1965 Buick Wildcat Deluxe Convertible


Details

Buick is one of the oldest automobile manufacturers in the world and it is in fact the oldest in America. Whilst Buick built its first car in 1899 it wasn’t until 1903 (as the Buick Motor Company) that it started manufacturing cars. The company quickly became a market leader producing quality cars in significant volume. Buick became part of General Motors when that was established in 1908. Buick has always been seen as a luxury car brand sitting just under the Cadillac flagship in the GM stable of car manufacturers. What is not widely recognised is that Buick was an innovator and introduced the overhead valve engine to its cars in 1904, introduced the straight eight engine and synchromesh gearbox in 1931 and in 1939 introduced (turn signal) indicators to their cars.

For American car manufacturers the late 1940’s, 1950’s and early 1960’s were good times. Buick was no exception and it continued to go from strength to strength and their Roadmaster, Super, Century, Skylark, Invicta, Electra, LeSabre and Riviera models were all very successful.

One of Buick’s other success stories was the Wildcat, a model based on the Invicta and introduced in 1962. In many ways the Wildcat was Buick’s first performance car, though in reality it was probably more of luxury sports coupe. The Wildcat was produced through until 1970 and available as a coupe (two door hard top), convertible, four door hard top and sedan. The car was available with various different big block engine configurations.

Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer a 1965 Buick Wildcat Delux Convertible.

The car remains very original to how it would have left the rectory. It is left hand drive and the car has its original ‘matching numbers’ engine. The casting number on the block is B1364705 which correlates to a 1964 – 1966 401/425 V8 engine. The casting number on the cylinder heads are 1196914 which correlates to a 1959 – 1966 364/401/425 engine. The front of the block is stamped with the letters ‘LT’ which confirms the engine as a 401. The first five digits of the chassis number are 46467 which identify the car as Buick Wildcat Delux two door convertible.

The car’s early history is not known, however, it was owned by a Buick enthusiast in Saline, Michigan in the USA from 1999 until 2008. The car was acquired in the USA by a Brisbane based enthusiast who imported it into Australia. He continuously worked on the car generally improving it throughout his ownership. Work included a mostly bare metal respray, some rust repairs (floors), a new soft top and some interior trim (from new old stock material) and miscellaneous mechanical works including suspension and brakes. The car was sold to the current owner in March 2016 and is now being offered for sale because it is not getting used.

Today the car presents and drives well. The body is very straight with excellent panel gaps. The paint is good with high gloss and colour. There are some stone chips and blemishes evident but overall the car is very presentable. All of the chrome, exterior trim and glass are in good condition. The soft top remains like new, the interior is very good and particularly the upholstery which is excellent. Mechanically the car looks to be ‘on the button’. The big V8 starts easily and once she starts to warm up settles into a smooth idle. The car drives really well, it shifts smoothly through gears and handles and stops as you would expect.

There is a soft top tonneau cover, spare wheel and jack that will accompany the car.

.As they say the devil is in the detail and it is the detail of this car that really appeals. From the similarity in design of the front and rear of the car, to the hub caps and side vents, the styling of this car has a real presence about it.

It’s a bloody big car, but it is ‘oh so very cool’!

 

 

Specification

  • -
  • Buick Wildcat Deluxe Convertible+
  • 1965
  • Convertible
  • Auto
  • 50,943 miles
  • 6572 cc

SOLD

Register interest if a similar car becomes available