4 minute read
1972 Electra
By Randy Fortuna, BCA #33869, Kansas City, Missouri
I recently (January, 2022) purchased this 1972 Electra 225 Custom coupe but I’ve known about it for four years. Simon Swailes of Blair, Oklahoma bought it in 2017 in Denver, Colorado. He posted pictures of it on Facebook and I sent him a note letting him know I’d like to buy it if he ever decided to sell. In early January, he called and two days later, my Dad and I drove to Blair, Oklahoma to pick up the car and drive it back to Kansas City (500 miles). The trip
At top; The car is an Electra 225 Custom two-door hardtop. Above; Original window sticker from the Electra shows a final price of $6,829.
Original upholstery.
Dashboard. The car is unrestored and has 45,000 miles.
455 V8.
went smoothly and the car is amazing. It’s much quieter than my Dad’s Lucerne. It has 45,000 miles on it and is unrestored. You can tell this car has always been garaged and it looks pretty much brand new. Simon switched it over to HEI (high energy ignition—ed.), installed an aluminum radiator and added gauges under the dash. I can tell the body side moldings are aftermarket (probably dealer installed when new) but I think everything else is as it left the factory. The car is Champagne Gold with a Sandalwood vinyl top and Sandalwood Kenway cloth interior. It has the optional MaxTrac anti spin control which was a rare option and installed on only 848 Electra Custom and Limited coupes.
The car has a very low vehicle identification number (VIN) and the sequence number, 400029, would likely indicate that it was built on the first day of 1972 Buick production and
At right; Rear view.
which may mean it is the earliest known surviving Flint-built ’72 Electra. I’ve wanted a 1972 Electra since my Dad got rid of his in the late 1970s. I’ve had numerous ’72 Centurions and LeSabres but this is my first ’72 Electra. I’m thrilled to have it and it sits in the garage with my ’67 and ’69 Electras. ♦
Above; Some of the documents that came with the Electra. The middle one explains that the “off” position of the blower switch has been removed, and that the fan or blower runs on “low” all the time, once the car has warmed up, to provide ventilation. It even runs if the heater or air conditioner lever is in the “off” position.
E d g a r E . “ E d ” B u n k e r B C A # 1 1 7 2 8
By Tom Gibson, BCA #06425
October 15, 1942 ---January 21, 2022
The Rocky Mountain Chapter of the BCA is sad to report that club founder, long time director and member Ed Bunker passed away January 21, 2022 of complications of leukemia. He was surrounded by his loving family. He was 79 years old.
Ed bought his first Buick in the 1970s, which fueled his love of antique cars, and the chase began; over the years resulting in a host of other Buicks and parts. In 1991 he founded the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the BCA. He was honored this last fall at a 30th anniversary party, where he was presented with an appreciation plaque by the club. He was a frequent participant at Buick national meets and car shows and swap meets within a 100mile radius.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Maxine, two sons; Vance (wife Jackie) and Wade (wife Mary), 5 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, a sister, a brother and a multitude of friends.
A l E i c h e l b e r g e r B C A # 9 1 6 0
By Pete Phillips, BCA #7338, Bugle Editor
We have just been informed that former BCA President Al Eichelberger of Tucson, Arizona, passed away from cancer on January 19, 2022. Other details are incomplete, as this happened while this issue of the magazine was being finalized. Eichelberger served on the BCA Board in the late 1990s and was BCA President in 19971999. He served as the Board's Secretary from 19951997. Al Eichelberger was only 58 years old.
Below; Al Eichelberger's 1958 Roadmaster convertible at the 1995 BCA national meet in Lisle, Illinois. Photo by Pete Phillips.
