Lot 189 - 1964 Buick Wildcat
| Lot Number | 189 |
| Registration | BTL 246B |
| Chassis Number | 6K5042770 |
| Odometer reading | 46,000 miles |
| Estimate | £20,000 - £27,000 |
- Superb history
- A very well-maintained example
- In very good order throughout
As automobile designers in the USA moved away from the excesses of the 1950s, the 1960s saw a new maturity in design that produced some of the best-looking cars in the history of the industry. Gone were the excessively chromed, bloated and finned bodies; in their place appeared sleek and low-slung machines that emphasised power, speed, comfort and luxury.
One of the most successful brands that epitomised this new design language was General Motors’ (GM) Buick division, positioned as GM’s luxury brand just below Cadillac.
In 1963, the Wildcat was launched as Buick’s high-performance luxury model. Available in 1964 as a two-door convertible or coupé, and four-door pillared and pillarless sedan, this well-preserved example is a Model 4639 Four Door Hardtop, one of 17,519 made that year.
Supplied new by Broadway Motors in Newbury, New York, this well-optioned Buick was subsequently delivered to its first owner, Mr Mocko, in July 1964 as a birthday present for his wife. Kept in the family until 2000 with approximately 37,000 miles on the odometer, (which is documented in the magazine article that is present in the history file), it was then sold to a Mr Curley. The Buick was then acquired by Mr Pierce who accrued another 4,000 miles over his circa 10-year tenure before a Mr Ulrich of York, PA purchased the vehicle. When Mr Ulrich could no longer keep the car, it was sold and shipped to the UK in August 2020 and in February 2021, our vendor acquired the Buick with a mere 45,372 miles on the odometer.
This Buick Wildcat’s specification includes the well-known 325HP 401CI “nailhead” engine, optional Super Turbine 400 auto transmission, power steering, power brakes, Sonomatic radio, dual speed wipers, tinted windshield, as well as a retro fitted air conditioning system.
Recommissioned in March 2021 by UCCS , work included an annual service, grease points, front wheel bearings cleaned and re-greased, brake fluid flushed and replaced, full automatic transmission service, fuel system drained and flushed, coolant system flushed and refilled, new spark plugs, full brake service with new rear brake shoes, four new tyres, four new shock absorbers, a new custom made silencer, wheel alignment and steering adjustment.
The bonnet, roof and boot paintwork appear to be original, and the interior is in exceptionally original condition. The history file that accompanies the car includes the sales invoice, build sheet, Mr Mocko's original customer service booklet and handbook, and an original 1964 Buick service manual. There are numerous service invoices covering all the years the car was in the USA, and a newspaper article describing its history dated November 2000.
While it is not uncommon for exotics and sports cars to appear at auction, it is not often that a full-size mainstream sedan that epitomises a particular automotive era is offered for sale, and in such remarkable, original condition. This Wildcat appears in very good running order, is ready to be enjoyed immediately and will provide huge amounts of enjoyment for its new owner.
Interested parties should satisfy themselves as to the description and condition of each Lot prior to the sale. Accordingly, buyers are on notice that each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ subject to the Terms and Conditions for the auction. All registration numbers, engine and chassis details are sourced from registration documents provided to Historics by the client or representative or HPI checks and buyers are to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of these details. Buyers are advised to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out this service. Historics will not entertain disputes over descriptions.