Full-Size Muscle: 1965 Buick Wildcat Convertible

Introduced in 1962 as a subseries of the established Buick Invicta, the Buick Wildcat quickly became known as the company’s full-sized performance car. In my opinion, the Wildcat is one of Buick’s most underrated entries in its lineup and deserves more press. If you agree and would like to add a full-sized Buick beauty to your collection, this 1965 Buick Wildcat convertible, located in Avon, Indiana, is available here on eBay for $ 19,500.00 or OBO.

While the name “Wildcat” was used on several 1950s Buick concept cars, the production Wildcat ran from 1962 until 1970, when it was replaced by the Buick Centurion. 1965 was the first year of the make’s second generation, with its distinctive, pronounced high beltline helping to streamline the Wildcat’s long body. The seller’s Wildcat is finished in Burgundy Mist Poly with a black convertible top and full-size Buick rally wheels. While the Wildcat is straight and has no missing parts, the seller notes it is a 20-footer and needs a paint job due to minor rust and a small hole, which he has photographed. There is also a small hole in the trunk pan, which shows the power convertible top works, and if the new owner chooses, the seller is including a new cloth burgundy top with a glass back window, brand new in the box. Lastly, both bumpers, hood trim, trunk trim, rear corner trim, and backup light bezels have been rechromed.

The all-black interior of the Wildcat looks to be in good condition, with no rips in the vinyl bucket seats. A full-length floor console with a shifter is present, and the seller states the frame and floors have no rust. A crack in the steering wheel is apparent in one of the photos.

Powering this Wildcat is the standard 401 cu-in “Nailhead” V8, which produced 325 hp with a 4bbl carburetor and a Super Turbine 400 3-speed automatic transmission handling the power. Unlike many other engines of the day, the 401 V8 was actually referred to as the “Wildcat 445” by Buick marketing, which chose to brand the engine by its 445 lb-ft torque rating rather than its cubic-inch engine size. The seller notes that the 93,255-mile Wildcat rides and drives perfectly at any speed.

Overall, this 1965 Buick Wildcat convertible looks solid and is ready for the next owner to take it to the next level or enjoy it as is. Even at all-Buick car shows that I have attended, you don’t often see a Buick Wildcat, so this 1965 example would definitely stand out, especially being a convertible. What do you readers think of the Buick Wildcat, and would you like one in your garage?