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This 1961 Buick Invicta Is a Rare Bubbletop With Bad News Under the Hood

1961 Buick Invicta 6 photos
Photo: Craigslist/autoevolution edits
1961 Buick Invicta1961 Buick Invicta1961 Buick Invicta1961 Buick Invicta1961 Buick Invicta
The short-lived Invicta has never been a major hit, albeit it has become a desirable name in the collector's world, mainly because it's hard to find an example in tip-top shape.
The Invicta was produced only between 1959 and 1963, with a new concept appearing in 2008, albeit never making it to production. Design cues borrowed from the concept presented at the Beijing Auto Show helped Buick create the second-generation LaCrosse.

The 1961 Buick Invicta borrowed a design concept that GM customers truly loved. Made famous by the Impala, the bubbletop also landed on the Impala, albeit in significantly lower numbers. One landed on Craigslist in a condition that could make some people walk away.

The seller doesn't share many specifics, hoping the photos would be worth a thousand words and that the Invicta would sell itself only using its name. Truth be told, you don't get to see an Invicta every day, especially in this shape, but a few more tidbits would have certainly helped.

The bubbletop looks like it spent a long time in a yard, so it's safe to expect the typical rust problems. The floors are the first things I'd check, so if you're interested in buying the car, make sure you put it on a lift and inspect the undersides. This is why the seller should have shared additional information, as we'll have to assume the worst about this Invicta, especially considering the non-running state.

We don't see the interior, so it's unclear if and how much of the cabin is missing. Its condition is unknown, but I wouldn't expect good news anyway. An Invicta sitting for a long time could come with a wrecked interior, though what happens under the hood could be a sign that the car has previously served as a donor.

The bad news in the engine bay comes down to the engine missing entirely. Again, the seller has remained tight-lipped, but the engine likely made it to another project.

A 1961 Buick Invicta bubbletop is undoubtedly intriguing and eye-catching, but all these missing tidbits make an in-person or a third-party inspection necessary.

The good news is that the seller knows restoring this car won't be easy, especially considering the missing parts. That's why they don't expect to sell it for a small fortune, so anyone can get the car for just $2,000. The owner says they might also consider some trades, so contact them with an offer to discuss all details.

Meanwhile, the Invicta remains in Maple Valley, and considering its condition and the lack of an engine, you'll need a trailer to take it home. I believe it rolls freely, but discuss these details with the seller before committing to a purchase.
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About the author: Bogdan Popa
Bogdan Popa profile photo

Bogdan keeps an eye on how technology is taking over the car world. His long-term goals are buying an 18-wheeler because he needs more space for his kid’s toys, and convincing Google and Apple that Android Auto and CarPlay deserve at least as much attention as their phones.
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