1967 Buick Wildcat

Description

If you were to ask any of us here at Streetside Classics which car in our showroom is the biggest bang for the buck, more than a few of us would say this 1967 Buick Wildcat. It's one of those special GM executive cars with unique features, and following a fairly comprehensive freshening by Then & Now here in Atlanta, it's just a fantastic piece of luxury muscle with all the right features.

There was nothing more dramatic on the road than the Buick Wildcat in 1967, with Buick's trademark sweeping body lines and chiseled good looks. Thanks to a high-quality repaint in the original code 6G Gold Mist, it looks spectacular with a sophisticated air to it that only a Buick could wear. It's two-stage urethane, so the shine is deep and clear and thanks to expert care since it was done, it shows only a few signs of use. Buick was big on drama, so there's a deeply recessed grille, cool gills on the front fenders, and an impossibly sleek roofline wrapped in black vinyl that only makes the car look lower. The chrome and stainless trim is original, and given that this car has never left the Atlanta area, it's no surprise that it's in great shape. Sure, there's a little patina to it, but there's no part that stands out as too nice or too shabby to be on this car and since it's original, you know it's crisp and authentic.

The gold interior is where this particular executive made some changes, starting with the upholstery. Most Wildcats used cloth seats, but for some reason this fellow preferred color-matched gold vinyl, so that's what went in. That's the original upholstery, including the seats and door panels, and the preservation is astounding thanks to plastic seat covers in place since day one. The carpets and headliner were recently replaced, but again, nothing jumps out as too new or too old. The wide dash has lots of jewelry, including a wide band of bright metal trim to give the Wildcat a sophisticated air and yes, it does have factory A/C. For entertainment, there's an AM/FM stereo radio with power antenna and if it's road trips you enjoy, then the massive trunk will be an asset, especially with what appears to be the original trunk mat and a matching fifth wheel and tire.

Buick's 430 cubic inch V8 was renowned for massive torque production, and with the rebuild a few years ago, it was given a few upgrades to make it even more impressive. The block was bored .030 over and filled with a balanced reciprocating assembly and a GS455 Stage 1 camshaft, while a fresh Holley 4-barrel lives under the original air cleaner. Bright Dante Red paint makes the engine look original and the list of new parts includes a starter, shocks, springs, and bushings, as well as a pair of electric fans up front to really keep it cool. The transmission is a 2004R 4-speed automatic overdrive, which combined with the 3.00 gears out back makes this an incredible highway cruiser that just loafs along with the big block barely breaking a sweat at supra-legal speeds. The dual exhaust burbles along happily at any speed and the handsome Buick road wheels are wrapped in right-sized 225/75/15 blackwall radials.

This is a beautifully finished car that is documented with its original build sheet, owner's manual, restoration photos, and receipts and was restored by one of the best shops in town. An incredible value, this big Wildcat will definitely surprise you. Call today!