1963 BUICK WILDCAT CONVERTIBLE
Designer: William ”Bill” Mitchell

Estimate: $32,000 -­ $42,000

Chassis Number: 6J3040687
Decoded: 6=4600 Series Wildcat V8; J=1963 model; 3=Linden, NJ assembly plant
040687=unit sequence
Engine: 401 cid OHV V8
4-­barrel Carburetor / 325 bhp
3-­Speed Turbine Drive Automatic Transmission
Power Assisted Four Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
Mileage: 77,722

● Buick’s Performance Model for 1963
● Well Appointed, Beautiful Appearance
● Ready for the Road or Show Field

The Model: Introduced as a special edition of the Invicta for 1962, the 1963 season found Wildcat as the newest series in the Buick line­up with the convertible as the top­of­the­line model seeing just, 6,021 editions produced. Buick had been a leader in putting their most powerful engines in smaller cars, such as the legendary Century, and while the brand’s demographics were for more established customers, there was a certain breed that had a need for speed, who wanted to look good too. Wildcat’s list of standard equipment was long, from the padded dash and bucket seats to the deluxe steering wheel, automatic transmission, dual exhaust, plus full carpeting with a center console for the shifter and tachometer. On the outside exclusive side trim set the Wildcat apart from other Buicks, but the traditional Venti­ports, though just simulated, were still a styling cue on this model.

The Car: Finished in its original color of Granada Red with black vinyl seating and a clean, tight white soft top, this example of the Wildcat convertible is ultimate machine for style and performance from a half ­century ago. With the famous “nail­head” V8 under the hood backed up by the proven Turbine Drive transmission, this car can still get up and scoot. But who wants to speed past admiring eyes when you are riding in a car like this. Power steering and brakes make driving this Wildcat a whole lot safer, and interior appointments include push-­button AM radio, the console mounted tachometer, power windows and driver’s side bucket seat, plus the vast amounts of brushed aluminum bright trim complete the picture. Several after market gauges help monitor engine conditions and have been discreetly installed. An excellent example of Buick’s top performer for 1963, from when better cars were built by Buick.