How rare

[madmanadam]

I have a 1963 wildcat convet with a 425 it is original except the paint.

I'm debating on updating the interior and engine compartment.

Is it more valuable stock or customed?

Originaly it was white exterior with blue interior.

How many built with a 425, finding info on this car is not easy.

any info would be great!

Thank you

Adam

[Dave@Moon]

You should probably post this on the Buick forum for a better answer, however a car (in equal conditon) is almost always worth more stock. This is <span style="text-decoration: underline">especially</span> true for convertibles. It gets even more important after a few years, as custom cars depreciate and age (especially with regard to style and equipment) but antiques <span style="text-decoration: underline">don't!</span> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

[Guest DaveCorbin]

Dear Adam:

I'm trying to get the production numbers for 63 Wildcat converts together, but for 1965, there were 32 Wildcat Converts with 425's. Since 425's weren't released for 63 Wildcats until well into the 63 model run and apparently not advertised, the number of 63 Wildcat Convertibles with 425's has to be VERY small. I'm a part owner of one like yours. You didn't say what transmission your car is. Ours is a 4-speed and has a Positraction axle.

Regards, Dave Corbin

[madmanadam]

Thanks for the replys.

For the trans i have know Idea, but it is a 2 speed, L & D.

It is different then what I'm use to, with R being where L is on most trans.

Are there many types of trans that came with this model?

Thanks again

Adam

[Dave@Moon]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> For the trans i have know Idea, but it is a 2 speed, L & D.

It is different then what I'm use to, with R being where L is on most trans.

Are there many types of trans that came with this model?

</div></div>

This is the shift quadrant for the Dynaflow automatic transmission (by this time called Turbine Drive). The order is PNDLR instead of the later (changed in 1964 for Buicks and soon thereafter standard for the entire industry) PRNDL pattern.

In 1963 the <span style="text-decoration: underline">vast</span> majority of Buicks came with the Turbine Drive that's in your car.

[Ted "Wildcat65" Nagel]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Dear Adam:

I'm trying to get the production numbers for 63 Wildcat converts together, but for 1965, there were [color:"red"] with 425's. Since 425's weren't released for 63 Wildcats until well into the 63 model run and apparently not advertised, the number of 63 Wildcat Convertibles with 425's has to be VERY small. I'm a part owner of one like yours. You didn't say what transmission your car is. Ours is a 4-speed and has a Positraction axle.

Regards, Dave Corbin </div></div>

Hi Adam, Dave.

Just to clarify, that 32 number is for 425 4-speeds. There were many more 425 'cat convertibles with automatics. Rarest was the dual quad, that was 107 convertibles; 551 total. On the spreadsheet I've only clarified the 4-speeds and dual quad cars - I should include the Wildcat 465 too.

But! for '63 the numbers have not been deciphered yet.

I'm sure the 425 was way more exclusive for the '63 model.

I'd love to see some pictures of these 'cats! Wild!

Thanks, Ted

[madmanadam]

First day home.

[imported_buick5563]

Looking good, Adam.

That's almost the color of mine when I first brought mine home. Although your's looks like it is in much better shape than mine was. Mine is a 401 with a Dynaflow transmission.

Mike

[/image]

[madmanadam]

Sweet ride Mike! Do you have any more pic's?

How many years did it take to get it that clean?

I have noticed that you dont have side marker, i must have another option.

Thanks for sharing

Adam

[Guest dabecker65@gmail.com]

Adam:

Those are the optional cornering lights - operate w/ turnsignals. Probably are pretty rare on anything other than an Electra and I don't remember them being real common on those.

[imported_buick5563]

(warning... modified alert!) <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Adam,

I got mine on ebay about 6 years ago. I bought it thinking I was just going to drive it, ya know, a convertible. It had been a high school shop class project and so the body work was pretty much just inches of bondo over rust, and a badly smashed quarter panel. The interior was blue pleather that smelled like cat urine. There was no carpet and no top, OK, it was there but just barely and the mechanism didn't even raise manually because there were actually main pieces missing from the top frame. I decided (since I had a stock 1955 to enjoy) that I would make slight modifications to my car. I didn't do anything undo-able and I tried to do it close to what Buick did. The paint is a Mitsubishi red pearl. The upholstery is similar to the pattern but I chose boat vinyl and silver sparkle inserts. Then just recently, I installed a 1966 intake manifold with a Quadrajet carburetor, thus, the giant air cleaner you see. This of course led to installing aluminum valve covers. So basically, other car guys don't necessarily know that it is modified, since there aren't aftermarket wheels and an Edelbrock carb on it.

[imported_buick5563]

Pics..

[/image]

[/image]

Mike

[madmanadam]

All I can say is wow! Looks great. My interior is in need of help.

The color blue dash, seats, sterring wheel and then green flower design

everywhere else. My opinion is yuk.

Hum, cant get pic to work.

Thanks for sharing and info.

Adam