The world is a strange place right now but one thing we all have in abundance is a bit more time to hang out at home. For car lovers, this could mean the chance to start a new restoration project.
For a considerably small amount, those living in the U.S. could own what the current owner calls a rare piece of history. More importantly, they would have the chance to bring it back to its former glory: a 1966 Buick Wildcat Grand Sport.
In 1966, Buick offered a one-year-only “Grand Sport Performance Group” package on the Wildcat with two engine choices. The base offering included a single-carb 425 CID/340 hp V8, heavy-duty suspension, dual exhaust, posi-traction and updated rear quarter-panel “GS” badging. Upgrades were possible, for what would be called Super Wildcats.
The cat now being sold by someone near Burlington, Vermont, claims to have all these “rare emblems.” It also runs and drives, but is in serious need of restoration. However, it sells for $4,700, which the owner believes is a bargain for such a rare car, especially considering that similar, fully restored Wildcat GSs sold for upwards of $52,000 at recent auctions.
The owner also notes that only 164 cars with these exact specifications were ever made, so in that sense, yes, it’s a true rarity. In total, 1,244 Wildcat GSs were built in 1966, 242 of which were convertible, 22 Super Wildcats and the rest hardtops.
“Car is mostly solid except for trunk and lower quarter panels which will need attention,” the seller says. “I do have a set of bucket seats somewhere but I would have to find them and they would be extra.”
The seller is also entertaining the idea of a trade-in and is willing to negotiate on the asking price. He notes that the car has 74,000 miles on the clock and “runs and drives but needs complete restoration.” The front fenders have been replaced with rust-free ones.
If you have some extra time on your hands (which you probably do) and don’t mind a little elbow grease, you could land your next home project. “Great cars… albeit 18 feet 5.4 meters long,” the owner says, adding once more that this one in particular is “a rare piece of history.”