Vehicle Description
It's still shocking to many enthusiasts that the big 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 1967 Buick Wildcat Custom convertible should be on
every muscle car fan's list of favorites. With a recently restored
drivetrain, original survivor-grade livery, a comfortable interior,
great options, and a top that goes down, this Wildcat checks all
the boxes. Now that I think about it, maybe I should be buying this
Wildcat instead of just writing about it...
1967 was technically the 2nd generation of the Wildcat, and this
special GM B-Body platform this beauty was built-on was one of the
most popular and best-selling vehicle baselines in automotive
history. 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 throughout the years. 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"
(we're taking some liberties by lumping in the GS in with the
Wildcat, but the logic is sound so please don't send us letters)
has had a cult-like following since Day 1. This particular car has
been impeccably preserved and features original, survivor-grade
paint that still maintains a nice shine and decent luster that
really turns heads when it's cruising down Main Street. It's
certainly not without it's imperfections and patina, but it all
builds character as no other car in the world looks exactly like
this one. That original color is called Blue Mist, and it looks
fantastic on the Buick's curves, perfectly fitting with the
convertible lifestyle as a lighthearted approach to the division's
performance mission. Bodywork is still close to factory standards
since the panels are all original, and everything fits together
rather tightly, including the big hood and deck lid - two huge
pieces that require a lot of skilled labor to get symmetrical and
flush by the factory workers. Of course, those doors, lids, and
hinges have been used thousands of times throughout the decades, so
you might forgive some of the relaxed geometry and 'old-man'
creaking when you get in and out of this droptop. The 'Sweepspear'
bodyline trails from bumper-to-bumper at the profile, and a
slightly updated front end and tail panel were introduced in 1967.
The big grille and massive bumper up front steal the show, just as
the rear bumper does so with the massive taillights above it, and
proper Wildcat badges were preserved through the years and still
look great today. Chrome is still mostly shiny throughout, with
brightwork adorning the wheel arches and bottom of the vehicle that
really pops against the bright blue paint.
Like most Buicks of the era, there's a ton of performance and
killer good looks 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 handsome white vinyl interior
is in great order, including correct tuck-and-roll seat covers on
both the front and back bench seats, plush black carpets, and
beautifully turned-out matching door panels. The large
black-and-chrome dash and factory gauges are in awesome shape too,
and everything is set up just like it was brand new, sans a couple
extra auxiliary dials underneath. In fact, it pretty much looks
just like it would have sitting on the Buick dealer's showroom
floor in 1967, right down to the chrome tissue box. The
leather-rimmed three-spoke steering wheel is original to the car as
well and adds an appropriately racy atmosphere to the driver's
compartment, and because it's so big and easy to move with the help
of power steering, this droptop is an absolute dream to drive.
Other options include factory air conditioning that's still blowing
cold, the original AM radio and adjoining equalizer unit below,
seatbelts, and that beautiful white vinyl convertible top that
seals the cabin up tight during times of inclement weather. Out
back, the all-original trunk is absolutely massive, with enough
room to stow Jimmy Hoffa.
The 1967 Wildcat's claim to fame was the newly introduced 430 V8,
which delivered stout factory ratings of 360 HP and 475 lb-ft of
torque. This one was fully rebuilt to stock 4,137 miles ago, so one
of the most potent engines in '67 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 parts throughout.
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 fresh and runs great. It's
backed by a fully rebuilt and stout Switch-Pitch TH400 automatic
transmission (check out the identifiable dimples and 'heel' print
on the pan, this is a rare transmission indeed) 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 original and in very solid shape
thanks to an easy life spent in warm, sunny Texas. Gorgeous Buick
Road Wheels with shiny beauty rings and protruding center caps look
great and carry 225/75/15 Hankook white-walls that fill the fenders
perfectly.
Documented with its original build sheet, Protect-O-Plate, owner's
manuals, sales brochures, the original owner's sales contract, and
a ring binder full of maintenance and build receipts, this Wildcat
is packed to the gills with provenance. 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!
