1963 Buick Wildcat

Description

Big Buicks have been overlooked for too long, but this 1963 Buick Wildcat convertible is looking to change all that. Handsome and restrained looks, a torque-happy 401 cubic inch Nailhead, and a delightful color scheme make this Buick an unusual choice that brings class and performance in equal measure.

Code H Glacier Blue is this car's original color and it wears it rather well. This is a big car, make no mistake about that, but the light color and tasteful ornamentation make it look trim and athletic. This appears to be a good, solid west-coast car, having spent all its life in California until being brought to Kansas sometime in 1999. As a result, the sheetmetal is super straight and didn't need major surgery to bring it up to par, and it fits together in a way that only good, original, unmolested cars can. The paint was done a few years ago but still has an awesome gloss and depth that belies the light color and makes the car look refreshingly clean. The '50s were over, so trim was restrained, although Buick still put portholes on the front fenders, surrounding them with a brushed metal panel that stretches into the doors. Most, if not all of the trim is original, so that should give you a good idea of how well-preserved this Buick really is, and with an afternoon of polishing, it'll look spectacular.

Aside from the carpets and weather-stripping, the interior is remarkable in its originality. Again, this probably comes from living an easy life in California, but it's obvious this car didn't sit out in the sun with the top down for hours on end. The bucket seats are in excellent shape, showing only minor signs of age, and they're quite comfortable for road trips today. There are echoes of the Riviera in the brushed metal dashboard with two large, round dials, and with the center console comes a rather rare factory tach. The original Sonomatic AM radio remains in the dash, perched right below the aircraft-style heater controls that are a kind of cool touch. There's no disputing the originality of all the components, and while they're not perfect, it would be a crime to try to restore everything. The white power convertible top is in decent condition and features a clear plastic rear window, while the extremely clean trunk is outfitted with a full-sized spare tire and jack assembly.

The '445' you see on the air cleaner is a reference to the 401 cubic inch V8's torque rating, and if there's one thing the Buick Nailhead does well, it's make torque. Acceleration feels effortless at any speed, and the smooth flow of power from the big V8 is what defines Buicks of the era. Unquestionably the original engine, it's unlikely that it's ever been rebuilt, but when it runs this well, there's just no need. The valve covers and air cleaner were obviously freshened at some point, but otherwise it's completely stock and in good order. A brand new dual exhaust system gives it a quiet, confident sound and the Dynaflow automatic transmission and original rear end make for a car that was just made for long road trips. Underneath, there's plenty of evidence of clean California living, and the original wheel covers are surrounded by recent 235/75/15 whitewall radials.

High style and high performance live comfortably together in this Wildcat ragtop, and you can get a lot of old-school luxury for not a lot of cash with it. Call today!