What is it about Detroit’s propensity for watering down great names? In 1962, Chrysler replaced the Windsor with the new 300, a mainstream mid-trim level situated between the Newport and New Yorker that compromised the equity of the 300 letter-series. Not only did Buick do a similar thing a year later, but the automaker did it in the same price class as the 300. Our Pick of the Day is the first version of this model before Buick mainstreamed it. This 1962 Buick Wildcat is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in O’Fallon, Illinois.
Buick’s completely redesigned 1959 models also included all-new model names. At the bottom was the LeSabre, which replaced the Special as the brand’s bread-and-butter car. Replacing the Century was the Invicta, which rode on the LeSabre’s shorter wheelbase and had the power of the senior Buick’s new 401 V8. The replacement for the Roadmaster was the Electra, with a special Electra 225 model featuring an additional five inches in length (for 225 inches in total) and several additional standard features.
Starting in 1960, the Invicta two-door hardtop and convertible were available with the Custom package, which added stylish bucket seats with genuine leather trim and a two-way power driver’s seat. The Custom package manifested itself as an Invicta special sub-model for 1962 called the Wildcat.
“Buick introduces torrid new luxury sports car! First with the sure-footed sock of advanced thrust,” proclaimed the spring ad introducing the Wildcat. The special vehicle included front bucket seats divided by a bright metal console featuring a tachometer and Turbine Drive stick shift (another way of saying Buick’s Dynaflow transmission). A vinyl top—unusual for the time—was included. Other “sports car touches” included a foam rubber headliner with chrome strips like a convertible, deep carpeting, rear seat courtesy light, Electra taillights, and special Wildcat wheel covers. As the Wildcat was based on the Invicta, it was powered by a standard 401 “Nailhead” with 325 horsepower.
Think of the 1962 Wildcat as Buick’s answer to the Pontiac Grand Prix and you will not be far off. However, the Wildcat never had a chance to play the same role again as, for 1963, it was mainstreamed as Buick’s mid-livel series, taking over the Invicta’s place as a full-fledged line that included a four-door and convertible. This didn’t leave Buick without a personal luxury model, however, as the Riviera was introduced for 1963, which most certainly was one of the most stylish American vehicles from the 1960s.
This Arctic White 1962 Buick Wildcat is a rare and unusual collectible not often found for sale. Making it more unusual is the white-on-white color combo, though it currently lacks its vinyl top. Power steering and brakes, and an AM radio are several features on this vehicle. Plus, if you glance at the data plate, you’ll see several accessory codes: S7, U7, and N7. Those codes mean this vehicle was originally equipped with a driver-side remote mirror, power windows, and “N2” air conditioning and “N4” Vanity Group (N2 + N4 = N7 in Buick’s world), the latter of which included a right-hand mirror, tissue dispenser, and litter basket.
Imagine this: You enjoy sporty cars, but you’re at a stage in life where you’d rather deal with easy cruising instead of a spine-jarring ride and a rumpety-rump engine that is a pain to tune. This Wildcat may check all the proper boxes for you because it’s still sporty yet gives you luxury, rarity, and exclusivity. For $21,000, this is a good habit worth indulging.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com
