I bought this car from a wrecker in 1993 for $450. It had been driven onto the lot. It needed the brake booster to be replaced, but other than that was fairly mechanically sound. I got the yard to tow it home, but the buggers bent the front bumper. Oh well. I still like the looks of the car and hope to restore it.

I actually am quite annoyed about the bumper....

Aren't these hubcaps the neatest thing since sliced bread?

I see from the quality (or lack thereof) of these photos that I will need to get the digital camera out to where the car is.

On my birthday in 1999, I happened across a Wildcat hardtop from Ontario (in Winnipeg). Of course, I stopped to chat with the owner. He told me that it would be tough to find parts. I let him know that I didn't need much - really just the hood ornament. He goes to dig around in the car because he has one. He couldn't find it because they were all packed up for travelling, but he takes my address. A week or two later, I get this little package in the mail containing the hood ornament. It isn't in perfect shape, but it is better than the broken one I have on the car. What a wonderful birthday present. This also goes to show how great car people really are.

In 2002 I had renewed interest in this car. I got it running again, but the transmission needed some work. After that, I did a partial tune-up and put new dual exhaust on it and drove it into storage. Sigh. I have had new tires (Uniroyal TigerPaws of course) mounted on the rims while the car sits on blocks. New paws for my Wildcat.

1966 Buick Wildcat Custom 2-dr. hardtop

• Drivetrain: 401 V8, Super Turbine 400 (switch-pitch 3 speed automatic)
• 325 brake hp at 4600 rpm, 445 ft-lb torque, 10.25:1 compression ratio, Carter AFB 4-bbl carburetor
• 126 in wheelbase, 219.9 in overall length, 63.4 in front tread, 63 in rear tread, optional 8.85 x 15 in tires
• Options include: power steering, power brakes, air conditioning, AM/FM radio, tinted windshield, cornering lights, simulated wire wheelcovers, rear window defrost (necessary for a Saskatchewan winter)
• Factory price $3547, shipping weight 4018 lb, production total 10800
• Colour: Blue Mist, Interior: Black

September 2006 - Here is a thread which describes the restoration progress of the Wildcat and includes a variety of photos - Buick Club of America Forum Thread.  Soon I hope to put together another page which will be a bit of a photo album of the current state of the Wildcat.  At this stage, there are plenty of small things that could still be done to it as well as upholstery and carpeting and a few touch ups.

Email us at: derek.thille@ieee.nospam.org and remove .nospam

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