Bobby’s 1962 Buick Electra 225 Convertible
"My name is Bobby Bonsangue. I am a born and raised New Yorker living my whole life in the neighborhood of Astoria Queens. I am a Registered Nurse and own a small but growing CPR instruction business. My classic car is a 1962 Buick Electra 225 Convertible. More famously known as the ‘Deuce and a Quarter’”.
Photo - Ohad Kab
1.How did you first discover your love for cars, and what drew you to them in particular?
Cars for some people are just a mode of transportation and for others hold a more special meaning. It's personal, it holds memories and allows us to travel to places we can't necessarily and conveniently get to. Like a piece of clothing it can express our own personal style.
2. Can you tell us about the history of your Buick, and how you came to own it?
My dad, Angelo Bonsangue, bought this car in 1989 from in front of his business in Greenwich Village called the “North Pole” Meat Market. It was parked there and my dad saw it and he told me he fell in love with it. He approached the driver and asked “Hey, is the car for sale?” the owner said “Yes, as a matter of fact it is”. My dad asked how much and the owner put a 5 thousand dollar price on it. My dad wrote out a check and the owner wrote on a piece of paper a receipt and just like that the car was my dads. I was 8 years old at the time.
Photo - Bonsangue family
3. What memories do you have of riding in this Buick with your dad, and what stands out to you about those experiences?
There are many memories of my dad and I in this car far too many to write in a paragraph. I can recall Sunday mornings as a young boy going to a local diner for breakfast with the top down on a cool summer morning. Him hanging with the other guys and their classic cars and me around them and looking at their cars. Helping him wash and polish this almost 20 foot black beauty before driving in the Yankee Parade as they won the championship in 1996 driving down the ‘Canyon of Heroes’ to city hall. Having Willie Nelson film a music video with the car and my dad and I watching attentively that it would not get damaged. In his later years, before he passed, spending time in Astoria Park by the water listening to his favorite singer Frank Sinatra as the car was parked and passers-by admire it . Those experiences and memories are why this car is more than just four wheels and an engine. They hold sentimental value. I am 42 now and this car has essentially grown old with me.
Photo - Bonsangue family
4. What would you say are the most important lessons or values that your dad passed down to you through his love for this vintage Buick, and how do you plan on carrying those forward?
I would say the values of family and quality time with your kids is what this vintage car has brought me.I plan on carrying this on with my own son, Luciano. He is 2 years old and I hope we can spend many years doing similar things my dad and I did.
5. How do you maintain and care for your vintage Buick?
Luckily I have a large 2 car garage at home and the Buick as well as another vintage car of my dads is kept nicely protected. Like many other vintage cars they require attention and little at a time I would like to have the upholstery replaced and some damaged lights fixed as well as paint! I routinely start the cars to keep the engine moving.
Photos - Ohad Kab
6. Do you have any favorite destinations or routes that you like to take in your vintage Buick, and why are they meaningful to you?
Unfortunately after COVID the park drive in Astoria Park was closed for traffic. But I still like to go down there and drive by as close as I can and take Vernon Blvd to Long Island CIty and into Manhattan towards Greenwich village if time allows. I really appreciate the Cars and Coffee meet up as it is not too far from home and allows me a chance to see other vintage and exotic cars while providing “exercise” for the Buick.
Photo - Ohad Kab
7. What’s the most NYC moment for you in this car?
Two moments stand out. One would be driving in the Yankee Parade in 1996. Getting that experience was definitely unforgettable. The confetti tape falling from the sky driving down Broadaway and the crowds of people cheering as the Yankees brought home the championship. Two, the car stalling with me and my dad coming off the 59 street bridge into midtown Manhattan. Being stuck there and someone yelling “get that piece of junk off the road you are holding up traffic”. As New Yorkers we hate being held up.
Photo - Bonsangue family
8. How has your vintage Buick played a role in your personal relationships or social life, whether it's connecting with other car enthusiasts or simply sharing experiences with loved ones?
Having a vintage car opens the door for many other relationships with other car enthusiasts. Joining meetups or participating in car shows appreciating the time of old steel and metal machines… where cars were far far different from what they are today. Having this car also has allowed me to make new memories with my wife Sabrina. Driving to watch the fireworks during 4th of July in Manhattan and just enjoying the top down and wind blowing in our hair.
9. How do you think the Buick unique design and features compare to other vintage cars of its time?
The 1962 Buick Electra 225 has a powerful engine. The 401 nailhead V8 445 WIldcat provides a kick for sure. Nicknamed the Deuce and a Quarter this was top of the line Buick for 1962. Power windows, seats, steering and even AC. Its long 18 foot profile makes it fun to drive and hard to park.
Photo - Ohad Kab
10. What other passions or hobbies do you have outside of vintage cars?
Right now my main focus is my family and raising my son also trying to expand my business.
11. What is your dream garage?
My dream garage would be to have both the Buick and Cadillac nicely stored in the garage with an epoxy floor and a concrete pad outside of the garage to wash the cars. A TV, couch and have pictures and memorabilia around of the memories made with the cars and my family.
Photos - Ohad Kab