1961 Buick

Convertible

8 - Cyl.

Automatic

6H301****

Gasoline

"The Banker's Hot Rod" Up for auction is a beautiful 1961 Buick Invicta convertible. 1 of only 3.953 Invicta convertibles made for 61 and one of the rarest, most desirable models produced that year. The Buick Invicta was the performance version of the LeSabre. Because of its factory equipped 325 horse 401 4 barrel and its luxury styling, it quickly earned the nickname "The Banker's Hot Rod". This is a matching numbers, original paint, original interior, documented 80k mile, un-restored survivor. Its finished in beautiful, code "M" Sun Valley Cream with a brown, fawn and white interior and black convertible top. Options include power windows, power brakes, and an AM radio. A little history on this particular car- The factory warranty booklet in the glove box indicates that it was purchased new at The Hartford Buick Company in 1961 by a Mrs. Clarice J. Reed of Weathersfield connecticut. Mrs Reed drove it only 4 years and traded it in at nearby Balch Buick in 1965. Balch removed the prior dealers emblem and installed their own (which is still on the car today). Balch resold the car to a new owner. For the next 45 years, it remained in that same owners possession until just recently. The car has only clocked 6k miles since 1978. The car was last displayed at the Buick Club of America regional meets in Vernon Connecticut in (I think) the late 80's early 90's. My friend has pictures of the car from back then. I posted over 130 pictures on Photobucket. Click here to view these----> http://s482.photobucket.com/albums/rr188/mr-trishield/Invicta/ I will try and give a brief decription of the car- Body- The car still wears approximately 85% of its original Buick applied "Magic Mirror" acrylic lacquer paint. For a car that is close to 50 years old, it looks fantastic. Like good old lacquer, it polishes up like glass. The body is in remarkable condition for its age. There are two areas where the body had been repaired in the car's past. The lower portion of the right side quarter panel just under the lower chrome strip shows some filler as does the lower portions of the left front fender- see detail pictures and closeups of various areas that would be of interest in link provided. The repairs seem to be quite old and are still holding up very well. Floors and trunk are solid and like the day they were made back in 1961. All the areas that these cars commonly rust in are in good condition. Chrome an brightwork again are original and in very nice condition. It’s a testament to the attention and care this car has received over its lifetime. Interior- The three toned interior is also original and shows very little wear and tear. It even still retains its original Trinidad style loop carpet with silver tinsel like strands in it. This style carpet was uinique to the Invica and Lesabre. The dash has Buick’s unique "Mirro Magic" speedometer (which is an adjustable mirror reflecting the image of the horizontally mounted speedo in front of it). And of course, the signature free standing clock (which probably stopped working in 1962!). The interior is a real time capsule and in excellent condition for its age. The convertible top has recently been replaced. It has new top pistons and lines from Hydro-E-Lectric. The top frame was adjusted. The top goes up and down the way it should. Engine and driveline- The car has its original matching numbers 325 HP , 401 "Nailhead" V8. The engine was given a thorough going over and tune up including points, condenser, cap, rotor, wires (with correct Nailhead style boots), spark plugs, and ignition coil. The Rochester 4 GC was taken apart and rebuilt. A new fuel pump was installed and all rubber fuel lines replaced back to sender. The radiator has just be re-cored with a new high flow/ high efficiency core. The original tanks were re used. Brakes- The entire brake system has been completely overhauled. All new stainless steel lines were installed front to back. All the hydraulics including master cylinder, wheel cylinders and power booster were rebuilt. All flex lines were replaced and new drum linings installed. The receipt in the glove box indicates that the majority of front end components were replaced in 1978. The receipt shows the mileage at 72k. So there has only been 6k miles put on the car since. At the time, the upper and lower ball joints, idler arm and tie rods were replaced. It also shows new fiberglass belted wide white tires installed. At the time, the car was aligned as well. The tires are still in very good shape considering their age, but a set of modern radials would improve the ride tremendously. The car was given a meticulous detailing since being brought into the light of day. The car runs and drives well. It still rides solid with no rattles. A ton of money has been spent on this car. All the hard work has been done. All thats needed is a new owner to enjoy, maintain and appreciate this fine car. It would be a nice addition to anyone’s Buick collection. I dont think you will be disappointed. It’s a sharp looking car and a real eye catcher. What does the car need? Frankly, the biggest thing it needs is to be driven. There hasnt been alot of miles put on it in the past 30 years. It really needs a couple of tanks of gas run through it and some highway miles put on it to "blow out the carbon" so to speak. I doubt this car has seen the high side of 30 mph until just recently. A couple hundred miles added to the odometer would do the car wonders. The cars runs better and better every time I take it out. The only other thing it needs is a good home and a new caretaker. This car has a clean New York State transferable registration. Please note that NY State will not issue a title on cars older than 1973. In NY, the registration IS the title and it is transferrable to the new owner. PLEASE reaseach this on your own so there are no reservations about it after the fact. It is currently registered, inspected and insured in NY state. PLEASE READ AND ABIDE BY THE TERMS- Please ask questions PRIOR to bidding. I tried to describe the car in general terms and provided abundant pictures. If you require details about anything, if there is anything I haven’t mentioned or you need even more pictures, please ask! I will be happy to answer any questions to the best of my ability. Buying a car sight unseen is never recommended. If your anywhere close, I encourage you to come and take a look at the car in person. Or send a friend or club member in the area to come look at it for you. The car is located on the south shore of Long Island approx 50 miles east of NYC. I require a $500 non refundable deposit within 24 hours. The balance to be paid in cash, bank transfer or certified funds upon pickup. I require the car to be picked up within 14 days after the close of the auction unless other arrangements are agreed upon prior to the close of the auction. Overseas bidders are always welcome. Ive sold cars overseas in the past, so Im familiar with the process. Plan on trailering this car home. Although its in good shape and would probably do fine, its still a 50 year old car and getting off of Long Island is an adventure even in a new car. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE- NO DEADBEATS! You know who you are. Only bid if your serious about buying this car and have the money readily available. This isnt a game. Please don’t waste my time or yours. For once, I’d like to list a car only once. Thank you and good luck!