Buick developed a prototype vehicle called the Wildcat in 1953. This model came with a 322 cubic inch V8 engine that was rated at 188 horsepower. For its time, this vehicle was considered to be revolutionary. The body was fiberglass, and the front wheel hubs remained stationary as the wheels spun.
Considered to be Buick's first performance vehicle, the Buick Wildcat, officially named the Wildcat Sport Coupe was finally produced for the public in 1962. A full-size automobile, more closely related to a luxury sports coupe than all out performance, the introduction of the Wildcat set the stage for Buick's quest for power and even made its name available to several Buick engines of the mid-sixties.
Featured as a 'sub model' within the Buick Invicta line, and intended to compete with the Ford Thunderbird, the original Wildcat was both attractive and classy an included a rear floor lamp, a console, front bucket seats, and a tachometer. The handling of the Wildcat was improved by Buick engineers with the adjustment of the suspension. Sporty, the Wildcat included a frame which held boxed cross-members with heavy side rails, coil springs on all four corners, along with oversized 10-inch drum brakes. Weighing a massive 4,150 pounds, the Wildcat featured standard power with the Buick LT401 CID V8 which was rated at 325 bhp. This engine was also available in the regular Invicta line, but the Wildcat came with a standard 3.42:1 rear end. Nearly a total of 2,000 of these 'family-sized sports cars' were sold in 1962. Those who wished for more drag strip performance were able to option for a 4.45:1 rear end.
Receiving various new styling update for 1963, the Buick Wildcat received the name scripted on the rear fenders, within the rear cove and also across the front of the hood. The front also received a custom grille on the front. Both bucket seats and console were standard for the coupe. The same 401 CID V8 rated at 325 was brought over for this year. The model lineup was expanded to include three models, the four-door hardtop Model 4639, the two-door sport coupe Model 4647, the two-door convertible Model 4667. The four-door model ended up outselling the other two by a very wide margin, despite Buick attempting to play up the sport performance image of the Wildcat. A total of 17,519 four-door models were sold in '63, compared to 12,185 of the two-door hardtop, and 6,021 of the two-door convertible.
Considered to be 'the next best thing to owning a Riviera', the Wildcat was greatly supported by Buick. In 1964 two optional engines were included to the lineup which continued to include the standard 401 cid V8 rated at 325 bhp, these were a 425 cid V8 rated at 340 bhp and the 425 cid rated at 360 bhp. Increasing its weight to 4,500lbs, the Wildcat received extra performance. Upgraded even more, the suspension received a link stabilizer bar and a semi-floating rear axle that used a three-bar link with a track bar. An additional option was a posi-track rear axle. A new fourth model was added to the lineup, the four-door sedan Model 4669. Unfortunately, the image of the Wildcat as a performance vehicle was becoming slightly diluted though sales continued to increase. A total of 20,144 four-door sedans were sold in '64 along with 33,358 of the four-door hardtops.
In 1965 the engine continued to be carried over, though all new styling was updated on the Wildcat for this year. Sharing the same sheet metal body as the LeSabre, the Wildcat continued to keep its same unique badging and grille. The Wildcat lineup was expanded to include a total of ten models, five coupes and five sedans.
The following year, not many changes were made except for the addition of the Wildcat Custom to the lineup. The Custom featured many luxuries such as a deluxe steering wheel, plush seat materials, padded armrests and custom bucket seats. Most interesting to consumers of the performance market was the new addition of the option Y48, the Wildcat Gran Sport Performance Group. The package cost more than $381.01 over the price of the 425 V8 360 bhp engine and added a high performance 425 CID V8 with two four-barrel carbs, a chrome-plated air cleaner, cast aluminum rocker arm covers, heavy-duty suspension, dual exhaust 8.45x15 inch whitewall tires and Posi-Traction rear end. The Wildcat 465 engine, or the A8, was capable of 380 bhp and 465 lb-ft of torque. This option was only made available for one year. A total of 68,584 various Wildcat units were sold for 1966.
A brand new 430 CID engine was introduced for the 1967 model year. Rated at an impressive 360 bhp, this new engine featured 10.5:1 compression, a large four-barrel car, and hydraulic lifters. The efficiency of the engine was boosted by the added power running from a domed chamber design.
Sporting an all-new look for 1968, the Wildcat featured a fresh grille design and new body side moldings. Both standard and the more luxurious Custom Wildcat models were offered for this year.
Not many changes were made for '69 except for the addition of vertical texturing and an updated grille design. The only differences between the LeSabre and the Wildcat were in the grill and broad rocker molding with wheelhouse moldings and fender extensions. Both featured the same standard equipment, though the Wildcat featured a unique steering wheel.
The final year for the Wildcat, in 1970 the standard engine was Buick's all-new 455 cid V8 rated at 370 bhp. The final model also featured a phenomenal 510 lb-ft of torque. This radical new engine had a 10:1 compression ratio, hydraulic lifters, five main bearings, a cast-iron block, and a four-barrel carburetor. Unfortunately, the LeSabre and the Wildcat were too similar, and sales were dropping considerably. Only a total of 23,000 Wildcats were sold in this year of the muscle car.
by Jessican Donaldson