Nineteen sixty-six was the solely 12 months Buick featured three Gran Sport fashions: Skylark, Riviera and Wildcat. Both the Skylark and Riviera GSs first appeared in 1965 and would proceed into the Seventies, whereas the Wildcat GS would solely seem in 1966. It’s an enigmatic automobile that hardly ever pops up on the market, which is why this 1966 Buick Wildcat GS listed on the market on ClassicCars.com by a vendor in Branson, Missouri is our Pick of the Day. (Click the hyperlink to view the itemizing)
The 1962 Wildcat was a sporty, mid-year sub-model for the Invicta however, in 1963, the Wildcat fully changed the Invicta sequence and performed the position as a mid-level full-size mannequin in Buick’s portfolio, located between the LeSabre and the high-zoot Electra via 1970. Though not a sporty mannequin, the Wildcat typically appeared to play that position, very similar to the Chrysler 300 did for Chrysler from 1962-71. However, there solely was one actually performance-oriented Wildcat, and that was the one ordered with the Gran Sport package, which included an improve to the 425ci “Nailhead” with 340 horsepower (aka “Wildcat 465,” the quantity primarily based on the torque score), Positraction rear, and experience and dealing with package deal. The package deal was obtainable on all Wildcat and Wildcat Custom two-door fashions, plus the Super Wildcat 465 was obtainable with twin quads for 360 horsepower.
Only 1,245 Wildcats have been constructed with the Gran Sport package deal, making them a uncommon curiosity that usually is just not on the radar of Sixties followers. “This automotive has undergone a restoration of all of its drivetrain and new inside and paint,” which incorporates the dual-quad engine paired with the Super Turbine computerized, although the vendor doesn’t state whether or not this automobile is one of the 21 constructed with this engine or it’s an proprietor improve. “Car is completely stunning and runs and drives glorious. Air blows chilly and the whole lot on the automotive works because it ought to. New wheels and logos throughout.” Mileage reveals 1,755 although there is no such thing as a declare that it’s authentic.
Distinguishing the Gran Sport model of the Wildcat is an endeavor of subtlety. Gran Sport badges grace the grille, whereas GS badges flank each rear fenders and trunklid. The VIN prefix (46437) designates this as a Wildcat two-door Sport Coupe (that means it doesn’t characteristic the Custom’s fancier inside), making this Seafoam Green instance one of 164 common Wildcat hardtops with the GS package deal. Other choices embrace console with built-in tachometer located between the black buckets, and Buick’s evergreen magazine wheels.
Seller concludes, “[This] automotive is a superb restoration and is certain to show heads in all places it goes.” The asking value is $38,000 for this unusual piece of Buick history, which might make a pleasant addition to an proprietor with each Skylark and Riviera Gran Sports.
To view this itemizing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
