Vehicle Description
One of 1244 Wildcat convertibles built in 1970. Strong-running 455,
new interior and top, nice paint. Runs and drives very well, loaded
with options, great color combination. One of Buick's best luxury
muscle cars at a reasonable price!Everyone has their favorite cars,
but we're particularly enamored with the way this Wildcat
convertible makes a very big car look sporting. No heavy-looking
enclosed rear wheels, tidy overhangs, and just a hint of Buick's
famous 'sweep-spear' styling on its flanks. 1970 was the final year
for the Wildcat, which would be replaced in 1971 by the Centurion,
and we think this big red ragtop is a great send-off. We don't have
a lot of history on it, but it was obviously repainted a few years
ago in its original code 70 Fire Red and they did a good job of it.
At this price, it's clearly not a show car, but the finish has a
great shine and there's no evidence of botched bodywork
underneath-the flanks are straight and the crease along each side
is crisply rendered. Panel fit is good all around and for a big
convertible that just passed its 52nd birthday, it feels quite
solid going down the road. Buick luxury was still very much about
chrome, although the Wildcat didn't pour it on-it has nice bumpers,
a strip of stainless along the rockers, and bright vents on the
front fenders, but it sure doesn't look like your father's Buick.
The clean design is quite attractive. The chrome and brightwork is
original, so it's showing some age, but there's nothing that stands
out as needing immediate attention, just get in and have fun.Black
and white were your only color choices inside a Wildcat
convertible, and this car carries fresh black vinyl upholstery in
factory patterns. The carpets and seats are new and look great
while the door panels appear to be very nice original pieces. The
dash, steering wheel, and gauges are clearly original and have had
their time in the sun, and that's the biggest demerit on this
entire car. On the other hand, everything works, including the
factory A/C, which has been recently serviced and there's a later
JVC AM/FM/cassette stereo head unit in place of the factory AM
radio. This car practically defines 'full-sized comfort' with
plenty of room front and rear, making it great for everything from
road trips to parades. The black power convertible top is also
recent, and stows itself neatly behind the seat. We also have a
matching black boot, but it was a little too cool on photograph day
to get it to fit properly-some time in the sun will surely cure
that. There's also a massive trunk with a new mat, full-sized spare
with jack assembly, and no signs of problems underneath. The
standard engine in the Wildcat was a brute of a 455 cubic inch V8
making 370 horsepower and 510 lb-ft. of torque. This car is no
slouch on the road! The engine looks right thanks to a recent
detail that included Dante Red engine enamel, a restored air
cleaner assembly, and proper decals throughout. It lights off
easily with a nice burble from the tailpipe, suggesting that this
ragtop wants to run. With 510 pounds of torque on tap, it's
completely effortless in everything it does and thanks to power
steering and brakes, anyone can handle it. The TH400 3-speed
automatic transmission was overwhelmingly the most popular choice
(there are rumors of a 3-speed manual being available, but nobody
has ever seen one in the wild) and it's a good one. With crisp
shifts and a reputation for being indestructible, it's the right
choice to live behind the burly Buick big block. 3.42 gears out
back make for a good compromise between comfortable cruising and
good off-the-line punch and the superlative Buick big car ride is
100% intact. The floors are clean and solid, with two minor patches
in the front footwells that are so well done they almost go
unnoticed. Buick's finned aluminum brake drums provide stopping
power equal to period discs, so no worries there, and they've been
recently serviced with new hoses, cylinders, shoes, and hardware.
The exhaust system has a newer Thrush muffler for a nice muscular
sound and Buick Road wheels are always the right choice, with these
wearing 225/75/15 Michelin whitewall radials.Documentation includes
the original Buick Owner's Manual.Big, fast, and unusual, this
Wildcat hits a sweet spot where you can get in and have fun while
still doing a few little projects to add value. From behind the
wheel this car moves like a muscle car and your family will
appreciate the big car accommodations. And it's unlikely that
you'll see another one at local shows. With its reasonable price,
take a closer look at this big Buick and then give us a
call.Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or
professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to
purchase.