[imported_Pete Phillips]

Can't keep this off the net any longer--I'm about to burst with excitement over what I've found. Two BCA buddies and I went together and jumped on this '63 Wildcat convertible with factory 4-speed transmission, about 3 hours after it first appeared on Ebay a couple of weeks ago, with a reasonable "buy it now". I've researched it a bit, and have learned that there were 30 '63 Wildcats with 4-speed, of which 6 were convertibles. Can anyone else verify that? How many could be left?
The car arrived today from New England. The floors, rockers, and rear quarters are shockingly rusty, and my heart sank when I first saw it. But I started that 401 and eased it from the transport truck into my garage. Man, this thing runs nicely and sounds just like it should. 87,000 miles appear to be original. Transmission and clutch seem to be good. The next decision is whether to jump in and do the $5000 to $10,000 that this thing needs in body work, and how far to go on the interior which is original but somewhat faded. I only have 5-6 other projects waiting for my attention...! What's it worth when done...any guesses or experience? Should we just put a new top on it and fix the rusted brake lines so it can be driven as is? Anyone know of a rust-free '63 coupe body that I can get for body parts? Every panel on this convertible has some rust, with exception of the hood. Thank goodness the frame is solid and rust-free, and the cowl seems fine.

Pete Phillips, BCA #7338
Sherman, TX

[imported_Pete Phillips]

Trying again on photo attachment.
Pete

[imported_Pete Phillips]

One more photo, after car got cleaned up from its long haul.
Pete

[imported_Pete Phillips]

Here is a photo of the passenger side floor. Previous owner stuck a red and white metal sign over the huge rust holes. Scary, isn't it? Left side floor is not quite this bad. I'll need all of the encouragement that I can get!

Pete Phillips
BCA #7338
Sherman, TX

[Glassesguy]

Pete:
What a find!! I say do the things you need to do to make it safe and drivable, then go have fun with it while you finish the other projects. Put some shine on the chrome and spray bomb the rust for cosmetics. You know darn well if you start going all the way on this one, unanticipated things will come up and push your other projects back even further. Take the car to some shows so the smart a-ses there can see Buick had the performance and power to rival any 409, 413, or 406 that was on the streets at that time. Keep us posted with pictures of your progress. Great work on the Bugle.

[imported_Thriller]

Sweet find Pete. The body doesn't look that bad, compared to what my '66 'Cat was, although your floors are in tougher shape (I just had to get patches in the trunk).

You darn Texans are so spoiled for bodies... <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I'm not sure I'd want to drive it if it meant risking falling through the floor <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> Other than that, though, the car looks to be a decent driver. Have some fun with it while you whittle down the number of projects.

Oh yeah, go smoke a 409 for me <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

So you're the one that grabbed it. I saw it one night and thought this ain't gonna last long and sure'nuf it was gone the next day by noon. CONGRATULATIONS.That's an awesome car and one helluva find. A 63 Wildcat would have been nice but a convertible!!! I don't think you'll have any trouble doubling your money on this one. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Glad to see it go to someone so deserving and worthy.

Pete, Man I can't quit thinking about your getting this car and just what a rare icon of the EARLY muscle cars it is. The 63 409 Impala SS is about the only thing close to being in its class. As far as value, I don't think you will find much to compare it to thus you will basically be setting it's own worth. In my opinion, properly restored, it could be worth just as much as some of the 70's muscle cars that typically sell in the six digit figures. What this is saying though is that there is only one way to restore this car and that is to a #1 or concours condition. So maybe you should go ahead and drive it around and enjoy it a little now before you get started with the restoration.
BTW I notice it didn't take you long to get this one home did it? <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

[Skyking]

Peter, nice find! Right in my backyard (sorta speaking). This car deserves nothing buy the best restoration possible!! 63's were the best looking years, with all that nice stainless.........Good luck with your project.

[4-Speed]

Welcome to the world of the 63-65 4-Speeds, Pete! Great car and great buy, no doubt. That one is an oddball too as it does not have the long console, rather the floor shift with buckets. Very strange. Best bet for the body is to find a decent but needing restoration coupe or conv., they usually don't break the banks in sales dollars. 63 Wildcats are extremely cool, but just don't bring what the Chevys bring, which is great for buyers like us. As far as how much to spend, how much do you like the car? The more you are around it the more you will like, trust me.

Enjoy the shifting!

Matt