Vehicle Description
It's still shocking to many enthusiasts (and you can count me as
one of them) that the big, bad GS Buicks don't get more respect
from the collector car market. With more torque than anything this
side of an LS6 Chevelle, and a unique combination of droptop luxury
and big body American performance, cars like this 1970 Buick
Wildcat convertible should be on every muscle car fan's list of
favorites. Frame-off restored 200 miles ago, a numbers matching 455
V8, great options, and a top that goes down? Now that I think about
it, maybe I should be buying this Wildcat instead of just writing
about it. Let's see If I can make it to the end of this without
sending a wire...
1970 was the final year of the Wildcat (it was essentially a
LeSabre in this last year, and only offered in the Custom trim
level), but this special GM B-Body really went out with a bang with
super-cool convertibles like this one. Bigger than a Skylark yet
smaller than the Electra, the Wildcat seemed to always have a lot
of competition from its own maker, as Buick pumped more resources
into similar cars like the LeSabre and Riviera, among others. For
whatever reason, Buick didn't really give the Wildcat a fair shake
in the market, but that's part of the reason the "Banker's Hot-Rod"
has had a cult-like following since Day 1. This particular car was
frame-off restored 200 miles ago, so the finish is obviously fresh,
with a great shine and deep luster that could easily win trophies.
The original color was change to period-correct Fire Red, and it
looks fantastic on the Buick's curves, perfectly fitting with the
division's performance mission. Bodywork was done to a very high
standard, and everything fits together tight, including the big
hood and deck lid, two huge pieces that require a lot of skilled
labor to look this symmetrical and flush. Sweeping body lines trail
from the crest of each wheel, and a new front and rear fasci were
updated for 1970. The big split grille incorporates the bumper up
front, just as the rear bumper does so with the massive taillights,
and proper Wildcat badges were procured for the recent
transformation. Chrome is fantastic throughout, with brightwork
adorning the wheels and bottom of the vehicle that really pops
against the fresh red paint.
Like most Buicks of the era, there's a ton of performance and
killer good look in this car for a fraction of the cost of a big
block Chevelle, along with a ton of luxury inside that was really
shown off in the Wildcat models. The fresh white vinyl interior is
in great order, including correct seat covers on both the front and
back bench seats, plush black carpets, and beautifully turned-out
matching door panels. The large black dash and factory gauges are
in awesome shape too, and everything is set up just like it was
brand new. In fact, it pretty much looks just like it would have
sitting on the Buick dealer's showroom floor in 1970. The
wood-rimmed three-spoke steering wheel is a fresh addition and adds
an appropriately racy atmosphere to the driver's compartment, and
because it's mounted on a tilt column, the driver has even more
room behind the wheel. But most NBA players could fit comfortably
in this big droptop anyway, with the help of fully functional power
seats for the Tacko Fall's of the world. Other options include
factory air conditioning with R134a refrigerant, power windows, a
power convertible top, tilt wheel, and a retro-style modern AM/FM
radio in the dash. And speaking of the power convertible top, the
white vinyl unit on this Wildcat is newer, has a clear glass window
in the rear, and stows away neatly underneath the matching boot.
Out back, the trunk is absolutely massive, with enough room to stow
Jimmy Hoffa and two or three of his friends.
The 1970 Wildcat's claim to fame was the massive 455 cubic inch V8
under the hood, which delivered stout factory ratings of 370 HP and
an unreal 510 lb-ft of torque. This one was fully rebuilt to stock
specs 200 miles ago, so one of the most potent engines in 1970 is
every bit as much fun to drive today. Unlike a lot of its peers, it
hasn't been upgraded with aftermarket parts, and still carries its
stock intake manifold, carburetor, heads, and exhaust manifolds.
Nicely detailed with Dante Red paint on the valve covers and block,
a correct snorkel air cleaner complete with factory decals, and
accurate finishes throughout, it looks quite fresh and runs great.
It's backed by a stout TH400 3-speed automatic transmission that
shifts smoothly, and there's a fresh dual exhaust that sounds
fantastic. Power steering and power brakes ensure an easy and
comfortable ride, and the undercarriage is almost nice enough to
eat off of. Gorgeous Buick Road Wheels with protruding center caps
look great and carry 225/70/15 BFGoodrich T/A radials that fill the
fenders perfectly.
Documented with build/restoration receipts and photos, this is
truly a handsome, fast, well-sorted, big muscle car from arguably
the best year for performance and power. If you've been searching
for a clean droptop with a big block, perhaps you've just been
looking under the wrong banner. Take a long look at this Buick and
see if maybe you'd prefer a little extra luxury with your muscle,
then give us a call!
