Almost Famous

The story of this 1962 Buick Electra convertible is a fascinating journey through automotive history and personal milestones. Featured in one of the earliest episodes of V8TV, the Electra initially received attention for its engine work and a disc brake conversion.

In 1998, automotive enthusiasts David Freiburger and Rob Kinnan, known from Car Craft and Hot Rod Magazines, bought this Buick for a Car Craft Magazine project focused on creating a “cheap and fun” weekend cruiser. They gave it a fresh tune-up on the original carburetor, applied a vibrant bright yellow paint job, and enjoyed driving it around before putting it up for sale.

The Buick’s Next Chapter

Paul, a friend of the V8 Team, purchased the Electra from Freiburger and towed it from sunny Southern California to his home in the Midwest. He enjoyed the car for a couple of summers until the original Buick 401 Nailhead engine failed. With limited resources at the time, Paul opted to replace the engine with a small block Chevy V8 that he had on hand.

Life events, including a new job and starting a family, took precedence, and the Buick remained in storage for nearly two decades. Now, the Electra has arrived at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop, where the V8 Team is set to complete the engine conversion and restore this classic car to its former glory, making it a driver once again.

Almost Famous Again – V8 Radio Podcasts

This Buick Electra has been the subject of several episodes of the V8 Radio Podcast, we welcome you to click and listen (and subscribe!) to hear more from Paul himself!