1959 Buick Specifications / Specs
Here are the factory correct 1959 Buick Specifications you’ve been looking for. Here you have all major facts & figures for your 59 Buick in just one place!
Read more about basics like wheelbase, length, height and width and start over with very detailed 59 Buick specs for the new wildcat engine: Crankcase, engine block, engine cooling (radiator, water pump, etc.), crankshaft, gas tank, fuel system, carburetor, pistons, intake valve, exhaust valve & much more!
But these 1959 Buick Specifications cover also drive units like the transmission, rear axle as well as the electrical systems like the generator, distributor or the battery.
We hope you like this section!
| General Information | LeSabre Series | Invicta Series | Electra Series | Electra 225 Series |
| Wheelbase (all models) | 123" | 123" | 123" | 126.3" |
| Tread - front | 62.4" | 62.4" | 62.4" | 62.4" |
| Tread - rear | 60" | 60" | 60" | 60" |
| Overall length | 217.4" | 217.4" | 220.6" | 225.4" |
| Overall width | 80.7" | 80.7" | 80.7" | 80.7" |
| Overall height | 57.1" | 57.1" | 57.3" | 57.3" |
| Engine - General | LeSabre Series | Invicta Series | Electra Series | Electra 225 Series |
| Engine type and make | Buick 90 degree V8 | Buick 90 degree V8 | Buick 90 degree V8 | Buick 90 degree V8 |
| Valve arrangement | In-head | In-head | In-head | In-head |
| Bore and stroke | 4.125" x 3.4" | 4.1875" x 3.640" | 4.1875" x 3.640" | 4.1875" x 3.640" |
| Piston displacement | 364 cui | 401 cui | 401 cui | 401 cui |
| Compression ratio | 10.5* | 10.5 | 10.5 | 10.5 |
| Taxable horsepower | 54.45 | 56.11 | 56.11 | 56.11 |
| Maximum horsepower | 250 @ 4,400 rpm* | 325 @ 4,400 rpm | 325 @ 4,400 rpm | 325 @ 4,400 rpm |
| Maximum torque | 384 lb.-ft. @ 2,400 rpm* | 445 lb.-ft. @ 2,800 rpm | 445 lb.-ft. @ 2,800 rpm | 445 lb.-ft. @ 2,800 rpm |
| Engine - Block or Crankcase | LeSabre Series | Invicta Series | Electra Series | Electra 225 Series |
| Camshaft location | above crankshaft at center of "V" | above crankshaft at center of "V" | above crankshaft at center of "V" | above crankshaft at center of "V" |
| Camshaft Material | Cast alloy iron | Cast alloy iron | Cast alloy iron | Cast alloy iron |
| Bearing number and material | 5, Steel-backed Babbitt | 5, Steel-backed Babbitt | 5, Steel-backed Babbitt | 5, Steel-backed Babbitt |
| Type and make of drive | Chain | Chain | Chain | Chain |
| Engine - Connecting Rods | LeSabre Series | Invicta Series | Electra Series | Electra 225 Series |
| Material | SAE 1141 | SAE 1141 | SAE 1141 | SAE 1141 |
| Bearing Material | Steel-backed Moraine 400 aluminum | Steel-backed Moraine 400 aluminum | Steel-backed Moraine 400 aluminum | Steel-backed Moraine 400 aluminum |
| Rod length, center to center | 6.100 | 6.220 | 6.220 | 6.220 |
| Engine - Cooling System | LeSabre Series | Invicta Series | Electra Series | Electra 225 Series |
| Cooling System | Pressure | Pressure | Pressure | Pressure |
| Radiator Pressure Control Valve | 15 lbs. | 15 lbs. | 15 lbs. | 15 lbs. |
| Water Temperature Control | By-pass | By-pass | By-pass | By-pass |
| Circulation starts to open at | 167-172 °F | 167-172 °F | 167-172 °F | 167-172 °F |
| Water pump type | Centrifugal | Centrifugal | Centrifugal | Centrifugal |
| Water pump bearing type | Two single row ball bearing | Two single row ball bearing | Two single row ball bearing | Two single row ball bearing |
| By-pass recirculation | Internal | Internal | Internal | Internal |
| Radiator core type | Tube and Center | Tube and Center | Tube and Center | Tube and Center |
| Water all around cylinders | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Number of fan blades | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Fan diameter | 18.5" | 18.5" | 18.5" | 18.5" |
| Cooling system capacity - less heater | 16.5 qts. | 16.5 qts. | 16.5 qts. | 16.5 qts. |
| Cooling system capacity - with heater | 19.0 qts. | 19.0 qts. | 19.0 qts. | 19.0 qts. |
| Engine - Crankshaft | LeSabre Series | Invicta Series | Electra Series | Electra 225 Series |
| Material | SAE 1145 | SAE 1145 | SAE 1145 | SAE 1145 |
| Main bearing material | (M400)** | (M400)** | (M400)** | (M400)** |
| Main bearing journal diameter | 2.4985" | 2.4985" | 2.4985" | 2.4985" |
| Engine - Exhaust System | LeSabre Series | Invicta Series | Electra Series | Electra 225 Series |
| Exhaust system type | Single with cross-over | Single with cross-over | Dual | Dual |
| Muffler Type | Two-Reverse flow | Two-Reverse flow | Four Reverse flow | Four Reverse flow |
| Engine - Fuel System | LeSabre Series | Invicta Series | Electra Series | Electra 225 Series |
| Fuel tank capacity | 20 galons | 20 galons | 20 galons | 20 galons |
| Fuel pump type | Mechanical | Mechanical | Mechanical | Mechanical |
| Vacuum booster | N.A. | N.A. | N.A. | N.A. |
| Fuel filter type and location | A.C. glass bowl - engine | A.C. glass bowl - engine | A.C. glass bowl - engine | A.C. glass bowl - engine |
| Carburetor type | 2-barrel Downdraft | 2-barrel Downdraft | 2-barrel Downdraft | 2-barrel Downdraft |
| Intake manifold heat control | Exhaust | Exhaust | Exhaust | Exhaust |
| Automatic choke type | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| Standard air cleaner type | Aluminum element | Aluminum element | Aluminum element | Aluminum element |
| Engine - Lubrication System | LeSabre Series | Invicta Series | Electra Series | Electra 225 Series |
| Main bearing lubrication | Pressure | Pressure | Pressure | Pressure |
| Connecting rod lubrication | Pressure | Pressure | Pressure | Pressure |
| Piston pin lubrication | Splash | Splash | Splash | Splash |
| Camshaft lubrication | Pressure | Pressure | Pressure | Pressure |
| Tappet lubrication | Pressure | Pressure | Pressure | Pressure |
| Timing chain lubrication | Drip from front camshaft bearing | Drip from front camshaft bearing | Drip from front camshaft bearing | Drip from front camshaft bearing |
| Cylinder wall lubrication | Splash and Nozzle | Splash and Nozzle | Splash and Nozzle | Splash and Nozzle |
| Oil pump type | Gear | Gear | Gear | Gear |
| Normal oil pressure | 40 lb. @ 1,600 rpm | 40 lb. @ 1,600 rpm | 40 lb. @ 1,600 rpm | 40 lb. @ 1,600 rpm |
| Type oil intake | Stationary | Stationary | Stationary | Stationary |
| Standard oil filter type | Full Flow | Full Flow | Full Flow | Full Flow |
| Capacity of oil reservoir | Refill without filter change | 4 qts. | 4 qts. | 4 qts. |
| Engine - Pistons | LeSabre Series | Invicta Series | Electra Series | Electra 225 Series |
| Material | Aluminum Alloy | Aluminum Alloy | Aluminum Alloy | Aluminum Alloy |
| Description and finish | Cam ground - Transverse Slot - Divorced Skirt | Cam ground - Transverse Slot - Divorced Skirt | Cam ground - Transverse Slot - Divorced Skirt | Cam ground - Transverse Slot - Divorced Skirt |
| Weight (piston only) | 22.64 oz. | 23.68 oz. | 23.68 oz. | 23.68 oz. |
| Engine - Piston Rings | LeSabre Series | Invicta Series | Electra Series | Electra 225 Series |
| Compression rings per cylinder | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Compression ring material | Cast Iron - Lubrited | Cast Iron - Lubrited | Cast Iron - Lubrited | Cast Iron - Lubrited |
| Oil rings per cylinder | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Oil ring material | Steel - uncoated | Steel - uncoated | Steel - uncoated | Steel - uncoated |
| Number of rings above piston pin | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Engine - Valve System | LeSabre Series | Invicta Series | Electra Series | Electra 225 Series |
| Hydraulic lifters | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Operating tappet clearance | None | None | None | None |
| Intake valve material | Nickel-Chrome Alloy Steel | Nickel-Chrome Alloy Steel | Nickel-Chrome Alloy Steel | Nickel-Chrome Alloy Steel |
| Exhaust valve material | Sil 10 or 2155 N | Sil 10 or 2155 N | Sil 10 or 2155 N | Sil 10 or 2155 N |
| Intake and exhaust valve overall length | 4.693" | 4.693" | 4.693" | 4.693" |
| Intake valve head diameter | 1.875" | 1.875" | 1.875" | 1.875" |
| Exhaust valve head diameter | 1.500" | 1.500" | 1.500" | 1.500" |
| Intake and exhaust valve seat angle | 45 degrees | 45 degrees | 45 degrees | 45 degrees |
| Intake valve lift | .403" | .438" | .438" | .438" |
| Exhaust valve lift | .403"*** | .441" | .441" | .441" |
| Electrical - Ignition System | LeSabre Series | Invicta Series | Electra Series | Electra 225 Series |
| Coil and distributor make | Delco Remy | Delco Remy | Delco Remy | Delco Remy |
| Spark plug make and model | AC 44-S | AC 44-S | AC 44-S | AC 44-S |
| Spark plug gap | .030"-.035" | .030"-.035" | .030"-.035" | .030"-.035" |
| Spark plug protection | Neoprene Boot and Sheet Metal Cover | Neoprene Boot and Sheet Metal Cover | Neoprene Boot and Sheet Metal Cover | Neoprene Boot and Sheet Metal Cover |
| Electrical - Starting System | LeSabre Series | Invicta Series | Electra Series | Electra 225 Series |
| Starting motor make | Delco Remy | Delco Remy | Delco Remy | Delco Remy |
| Engine cranking speed | Appr. 160 rpm | Appr. 160 rpm | Appr. 160 rpm | Appr. 160 rpm |
| Motor control switch | Selenoid | Selenoid | Selenoid | Selenoid |
| Motor starting procedure | Turn on ignition - Depress accelerator | Turn on ignition - Depress accelerator | Turn on ignition - Depress accelerator | Turn on ignition - Depress accelerator |
| Electrical - Supply System | LeSabre Series | Invicta Series | Electra Series | Electra 225 Series |
| Battery make | Delco Remy | Delco Remy | Delco Remy | Delco Remy |
| Battery voltage | 12-volt | 12-volt | 12-volt | 12-volt |
| Battery location | Left front fender skirt, under hood | Left front fender skirt, under hood | Left front fender skirt, under hood | Left front fender skirt, under hood |
| Battery terminal grounded | Negative | Negative | Negative | Negative |
| Generator make | Delco Remy | Delco Remy | Delco Remy | Delco Remy |
| Generator type | Shunt | Shunt | Shunt | Shunt |
| Regulator make | Delco Remy | Delco Remy | Delco Remy | Delco Remy |
| Regulator type | Voltage and Current Control | Voltage and Current Control | Voltage and Current Control | Voltage and Current Control |
| Electrical - Horns, Lights | LeSabre Series | Invicta Series | Electra Series | Electra 225 Series |
| Dual horn type | Selenoid | Selenoid | Selenoid | Selenoid |
| Outside and instrument panel lighting | Main lighting switch | Main lighting switch | Main lighting switch | Main lighting switch |
| Drive Units - Propeller Shaft | LeSabre Series | Invicta Series | Electra Series | Electra 225 Series |
| Number and type | Two - Torque Tube | Two - Torque Tube | Two - Torque Tube | Two - Torque Tube |
| Drive thrust taken through | Torque Tube | Torque Tube | Torque Tube | Torque Tube |
| Torque thrust taken through | Torque Tube | Torque Tube | Torque Tube | Torque Tube |
| Drive Units - Rear Axle | LeSabre Series | Invicta Series | Electra Series | Electra 225 Series |
| Type and gearing | Hypoid semi-floating (std.) | Hypoid semi-floating (std.) | Positive traction differential (opt.) | Positive traction differential (opt.) |
| Gear ratio, Synchromesh | 3.58 (43-12) | - | - | - |
| Gear ratio, Automatic Transmission | 3.07 (43-14) | 3.23 (42-13) | 3.23 (42-13) | 3.23 (42-13) |
| Gear ratio, Automatic Transmission with Twin-Turbine and Power Pack | 3.23 (42-13) | - | - | - |
| Gear ratio, Automatic Transmission with Triple Turbine | 2.78 (39-14) | - | - | - |
| Drive Units - Automatic Transmission | LeSabre Series | Invicta Series | Electra Series | Electra 225 Series |
| Transmission type | Torque Converter with Gears | Torque Converter with Gears | Torque Converter with Gears | Torque Converter with Gears |
| Acceleration shifting | Stator blades angle changes in response to throttle position | Stator blades angle changes in response to throttle position | Stator blades angle changes in response to throttle position | Stator blades angle changes in response to throttle position |
| Type of transmission cooling | Water | Water | Water | Water |
| Total oil capacity | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 |
| Drive Units - Synchromesh Transmission | LeSabre Series | Invicta Series | Electra Series | Electra 225 Series |
| Number of forward speeds | 3 | - | - | - |
| Transmission ratio in 1st gear | 2.153 | - | - | - |
| Transmission ratio in 2nd gear | 1.373 | - | - | - |
| Transmission ratio in 3rd gear | 1.0 | - | - | - |
| Transmission ratio in reverse gear | 2.279 | - | - | - |
| Total oil capacity | 2.5 pts. | - | - | - |
| Chassis - Brakes, Service & Parking | LeSabre Series | Invicta Series | Electra Series | Electra 225 Series |
| Service brake type | Hydraulic - Internal Expanding | Hydraulic - Internal Expanding | Hydraulic - Internal Expanding | Hydraulic - Internal Expanding |
| Power brake with vacuum booster | Optional | Optional | Optional | Standard |
| Brake drum material | Aluminum body with cast iron liners | Aluminum body with cast iron liners | Aluminum body with cast iron liners | Aluminum body with cast iron liners |
| Brake drum diameter, front and rear | 12.015" | 12.015" | 12.015" | 12.015" |
| Brake lining material | Molded Extruded | Molded Extruded | Molded Extruded | Molded Extruded |
| Brake lining length, width and thickness, Primary front | Front - 10.040" x 2.50" x .265" | Front - 10.040" x 2.50" x .265" | Front - 10.040" x 2.50" x .265" | Front - 10.040" x 2.50" x .265" |
| Brake lining length, width and thickness, Primary rear | Rear - 10.040" x 2.25" x .187" | Rear - 10.040" x 2.25" x .187" | Rear - 10.040" x 2.25" x .187" | Rear - 10.040" x 2.25" x .187" |
| Brake lining length, width and thickness, Secondary front | Front - 12.959" x 2.50" x .265" | Front - 12.959" x 2.50" x .265" | Front - 12.959" x 2.50" x .265" | Front - 12.959" x 2.50" x .265" |
| Brake lining length, width and thickness, Secondary rear | Rear - 12.959" x 2.25" x .225" | Rear - 12.959" x 2.25" x .225" | Rear - 12.959" x 2.25" x .225" | Rear - 12.959" x 2.25" x .225" |
| Parking brake operates through | Rear service shoes | Rear service shoes | Rear service shoes | Rear service shoes |
| Parking brake is set through | Left foot operated pedal | Left foot operated pedal | Left foot operated pedal | Left foot operated pedal |
| Parking brake is released through | Left side cowl panel | Left side cowl panel | Left side cowl panel | Left side cowl panel |
| Parking brake warning light, automatic | Optional | Optional | Optional | Standard |
| Chassis - Frame | LeSabre Series | Invicta Series | Electra Series | Electra 225 Series |
| Type and description | Boxed side rails with "K" type X-member | Boxed side rails with "K" type X-member | Boxed side rails with "K" type X-member | Boxed side rails with "K" type X-member |
| Chassis - Steering | LeSabre Series | Invicta Series | Electra Series | Electra 225 Series |
| Steering type used | Mechanical**** | Mechanical**** | Power | Power |
| Steering wheel diameter | 17" | 17" | 17" | 17" |
| Steering gear type, mechanical | Recirculating ball-nut | Recirculating ball-nut | Recirculating ball-nut | Recirculating ball-nut |
| Steering gear type, power | Recirculating ball-nut integral with power piston | Recirculating ball-nut integral with power piston | Recirculating ball-nut integral with power piston | Recirculating ball-nut integral with power piston |
| Manual steering gear ratio | 23.6 | 23.6 | - | - |
| Power steering gear ratio | 17.5 | 17.5 | 17.5 | 17.5 |
| Turn diameter, curb to curb | 44.0 | 44.0 | 45.7 | 45.7 |
| Steering linkage type | Parallelogram | Parallelogram | Parallelogram | Parallelogram |
| Linkage tie rods | Two | Two | Two | Two |
| Chassis - Standard Suspension, Front | LeSabre Series | Invicta Series | Electra Series | Electra 225 Series |
| Front suspension type | Coil spring and ball joint | Coil spring and ball joint | Coil spring and ball joint | Coil spring and ball joint |
| Front coil spring material | High Carbon Silicon Manganese Steel SAE 9260 | High Carbon Silicon Manganese Steel SAE 9260 | High Carbon Silicon Manganese Steel SAE 9260 | High Carbon Silicon Manganese Steel SAE 9260 |
| Shock absorbers | Direct, double, acting | Direct, double, acting | Direct, double, acting | Direct, double, acting |
| Chassis - Standard Suspension, Rear | LeSabre Series | Invicta Series | Electra Series | Electra 225 Series |
| Rear suspension type | Coil standard, Air Ride av. As opt. Equipment | Coil standard, Air Ride av. As opt. Equipment | Coil standard, Air Ride av. As opt. Equipment | Coil standard, Air Ride av. As opt. Equipment |
| Rear coil spring material | High Carbon Silicon Manganese Steel SAE 9260 | High Carbon Silicon Manganese Steel SAE 9260 | High Carbon Silicon Manganese Steel SAE 9260 | High Carbon Silicon Manganese Steel SAE 9260 |
| Shock absorbers | Direct, double, acting | Direct, double, acting | Direct, double, acting | Direct, double, acting |
| Track Bar | Tubular steel bar mounted in rubber | Tubular steel bar mounted in rubber | Tubular steel bar mounted in rubber | Tubular steel bar mounted in rubber |
| Chassis - Wheels and Tires | LeSabre Series | Invicta Series | Electra Series | Electra 225 Series |
| Wheel type | Disc | Disc | Disc | Disc |
| Wheel size | 15 x 5.50 "K" | 15 x 6.00 "L" | 15 x 6.00 "L" | 15 x 6.00 "L" |
| Tire type | Rayon | Rayon | Rayon | Rayon |
| Tire size | 7.60-15**** | 7.60-15 | 8.00-15 | 8.00-15 |
| Tire revs. Per mile at 30 MPH | 735 | 735 | 723 | 723 |
| Tire pressure, front and rear, cold | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 |
| Visibility - Glass Area | LeSabre Series | Invicta Series | Electra Series | Electra 225 Series |
| Windshield wiper make and type | Delco Products - Electric | Delco Products - Electric | Delco Products - Electric | Delco Products - Electric |