One of 1,200! 1970 Buick Wildcat Convertible

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.