By now, you would think that every barn, shed or old building in America has had their stock of aging vehicles depleted. The number of reality-based TV series alone must take a half dozen or more cars out of hiding, to be modified or restored as the new owner or builder has determined.
Yet along came Dave from Wisconsin, who happened to be poking around a shed in the Northwestern part of his state, only to find a 1967 Buick Wildcat Convertible.
Most likely from the last known registration, Dave determined that the Buick had not been on the road in over 4 years. With only 34,545 miles on the odometer, and the top, floors, trunk and interior in great shape and the original bias ply tires still on it, you can surmise this Wildcat was a fair weather cruiser for its original owner.
With an all new engine for 1967, the Buick 430 cubic inch V-8 with 10.5:1 compression, hydraulic lifters, and a four-barrel carb was rated at 360 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. It featured larger valves for better breathing than the previous 401/425 nailhead design that dated back to Buick’s first V-8. On the Wildcats, finned aluminum front brake drums were among many standard items.
Now residing in Dave’s garage, the Wildcat awaits the opportunity for its new owner to get it running and on the road. Of 68,071 Buick Wildcats produced in 1967, only 2,279 were convertibles or about 3%, making this rescue all the more worthwhile. Do you have any great save stories to share about a car that found a new owner?