Hello,

We have a beautiful 1964 Wildcat four speed and I am trying to determine how many 4 speeds were made in 64'. Anyone know by chance as it isnt very documented? THX

If you haven't already done so, post this on the BCA part of this forum, they will be able to help you.

I can't tell you about 1964's but there was a parked 1963 Wildcat CONVERTIBLE with a factory 4-speed on Saginaw Street during the Sunday parade.....1 of 20 made I was told.....owned by Ken Ferguson of Grand Blanc, Michigan. He was listed in the 2008 Nat's Registration also.


Al Mack
"500 Miles West of Flint" (as a Skylark flies)

1 of 20? Now that is rare for any Buick!

Craig2911, I need a little info first. KT 401, KW 425, or KX 425? A/C or non A/C? 4 door sedan, 4 door hardtop, 2 door hardtop, or convertible?

With this info I can get you a production number.

Matt

HAVE YOU HEARD ANYTHING ... I FOUND A 2DR 64 AS WELL AND ITS A HURST 4-SPEED. hAVE YOU FOUND A BUILD SHEET YET, "UNDER SEATS BACK, FRONT PASS, trunk ect ????

Some more info-- in 63 and 64 there were 2 4 speed trannys avail. One with console one without. It does not say anything if its a Hurst but the illustration I have shows a flat shift lever much like Hurst of that era. How many took advantage of this option, I don't know. Just think a 64 with the dual carbs on a 425, I'll bet that would lay rubber for blocks especially with bias ply tires.

dO YOU KNOW IF THERE WERE ANY FACTORY ALUM. HEAD&BLOCK 4-SPEED CARS IN 1964. i WAS TOLD THIS IS ONE OF 12 FACTORY DRAG CARS

Raptor,

No I have never heard of a factory effort toward racing - from Buick - the early 60's and there were no aluminum blocks, and doubt heads made. Matt?

The only factory Alum avail was in the 300 cu in engine in 64. Thats just the heads.

Raptor, Buick did not make any factory drag cars in 64 at all. In fact, 1963 was the last year for factory produced drag-package cars (like the Z-11 Impalas and Super-Duty Catalinas) with lightweight drag racing only parts and special engines. As far as I know, no Wildcat had a factory aluminum motor or heads, they were all cast iron 401s or 425s. What size motor is in the one you found. Is it coral colored by chance?

Matt

But we do know that, starting in January 1963, a rare high performance option package (code W1) could be ordered which included the 425 High performance engine, standard transmission, and posi-traction rear end. Although not a factory drag racer as we define them, it is a rare factory setup.

Yes under the table wink wink as I believe Ford kept racing and Chrysler.

Dear BRH:
I don't know about laying rubber with one, but I put the old size 13 D to our 63 WC convertible 425 4-speed at 10 MPH in second gear, with my watch where I could see could see the second hand ticking. Less than 7 ticks to 70, all in second gear and not out of revs yet.
There were about 30 4-speeds and 32 425's in 1963, and they only overlap if you ordered it that way, probably 10 cars or less. It looks like so far our convertible is the only one that's both AND a convertible.
Regards, Dave Corbin

Dave,

Thanks for the info--shes a wonderful car. Just thinking out loud but the phrase "yep thats how they built em" popped in my head. Back in the days of young and stupid a buddy of mine had a 64 cat. He'd punch it at a dead stop, several feet later the tires would quit spinning. We also had to roll the windows down as the car would fill with smoke.

The 64 Buick Daily Production Report for the WIldcat-
56 4-door/4-speeds
354 Coupe/4-speeds
199 Convertible 4-speeds
according to Buick Daily Production Reports.
94 dual quad 4-doors,
366 dual quad coupes
178 dual quad convertibles

114 dual quad 4-speed coupes
53 dual quad 4-speed convertibles