Buick Wildcat Coupe for Sale

A V8 sports car, the Buick Wildcat was developed as a dream (or concept) car in the 1950s and then put into production from 1962-1970

Development of the Buick Wildcat

Pre-production there were three different concept cars for the Buick Wildcat, all of which were designed under guidance from Harley Earl and all of which were produced with fibre glass bodywork. Buick had spotted that fibreglass would be lighter and faster for its sports models and wanted to test how easy this would be to put into production. The first was presented in 1953, and the second was presented a year later in 1954. the 1954 model went for a more stylised look with pared back front wings that gave the front wheels a skeletal look. The third, and most conservative, of the 1950s Wildcat concept cars was produced in 1955. Longer than the other two, it was much more traditional in its look.

The Invicta Buick Wildcat

The Buick Wildcat was finally put into production in 1962 as a sub-series of the Buick Invicta. Known as the Buick Wildcat 445 (because it produced 445lb of torque) it was sold as a family-sized sports car. It was sporty, but also heavy

The Buick Wildcat Series

Developed as a stand-alone line between 1963-1970, the Buick Wildcat was updated and changed year-by-year during this period. The 1963 range included three models - a two-door sport coupe, two-door convertible and a four-door hard top. Of these three, in spite of being the least sporty, the four-door option was easily the most popular, out-selling the others. All included the V8 engine carried over from the Invicta Buick Wildcat. In 1964 the car became heavier, but more powerful and a fourth model was added: a four-door sedan that built on the popularity of the four-door hard top option.

Engines of The Buick Wildcat

From 1964 a second engine option was offered on the range, with a 360bhp V8 also available at the top end. These two options continued through to 1967, when the 430cid V8 engine was introduced. This engine had a much greater efficiency, and achieved an impressive max power at 5000rpm. It was relatively short-lived though, as it was replaced in 1970 by the largest V8 Buick had ever produced- the 455 cid.

Whilst the Buick Wildcat got bigger and better, it never got bigger or better than the LeSabre, its main rival and as a result it fell out production. Fortunately though it fell out on a high and today there is a lot of fun to be had in this classically all-American performance car.