Pick of the Day: 1966 Buick Wildcat GS

Nineteen sixty-six was the only year Buick featured three Gran Sport models: Skylark, Riviera and Wildcat. Both the Skylark and Riviera GSs first appeared in 1965 and would continue into the 1970s, while the Wildcat GS would only appear in 1966. It’s an enigmatic vehicle that rarely pops up for sale, which is why this 1966 Buick Wildcat GS listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in Branson, Missouri is our Pick of the Day. (Click the link to view the listing)

The 1962 Wildcat was a sporty, mid-year sub-model for the Invicta but, in 1963, the Wildcat completely replaced the Invicta series and played the role as a mid-level full-size model in Buick’s portfolio, situated between the LeSabre and the high-zoot Electra through 1970. Though not a sporty model, the Wildcat often appeared to play that role, much like the Chrysler 300 did for Chrysler from 1962-71. However, there only was one truly performance-oriented Wildcat, and that was the one ordered with the Gran Sport package, which included an upgrade to the 425ci “Nailhead” with 340 horsepower (aka “Wildcat 465,” the number based on the torque rating), Positraction rear, and ride and handling package. The package was available on all Wildcat and Wildcat Custom two-door models, plus the Super Wildcat 465 was available with dual quads for 360 horsepower.

Only 1,245 Wildcats were built with the Gran Sport package, making them a rare curiosity that often is not on the radar of 1960s fans. “This car has undergone a restoration of all of its drivetrain and new interior and paint,” which includes the dual-quad engine paired with the Super Turbine automatic, though the seller doesn’t state whether this vehicle is one of the 21 built with this engine or it’s an owner upgrade. “Car is absolutely beautiful and runs and drives excellent. Air blows cold and everything on the car works as it should. New wheels and emblems all around.” Mileage shows 1,755 though there is no claim that it is original.  

Distinguishing the Gran Sport version of the Wildcat is an endeavor of subtlety. Gran Sport badges grace the grille, while GS badges flank both rear fenders and trunklid. The VIN prefix (46437) designates this as a Wildcat two-door Sport Coupe (meaning it doesn’t feature the Custom’s fancier interior), making this Seafoam Green example one of 164 regular Wildcat hardtops with the GS package. Other options include console with integrated tachometer situated between the black buckets, and Buick’s evergreen mag wheels.

Seller concludes, “[This] car is a great restoration and is sure to turn heads everywhere it goes.” The asking price is $38,000 for this unusual piece of Buick history, which would make a nice addition to an owner with both Skylark and Riviera Gran Sports.

To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.