Some paint shades are subtle and restrained, while others are bold and dazzling. The first owner of this 1964 Buick Wildcat chose a color in the latter category, but the buyer may have a chance to change that if they prefer something less “in your face.” The seller says it needs a repaint, which could be an opportunity to change the color. Otherwise, it is a rock-solid, turnkey classic that’s received significant recent TLC. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Buick listed here on Craigslist in Gig Harbor, Washington. The seller priced this beauty at $19,500.
Launched in 1963, Buick’s First Generation Wildcat only remained on sale until the end of 1964. However, it made its mark very quickly, with sales climbing from 35,735 vehicles in 1963 to 84,245 the following year. This ’64 Wildcat isn’t subtle, finished in Sunburst Yellow and Arctic White. It makes a bold visual statement that won’t appeal to everyone, and with the seller admitting it needs new paint, a color change might be possible. Whatever path the buyer chooses, the process should be fairly straightforward, because there are no significant panel imperfections or rust requiring attention. The trim and glass look acceptable for a driver-grade restoration, and a spot of polish will undoubtedly improve the Rallye wheels.
I consider this Wildcat’s interior one of its highlights. Trimmed in Black vinyl, it features bucket seats, a console, lashings of bright trim, and a pushbutton radio. The upholstered surfaces are in good condition, and the headliner is spotless. The carpet is clean, and the dash and pad show no visible issues. It isn’t perfect, because the bright insert in the driver’s door trim appears to show some deterioration. Interestingly, it took only a brief online search to find an excellent secondhand replacement for under $60. Therefore, it won’t break the bank to address one of this interior’s few shortcomings.
The horsepower war was on in earnest in 1964, as this Wildcat shows. Its engine bay houses a 401ci “Nailhead” V8 that delivers a factory-claimed 325hp and 445 ft/lbs of torque. A three-speed automatic transmission handles shifting duties, while the driver benefits from power steering and power brakes. Buick also offered buyers an option 425ci V8 with more power and torque, but most buyers couldn’t justify the added expense for an extra 15hp and 20 ft/lbs of torque. The seller recently spent $7,000 on new tires, ball joints, an exhaust, and a carburetor rebuild. They say that the car runs like a top, allowing the buyer to fly in and drive this beauty home.
The buyer has a couple of choices once they’ve safely squirreled this 1964 Buick Wildcat away in their garage. Its presentation appears acceptable for a driver-grade classic, though it would undoubtedly improve with a cosmetic refresh. The car’s lack of rust and panel damage makes it ideal for enthusiasts who prefer a hands-on approach. That also presents an ideal opportunity for a color change, and it will be fascinating to hear your opinions and what you would do if you became this Buick’s new owner.
Perhaps the color would more accurately be called “Retina Burst” Yellow.
Hang on a minute….. This is a stock color? When I saw this I thought it was repainted with a color change from green, grey, or beige. Wow. I will have to admit, this Buick certainly stuck out on that dealers lot. I wouldn’t change the color, just for the simple fact it’s unique. I don’t ever remember seeing any ’64 Buick in this bright yellow before. The more I look at it, the more I’m liking it actually. I would restore the black inserts on the rims, those Buick rims are one of my all time favorite designs. That would look great with the yellow paint.
I don’t recall this bright of a yellow in the color charts for 64. Not saying it could not be original, there were special car orders, but if it is, definitely the first Buick from 1964 that I have seen with this exterior shade. I know there was sunburst yellow available for Buicks later on – 1972, but the mid-sixties yellows were usually much more subdued – E.G. butternut yellow, cameo cream, etc. Would be curious to see the trim tag.
I looked up the color options for a ’64 Buick Wildcat, and the only yellow I found was called Sunburst. It definitely wasn’t this bright of a yellow. I have to believe the first owner had the car repainted in its current yellow IMHO. Nice Buick though but I would have to find a different color for it. Not a fan of yellow especially this one.