1962 Buick Wildcat

Buick's quest for power first came in the 1962 Buick Wildcat that is still debated as Buick's first performance car, while others argue it's more a luxury sports coupe than performance. Nevertheless, it began Buick's quest for power and even lended its name to several Buick engines of the mid sixties.

The Buick Wildcat first appeared as part of the Invicta line, and included custom equipment such as front all-vinyl bucket seats, deluxe steering wheel, a console, tachometer, and a rear floor lamp. To improve the suspension and handling of the Wildcat Buick engineers made adjustments consisting of a frame that carried boxed cross-members with heavy side rails, coil springs on all four corners, and oversized 10 inch drum brakes. The Wildcat weighed in at about 4,150 pounds. Standard power was the Buick LT401 cid V8, rated at a strong 325 bhp. Although this engine was also available in the regular Invicta line, the Wildcat came with a standard 3.42:1 rear end. A 4.45:1 rear end was optional for those wanting even more performance.

Original cost for the '62 Wildcat was said to be just under $4000.00, with about 2000 being produced as an option on the Invicta line.