There are many mainstream enthusiasts who, when they hear the term muscle car, only think of Chargers, Chevelles, and GTO’s. Arguably Camaros, Firebirds, Mustangs, and Challengers squeak by too, although they’re technically pony cars.
But what about full-sized muscle? Some stubborn traditionalists are still stuck on the original definition, claiming that only cars produced between model years 1964-72, and those that follow the large engine/mid-sized, two-door coupe template can wear that designation.
We fully disagree. We have to. For example, how could you ignore the “Swiss Cheese” Catalinas, 409/409 Impalas, 426-powered Max Wedge Mopars, Ford Thunderbolts, and others from the early ’60s? We think the Buick Wildcat should qualify as well.
For the first time in 1963, the Wildcat became its own model, no longer a trim level on the Invicta. It was available with only one engine in its inaugural year; the Nailhead 401 V8. It was often referred to as the “Wildcat 445” since the torque rating is what Buick used to advertise their engines with in those days.
However, the Wildcat wasn’t designed to be a dragstrip terror, it was a full-sized luxury car for dentists who wanted a quick machine with a lot of torque under their right foot. We can’t say we blame them. It could be considered a gentleman’s muscle car. In hindsight, we believe that the Wildcat paved the way for upcoming innovative vehicles from Buick, such as the Riviera, GSX, Grand National, and anything wearing the “GS” emblem.
We found this example over on eBay today, and it caught our attention. Painted in black over red vinyl interior, we think this Buick looks just as good today as it had almost fifty years ago. It’s been through only three owners in that time, and comes complete and original according to the seller. For a reserve price of only $9000, you can’t go wrong with this one.