1968 Buick Wildcat Custom Convertible
1-Owner, - A/C - California Car
This lovely second-generation 1968 Buick Wildcat Custom Convertible is for sale, one of only 3,572 produced. This California example was assembled in South Gate, California, and purchased new by its current owner, who kept it garaged at his homes in Marin County and Palm Springs throughout its pampered life. It was delivered new in Medium Teal Blue Mist with a black vinyl interior and a white power top. The car is nicely equipped with the 430 cubic inch V8, Powerglide transmission, factory power bucket seating, center console, climate control, power windows, power convertible top, tilt steering, AM/FM radio with power antenna, and speed alert.
This 57-year-old Buick was regularly driven until around 2015 when the owner's health prevented him from continuing to use it. It has been in storage for the past 10+ years or so. Over the 47 years it was in use, it averaged around 2,500 miles per year.
In approximately 2007, the owner undertook a significant refurbishment that included an engine rebuild, restoration of many ancillary components, a repaint, and the installation of a new convertible top and carpeting. Since that work was completed, we estimate the car has traveled fewer than 20,000 miles.
The car was repainted in its original Medium Teal Blue Mist several years ago and shows well with just a few small flaws. At that time, the top was replaced. The mostly original chrome, glass, and trim look nice and are present well. It rides on factory chrome wheels with black accents wrapped in new P225/75 R15 Hankook Kinergy ST Whitewall tires.
The 430-4 cubic inch V8 was rebuilt and runs strong with plenty of power and smooth idling. The Powerglide transmission shifts flawlessly through the gears and While we do not know if it was rebuilt we suspect it probably was given the clenliness and it appears to have been out of the car at some point. The u-joint pinion seals also look to have been replaced at some point. Since the car had been sitting, we serviced it to ensure its drivability, including a new battery, new master cylinder, wheel cylinders and brake shoes, rear shocks, new starter, rebuilt carburetor, fan clutch, oil change and filter, wiper blades, and more. The car is running, driving, and performing beautifully now.
The interior is presented nicely and is very comfortable. The seating, door panels, cards, and dash look to be mostly, if not all, well-preserved originals, with the carpeting replaced during its refurbishment along with the power top. It has working gauges, lighting, and switches, and the power windows move up and down smoothly. We have rebuilt most of the climate control system (no easy feat!), including R134A conversion, and rebuilt vacuum and control switches. At this time, it only blows cold air. The vacuum-controlled trunk release is inoperable, though it opens with the key. The radio reception is weak so that we will install a new antenna. Otherwise, the car is very comfortable even for the longest drives.
DECODE:
VIN:
4(BUICK)66(Wildcat Custom)67(Convertible)8(1968)C(South Gate, CA)117819
DATA TAG:
Model Year (1968)
GM Division (Buick)
Convertible, 2-Door
Black Vinyl
Medium Teal Blue Mist
This is a wonderful, nicely cared for special Wilcat ready for its second home and many more years of enjoyment! Be sure to check out all 398 photos and the video at www.leftcoastclassics.com.
Call or text Donn with questions, shipping, and financing options or for a link to the hi-resolution photos at 707-332-8331.
Please note that this vehicle is being sold as-is. We invite you to come and inspect the vehicle in person or arrange for a third-party inspection to ensure it meets your expectations.
For loan pre-approval visit https://www.lightstream.com/apply
VIN: 466678C117819
