on?  OK, maybe not, but it is far out to remember this shag carpet icon of Buick’s past.  Such a sexy pimpmobile shall never glide this way again.

As Prince sang in his song "Deuce a Quarter," “In my deuce and a quarter feelin’ funky funky fine…Convertible top down so I can see the honeys passin’ me by.”

Storm Forward!

Contact Casey at AutoCasey@aol.com; follow him on YouTube and Twitter:  @AutoCasey.