When I think of cars like this 1968 Buick Wildcat, a high-performance, stylish, two-door hardtop or convertible full-sizer is what comes to mind – you know like a Pontiac Grand Prix, Ford XL, Chevrolet Impala SS/SS427. What I had forgotten, at least in the case of the Wilcat is that a four-door variant was available too. And today, for your consideration, I have this Northridge, California subject for your consideration – it’s available, here on craigslist for $5,900.
There were actually four Wildcat body styles available in ’68, a two-door hardtop and convertible as well as a four-door hardtop or sedan. And those body styles were spread across two trim lines, standard and Custom. Total Wildcar four-door hardtop production reached about 29K units in ’68 – fairly popular. While not reaching the length and breadth of Buick’s famous Electra 225, I’d still classify this 220.5″ long, 80″ wide, 4,350 lb. hardtop as a whammer-jammer, it’s a big car!
Wildcat meant big power so the standard engine measured up as a 360 gross HP, 430 CI V8, and in this case, it makes its motoring magic perform via a Turbo-Hydramatic 400, three-speed automatic transmission. Unfortunately, this Buick’s prime mover is not photographed. Buick literature mentions that a three-speed manual transmission (three on the tree) was still standard equipment but I have to imagine that one of those is as rare as hen’s teeth. The seller claims 83K original miles and, “Runs great, smooth automatic transmission, rebuilt 430 engine with paperwork“. The seller also mentions new brakes and a gas tank that is “done inside and out“.
Considered to have a straight body with no big dents, there is a lot of finish fade and the driver’s side quarter panel has some self-dissolving going on behind the lower stainless trim. As for, what I guess are considered small dents, a few are noted in the passenger side rear door and quarter. Still, the overall presentation is fair and this Wildcat seems to be complete.
Whether looking in or out, there’s nothing like a four-door hardtop to present an open and airy vista. These were great body style designs and GM’s Fisher Body Division did a bang-up job of pulling it together across all five automotive divisions. Unfortunately, the meanies at the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) did their best to play killjoy and end this styling cue through regulation. Anyway, the interior looks great – all of it, the vinyl seating upholstery, door panels, dash pad, even the carpet – at least what can be seen of it. The only place where Buick fell a bit short was in the instrument panel department. There’s nothing wrong with the one in this Wildcat, it’s just pedestrian looking for a car of this stature.
OK, so who’s the market for a big rig like this? If you just like old cars, cruisers in particular, here you go. And if you’re in California, smog control is no issue as this Wildcat is exempt due to its age. One could leave this formidable four-door as is, just drive it and enjoy it, or…what? What direction would you take this Buick?
Classic Buick…I like it. . and the price is decent..
“No big dents” made my day. I will be using that
Looking at that right side makes me wonder what kind of reflection that is?
One small dent and some “surface” rust.
Love the lines on these cars. Every body style seemed to look good. This would be a great car to run around in most of the year. I wouldn’t want to spoil the patina by running through the salt
What a great ‘Cat! Beat up enough to be even more menacing. I’d go with blackwall tires and wouldn’t change another thing.
No big dents, just a bunch of little dents on the drinker’s side. That’s period correct
The one thing I never liked about the ’68 Buicks was the thumb wheel climate control knobs. They must’ve gotten lots of complaints because in ’69 they were back to the slide bars and fan motor switches.
Other than that the ’67 & ’68s had great flowing body lines.
We owned a 1968 Electra, and those thumb wheel climate control knobs were terrible. The 430 self destructed when leaded premium wasn’t available anymore. Wonder what kind of fuel they’re planning to use today?
The article mentions a rebuild. A wise move would have been to add hardened valve seats to the heads. That would mitigate the unfavorable effects of unleaded fuel.
Awesome looking car. I’ve never seen a 4 door 68 Buick Wildcat. My grandparents had a 1968 Buick Wildcat 2 door.
The lower 1/4’s are rusted out. I love tuna boats and my first car was a 68 Lesabre but I would never bother with this thing
What’s a whammer jammer? Any big car?
Yes, usually a real big car.
JO
I never realize the Wildcat came in a 4 door series.
me either
I love these big old cars. There’s just something about the name wildcat that says you better hang on cuz it’s gonna be a wild ride. Brings back memories to. When I was 12 I started to work for my father who had about 20 trucks and he paid his driver’s well. I remember walking the car parking area where his driver’s parked never saw so much chrome. Big Buicks Oldsmobiles Cadillacs Lincoln’s none were new but they were nice. I said to myself than I want to be a truck driver. Well after 47 years trucking I’m now retired. Loved every minute of it and always made money. I would love to have it but age and health say no. GLWTS
In the words of Richard Rawlings
Too many doors
Had a 1964 just like this, same color, same motor.had more torque then you can imagine, more then any motor at the time. Would bury the needle in nothing flat and float(no exaggeration) down the interstate.
Try again! The Buick had 430 Ft/pds, my 64 Cadillac, with a 429 had 480 ft/pds. My grandfather used to race his 69 Electra with my 64 Caddy, I always won.
I have the 68 Le Sabre 400 which comes with the hot 350 and the 400 turbo, It’s a well optioned 2 door with buckets, console, power antenna, brakes , steering and AM/FM radio. The 280hp 350 is knocking so I have a 73 455 to drop in it for now. Might rebuild the 350 later and swap it back for originality.
Although the Wildcat is nice, and the Electra might be more upscale, I like the LeSabre the best.
You have an unusual LeSabre with those options. I didn’t know a console was available on a LeSabre.
Sounds like a fun car and a conversation piece at a show!
I imagine it would be.