Buick Electra V gallery (1977–1984)

The fifth generation Buick Electra underwent GM's major downsizing program for 1977, shedding significant weight while keeping rear-wheel drive.

All photos 0 I 0 1959–1960 II 0 1961–1964 III 0 1965–1970 IV 0 1971–1976 V 0 1977–1984 VI 0 1985–1990

For the 1977 model year, General Motors downsized its full-size car portfolio, resulting in a fifth-generation Buick Electra that was nearly a foot shorter and up to 900 pounds lighter, yet boasted more interior headroom and legroom. Built on a revised rear-wheel-drive C-body platform with a 118.9-inch wheelbase, the lineup featured a 2-door coupe, a 4-door sedan, and the Electra Estate Wagon with woodgrain siding. Gone were the big-block 455 engines; propulsion now came from a Buick 350 cu in (5.7 L) V8 or an Oldsmobile 403 cu in (6.6 L) V8. Later years introduced a 4.1-liter Buick V6, a 5.0-liter Oldsmobile 307 V8, and Oldsmobile's 5.7-liter LF9 diesel V8. Transmissions initially included 3-speed automatics (TH350/TH200), superseded by 4-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic 200-4R overdrive units from 1981 onwards. Trims included the Electra 225, Electra Limited, and range-topping Park Avenue.