Molly Ayala
The Buick Wildcat was a full-size automobile produced by the Buick Division of General Motors from 1962 to 1970. The Wildcat was initially a 'sub-model' within the Buick Invicta series, featuring a high-performance 325 hp (242 kW) version of the 401 cu in (7 l) Nailhead V8, known as the Wildcat 445. The Wildcat was offered with a range of engine options, including the Wildcat 375, Wildcat 410, and Wildcat 445, with varying torque outputs. The Super Wildcat (Regular Production Option-coded Y48) was available as a factory option on certain models, and a total of 2,122 units were produced. In 1967, the Wildcat adopted the Electra 225's 126-inch wheelbase and saw a slight increase in length and weight. The 1965-1969 Buick Electra 225 was a stretch sedan with a choice of three Wildcat V-8s.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Production years | 1962-1970 |
| Engine | 325-horsepower V-8 |
| Total production in 1962 | 2,000 units |
| Total production in 1966 | 70,000 units |
| Total production in 1967 | Just over 70,000 units |
| Total production of Wildcat GS in 1967 | 1244 |
| Number of convertibles produced in 1967 | 5,000 |
| Number of convertibles produced in 1969 | Less than 2,400 |
| Total Super Wildcats produced | 22 |
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What You'll Learn
The Super Wildcat was available as a factory option on the 1964 Riviera
The Super Wildcat was a high-performance version of Buick's Nailhead V8 engine, which was first introduced in 1953. The Nailhead engine was known for its unusual vertical valve arrangement, giving it a distinctive appearance. Over the years, this engine was offered in various displacements, including 322 cu in (5.3L), 264 cu in (4.3L), and eventually, the larger 425 cu in (7.0L) version used in the Super Wildcat.
The 425 cu in Super Wildcat engine was produced from 1963 to 1966 and became an option on the Riviera in 1964. It was also available on other Buick models, including the Wildcat and Electra. This engine produced impressive torque, with the basic four-barrel carbureted version known as the Wildcat 465.
The Super Wildcat was a popular choice for those seeking even more performance from their Buick Riviera. With its powerful engine and luxurious coupe body style, the Super Wildcat Riviera combined performance and style, making it a desirable option for those seeking a unique driving experience.
The availability of the Super Wildcat engine as a factory option showcases Buick's focus on offering a range of performance options to cater to different customer preferences. By providing the Super Wildcat as a factory-installed upgrade, Buick ensured that customers could conveniently obtain a more powerful version of their beloved Riviera without resorting to aftermarket modifications.
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The Wildcat was a sub-model within the Buick Invicta series
The Wildcat was initially offered as an option within the Buick Invicta series, but it later became its own series starting in 1963. From 1963 to 1970, the Wildcat was produced as a standalone series, independent of the Invicta. During this time, Buick expanded the Wildcat lineup by introducing a convertible and a four-door hardtop sedan, in addition to the original two-door hardtop coupe. The Wildcat's engine, the 325 hp (242 kW) 401 cubic-inch Wildcat V8, remained the standard offering through 1966.
In 1964, Buick added a pillared four-door sedan to the Wildcat series and offered two levels of trim: standard and Custom. For 1965 only, a mid-line Deluxe subseries was also available. From 1966 to 1969, the trim options were simplified, with only the base (similar to the 1965 Wildcat Deluxe) and Custom trims offered. During this period, a larger 425 cubic-inch Wildcat V8 engine was introduced as an option, producing up to 360 hp (268 kW).
The Wildcat "Gran Sport Performance Group" package was introduced in 1966 as a one-year-only offering. This package included two engine choices: a single carb 425 CID/340 hp V8 as part of the base package and a more powerful 360 hp (268 kW) dual-carb setup available at an additional cost. These "Super Wildcats" featured dual exhaust, heavy-duty suspension, posi-traction, and updated rear quarter-panel "GS" badging. A total of 1,244 Wildcat GS units were built by Buick during that model year.
In 1967, Buick introduced a new 430-cubic-inch V8 engine for the Wildcat line, offering increased horsepower and improved breathing over the previous 401/425 Nailhead design. This engine was available through the 1969 model year. The Wildcat's final year of production was 1970, when it was offered exclusively in the Custom trim. After 1970, the Wildcat was discontinued and replaced by the Buick Centurion in 1971.
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The Wildcat's engine was known as the Wildcat 445
The Wildcat engine was known as the Wildcat 445, a powerful 6.6-liter Nailhead V8 engine that produced 325 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque. It was first introduced in 1962 as a high-performance engine for the Buick Invicta Wildcat, a sub-model within the Invicta series. The Wildcat 445 was designed to offer a combination of luxury and sports car performance, and it became a popular choice for those seeking a powerful and luxurious driving experience.
The Wildcat 445 engine was a significant upgrade from the previous Invicta engines, delivering increased horsepower and torque. It featured a unique design, with a long hood and a forward-leaning nose, giving it a distinctive and sporty appearance. The engine's name, "Wildcat 445," specifically referred to its impressive torque output of 445 lb-ft, which contributed to its strong performance and acceleration.
The Wildcat 445 engine was not just about performance; it also had a unique style. The Wildcat models featured a stylized head of a wildcat emblem on each of the C-pillars, distinguishing them from other Buick cars. The Wildcat 445 engine was also available in different configurations, including the Wildcat 375 and Wildcat 410, which offered lower torque outputs for those who preferred a more economical option.
In 1964, Buick introduced an upgraded version of the Wildcat engine called the Wildcat 465. This new engine produced 340 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, offering even more power and performance. The Wildcat 465 was a popular choice for those seeking the ultimate in muscle car performance, and it became known as the "Super Wildcat." The Super Wildcat was a true powerhouse, with its dual quad carbureted system delivering an impressive 360 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque.
The Wildcat 445 engine played a significant role in shaping the Wildcat's reputation as a powerful and iconic car. With its high-performance engine, luxurious design, and unique styling cues, the Wildcat left a lasting impression on automotive enthusiasts. Today, the Wildcat name is being revived by Buick as an EV concept, paying homage to the classic Wildcat models while embracing new electric vehicle technology.
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The Wildcat was produced from 1962 to 1970
The Wildcat, a full-size automobile, was produced by the Buick Division of General Motors from 1962 to 1970. In its first year, the Wildcat was a sub-model within the Buick Invicta series. It featured a high-performance 325 hp (242 kW) version of the 401 cu in (7 l) Nailhead V8 engine, known as the Wildcat 445. This engine was also used in other Buick models, such as the Buick Sport Wagon and Buick Skylark Gran Sport. The Wildcat's production in 1962 was modest, with only 2,000 units made, while similar offerings from other brands, such as the Oldsmobile Starfire and the Pontiac Grand Prix, fared better in sales.
The Wildcat's styling was updated over the years, with a new look introduced in 1967 that included a sweeping "style-line" flowing from above the headlights to the rear bumper. This design was reminiscent of the 1953 Wildcat I show car. The Wildcat also grew in size during the mid-Sixties, with the 1965-1969 models featuring right-angle rear quarter panels and a hint of the old tailfin look. The 1968 model underwent restyling, including a new split grille, front bumper, recessed windshield wipers, and revised rear bumper. By 1967, the Wildcat had settled into a role as a slightly sportier version of the Electra 225, sharing its 126-inch wheelbase and length of over 219 inches.
The Wildcat offered a range of extra-cost options, including power steering, power brakes, radio, tinted glass, and factory air conditioning. The popularity of these options contributed to most Wildcats having a price tag of over $4,000. The Wildcat was known for its sporty handling and performance, with Motor Trend magazine describing it as "a bucket-seat palace." It could go from 0-60 mph in 8.1 seconds and had a top speed of 115 mph.
In 1970, the final year of Wildcat production, the car was offered only in Custom trim. It was superseded by the Buick Centurion in 1971. The Wildcat name was later used for several concept vehicles, including three in the early 1950s, one in 1985, and another in 1997.
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The Wildcat's engine produced 325 horsepower
The Buick Wildcat was a full-size automobile produced by the Buick Division of General Motors from 1962 to 1970. The Wildcat engine produced 325 horsepower. The Wildcat was initially a 'sub-model' within the Buick Invicta series, featuring a high-performance 325 hp (242 kW) version of the 401 cu in (7 l) Nailhead V8 engine. This engine was known as the Wildcat 445, as it produced 445 ft·lbf (603 N·m) of torque. The Wildcat 445 engine was also used in the Buick Sport Wagon and Buick Skylark Gran Sport.
The Wildcat's 325-horsepower V-8 engine was also shared with the Electra. The 1965-1969 Buick Electra 225 was a stretch sedan with a choice of three Wildcat V-8s. The Electra 225 was restyled in 1968 with a new split grille and front bumper, recessed windshield wipers, and a new hood molding. The final Electra of the Sixties had an even squarer, more formal profile.
The Wildcat's engine options included the 325 horsepower "wild" version, as well as the 340 horsepower "wilder" and 360 horsepower "wildest" variants. In 1967, the Wildcat adopted the Electra 225's 126-inch wheelbase, with a length of over 219 inches. The Wildcat's length and powerful engine options contributed to its sporty image.
The Wildcat name has been used by Buick for several concept vehicles, including the 1953 Wildcat I, 1954 Wildcat II, and 1955 Wildcat III. The Wildcat line introduced a new engine in 1967, a 430 cubic inch V8 with a four-barrel carburetor and 360 hp rating, which offered improved breathing over the previous 401/425 nailhead design.
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Frequently asked questions
Only 22 Super Wildcat Electras were made in 1967.
The Super Wildcat Electras were an upgraded version of the Wildcat, with a 20 hp (15 kW) boost. They were available with MZ-coded engines directly from the factory.
The Wildcat was a sub-model within the Buick Invicta series. It was also similar to the 1961 Starfire convertible and the 1962 Pontiac Grand Prix.
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