For most of the 1960s, the Wildcat was Buick’s performance-oriented full-size car. With a name like that, you would think it was available only as a coupe or convertible, but 4-door models were also available (for the family man who was in a hurry?). This 1966 edition sports Flame Red paint (original?) and a snappy black interior and is being offered here on Facebook Marketplace by its third owner. Hailing from Rescue, California, the asking price is $24,000. Here’s another great tip from T.J.!
The Wildcat was slotted between the LeSabre and Electra in the full-size inventory at your Buick dealer. In 1966, a 401 cubic inch V8 was standard, with a 425 being optional (340 or 360 hp depending on carburetion). Since the engine in the seller’s car is painted red, that would make it the 425 “Super Wildcat” engine (465 ft./lb. of torque). All other Buick V8 motors were painted Buick Green. Usually, you would find that engine in a limited production Wildcat GS (Gran Sport), but the seller makes no mention of that. And the air cleaner suggests a single 4-barrel rather than twins, while the seller believes the 425 is original to the car.
While Buick assembled more than 68,500 Wildcats in 1966, 10,800 were Wildcat Custom 2-door hardtops like the seller’s car. The Custom signified a higher level of trim. At 93,000 miles, this Buick looks as though it has lived in a garage all its life, but it’s certainly not a garage queen. The dual exhaust is new, as are all five “red line” tires, which were popular in those days. The seller’s Buick comes with its build sheet, which should verify exactly which engine was installed in the vehicle at the factory.
The seller has had the privilege of enjoying this Buick for the last four years. But perhaps the time has come for someone else to take the reins. It’s a fully equipped luxury car with power windows and seats and factory air conditioning. There is no mention of anything the Wildcat needs except a new home.
Absolutely stunning. Look at the side profile picture taken inside the garage. GM certainly had a very handsome full size car lineup in the 60’s. Those Buick rims are right up there with the Pontiac 8 lugs in my book. These rims ALWAYS make ANY full size Buick look nicer, and this one is no exception. The red line tires go great with this shade of “Arrest Me Red”. I’m sure it had white walls originally, but I think its a nice touch. Beautiful Buick here Russ, and a fantastic find here T.J. thank you!!!
We had a 62 VW bug when I was a kid,it was black with gold lettering that said Superfly under rear side windows, also wheel adapters with these wheels and wide white walls,so cool..
What is with all the red cars? I never remember red cars, except the fire dept. And the seemingly patriotic theme (red white and blue cars), is a nice touch. WILDCAT,,,I don’t think there was any other car with a name that had zing like a WILDCAT! In ’66, big block muscle cars were just coming on the scene. Most cars on the streets were still 6 cylinders or small block V8s. The absolute BEST car to skidaddle down that new turnpike( or Hy.41) was a 4 two bits Wildcat. I read this car would do 0-60 in 7.8 seconds and the 1/4 mile at 15.7@88 mph, and could bury the speedo, @ 125mph top speed. That, my friends, was power to pass those pesky smoking semi trucks. Didn’t see many Wildcats, I suppose beer swizzling, tube junkie factory workers was just the wrong market. Can you imagine the choices in 1966? This, a GP, a T-Bird, a 7 litre, a Charger, the best of times,,,car wise anyways.
Good looking car. As much as I like ’60’s Pontiacs, I would take this over a ’66 Grand Prix.
cool cat here. w/w i feel would look better than the red stripes. would make the wheels stand out
What’s up with the trunk lid? Looks misaligned.
Sharp Buick.
Beautiful Buick. The only things missing are the dual quads.
Just bought a 1966 Electra 225 Custom convertible with the 425 cu single 4 barrel factory air, tissue tray, power vent windows and about every option you can think of. 49000 miles as new Interior. in the process of doing cleaning and detailing. Chrome & stainless is great,
paint not as great
Though indeed a FINE ride….the icing on the cake would for it to have been the 1966-only Wildcat Gran Sport!
(https://oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Buick/1966_Buick/1966_Buick_Brochure/1966%20Buick-08%20amp%2009.html)
(https://oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Buick/1966_Buick/1966_Buick_Prestige_Brochure/1966%20Buick%20Prestige-28-29.html )
I like the front & rear look of the ’66 better than the ’65. Also the dash gauges are more driver friendly than the round pods on the ’65.
Nicely loaded and I noticed a rear defogger, too. Road wheels & the red stripe tires add a finishing touch.
My parents had a 66 4 door Wildcat, missing hubcaps and always full of kids. My dad always said that car would pass anything on the road, but if you passed the 3rd gas station, you were walking back.