So here’s one of those questions. Is it better to have an old car on the road with a different combo than its manufacturer ever offered or is it just wrong to swap in some stuff that no one ever put there in the first place? We’d argue 10 times out of 10 it is better to have a car on the road where it can be enjoyed no matter the power source but we know others out there are harder core on such issues than we are. This 1965 Buick Wildcat is an awesome family roller and it has apparently done plenty as a cruiser on the 2014 Hot Rod Power Tour and other places. The guy who put the car together did a lot of nice work, used good pieces, and it is a nice looking, high quality example of Buick four door sweetness in the 1960s.
Rather than plug another Nailhead in this car, the owner decided to go with a mildly built big block of the 1973 vintage. There’s some cam, some head work, and good construction practices through the engine as he lists them and we’re sure that it must scoot this thing down the road pretty well. The exhaust is nice and clean and we dig the exit through the rear quarters. Again, we know lots of guys hate the idea of cutting up a quarter panel to run exhaust through but we think it is a nice, clean look. The engine even has a custom made oil pan on it which is a cool touch. The trans is a turbo 400 with a 3,000 stall converter and the suspension looks like it has been refurbished as well. It looks cool with the drag meats on the back.
The interior is stock but clean as a whistle, the car has Auto Meter gauges and there is a Vintage Air system that needs a line or two made and a charge job to be functional. To us, this looks like a wicked family cruiser with the unique and clean looks of a middle 1960s Buick.
What’s your take?
CHECK OUT THE PHOTOS OF THIS BUICK AND THEN HIT THE LINK –
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE EBAY AD FOR THIS MORE DOOR BUICK
Not like the car was exactly rear or extremely valuable, so why not up the firepower a little? I like it.
I had a ’64 Riviera with the 425 and a ST400 (cracked bell housing). I tried to find a donor trans for a long time. Frustrated, I had thoughts of engine swaps, but could never commit to doing it. I got rid of it for something with more parts available. I wouldn’t fault someone for doing a swap. There is probable more reasoning behind the decision besides being unique or easy; that which most swaps are not.
I like it.
Yeah, the big block may not be fully OEM, but who cares? This is probably what someone forty years ago would have done had he spun a bearing or seized the factory motor and couldn’t find the parts necessary for a rebuild.
The only difference I would change is replacing the T400 with a 4L80E. My parents had the same car back in the early 70’s. Only there’s was dark green body with light green top.
My parents had a 64 Wildcat Loved that car !! Blue/ black int. bucket seats.
We drove it cross country Ca to NY 80mph most of the time !!!