There was a time when all the domestic auto manufacturers got in on the full-size performance game. While some entries were basically just big muscle cars, others, such as this 1970 Buick Wildcat convertible, were refined, big muscle cars. And this Wildcat, being a convertible, is a pretty rare bird. Firemedic2714 discovered the listing for this Baldwin, Missouri, drop top, and it’s available here on Facebook Marketplace for $53,000, OBO (yikes!).
Introduced in ’63, Buick’s Wildcat remained in the lineup through 1970, offering two-door hardtop and convertible body styles, as well as a four-door hardtop variant. Trim levels were generally standard and Custom, though by ’70, the Custom version was all that remained. No, there are no spoilers, stripes, hood located air intake vents, etc., this is a refined hot rod, big, sure-footed, attractively styled, with immediate get up and go. Buick assembled 23K Wildcats in ’70, and yes, the seller is correct, only 1,244 had a retractable top – pretty rare stuff! Things were changing by ’70; performance started a downhill slide in ’71; full-size performance cars had passed their apex a few years earlier; and luxury/comfort/road manners were taking over. The Wildcat was replaced by the Centurion in ’71, but it was a different animal. The seller states, “We have owned this car for 4 years (purchased directly from the master builder)…” I’m not sure about that “master builder” business unless the seller is referring to a restorer. The listing doesn’t state that this Buick has undergone a complete redo, but it sure looks like it. From the images, this Wildcat looks like it just rolled off the Flint assembly line. Nothing is out of place; the finish, body panels, stainless steel, chrome, and fabric top are in spectacular condition.
The heart of the beast is a new-for-’70, 370 gross HP, 455 CI V8 engine, pushing its brute torque through a Turbo-Hydramatic 400, three-speed automatic transmission. No mention is made of running or driving characteristics, just a statement that it’s a turnkey cruiser with only 51K miles. The engine is claimed to be the matching number component, and the engine room is as spotless as the car’s exterior.
The interior’s condition matches that of the exterior – it’s just perfect. The white vinyl upholstery shows no indication of yellowing or excess sun exposure – I imagine it may be a replacement environment. The goodness is everywhere, including the nylon loop carpet (no fade!), the dash, instrument panel, and door panels. This is an A/C equipped car, and one will have to run with the assumption that it works – best to verify, though.
This car’s rarity and condition make it a true standout. But a $53,000 stand out? As significant as this car is, it’s not a GS Stage 1, after all. Nope, not feelin’ that price, but this is a magnificent example, and I wish the seller GLWTS.
I could be dumb (I see you nodding!) but I feel there’s chrome absent from the wheel wells. With that AND a hideous steering wheel cover, I say me no believe what seller say.
Looks like a mid 80s Regal steering wheel.
No, that’s an original steering wheel for the big 1970 Buick models.
As an option you could order the “rim blow” steering wheel, that made you honk the horn when you squeezed the rim of the wheel.
Here’s the same wheel in a model year 1970 Riviera:
https://www.lov2xlr8.no/brochures/buick/70buick/bilder/5.jpg
Nope that is the correct wheel, just a hideous cover on it.
Being a convertible, this car most definitely needs bucket seats and auto on the floor with console.
I hear you Joe. But, love to have my girl next to me cruising or at the drive in. 😉
Joe I have a Galaxie Convertible and the thing I like is the bench seat, :) you can fit that extra person in for cruising fun.
Seconded! (Thirded?) Bench seat in my 1970 Toronado does away with the transmission hump for that extra comfy sweetie snugglin’
I was looking at different 70s Wildcat for sale. Even with the mileage being low. The most was $25,000.00 and it was just as clean as this. $53,000.00 is way to high. Where are the frame shots to see how clean it is. Is this a repaint at some point? Or original?” The engine is a brute 510 lbs of tork. This will move out down the road! I get it, it’s a convertible, but let’s be realistic here. The steering wheel cover got to go. I feel $30,000.00 only because the mileage is low. Its a shame that it didnt have power windows or power bench seat. Does anyone agree with my assessment on price? I wish the seller good luck!! 🇺🇸🐻
That’s the I really don’t want to sell it price but make me a slightly lower offer and it’s yours!
It’s nice but at about half that price.
That’s the “but babe I put the car up for sale” price. The seller is asking double what these typically sell for in good to excellent condition. And seeing the missing wheel well trim I always wonder about slabs of filler around the wells, especially in the quarters.
“but babe I put the car up for sale” price. :)
There is obviously so much of that in this hobby.
eBay ads come with costs and restrictions and obligations if bids meet expectations.
FB ads are free and Craigslist are $5 to post, with no obligations to do anything. So you fish all day long in there.
But that might be the best $5 you ever spend. Ha ha.
definitely a cool cat. the bottom side of the hood is not correct. no pics of the floors or the frame. i do agree that 53k is the i really don’t want to sell. limited market on these big Buicks as i have a drop top 70 lesabre not to mention limited repo parts. if he is looking for that kind of money better find a B/J auction. lots of booze and bidders.25k area is fair.
Oh, h*ll yeah, but not $53k h*ll yeah. Not even close.
This was a full repaint: missing a bunch of exterior trim, ‘BUICK’ on the hood….engine compartment is ‘meh’; for 53 large? Dream
On!
Has potential but looks unfinished. I wonder if the A/C works? (What do you think?)
Price? I won’t waste my breath.
The picture had me. The price? The seller is no longer a car dude, he’s becoming a fisherman!
The chrome trim on the sides are missing. Also from the wheel wells. For that much money this car should be 100% complete and it is not. Plus the engine bay is dirty. What else is being covered up?
If you want to see what it’s supposed to look like, look at my Facebook page
Missing the body side moldings with their vinyl inserts. Missing the wheel opening moldings. Missing the “BUICK” letters on the hood. Valve covers are after-market.
And the Wildcat was first introduced for the 1962 model year, not 1963.
“And the Wildcat was first introduced for the 1962 model year, not 1963.”
Only sorta, it was a trim level on the Invicta in ’62; it became its own model in ’63.
JO
I would give $25,000.00 for it all day long…
I think the asking price is a typo. 35, not 53.
That’s probably in the ballpark of what I’d ask for my ’66 Bonneville convertible, because you’d have to pry it from my cold, dead hands.
It’s kind of a pointless thought exercise – the only time it comes up is when a rando at a car show asks how much he could buy it for. Only ever had one guy really push for it & I finally told him I’d never sell it for any price.
But sometimes circumstances dictate that you have to put it out there, I guess
Man I had a blue 70 with 305.5 eng all original bought from original owner for $100.00 the village was giving her tickets and going to scrap so bought cleaned it up started right up after sitting years she claim husband had past away , was a beauty till people started asking to buy it, so what happened it got stolen after a month never was found. Blue paint on blue interior black drop top Buick70c rims and Old Firestone tires she was BADDDDD