The 1970 Buick Wildcat Ended The Decade With a 455 Cu Bang

The 1970 Buick Wildcat was the final and most powerful year for the confusing model in the lineup that differed from Le Sabre only in body panels. Initially, the second generation Wildcat was launched in 1965 and lasted till 1970 with some minor cosmetic changes and increasingly powerful V8s being offered throughout its production.

The Buick “Sweep Spear” 

Much like the BMW's iconic Hofmeister kink, the Sweep Spear styling of the mid-70s Buicks, it made them an instant head-turner wherever they went. The tri-shield emblem, and chrome-laden grille sandwiched by parking lamps made Wildcat look like the perfect definition of all-American land yachts that dominated the days of yore.

The massive chrome waistline extends from fore to aft with a gentle break around rear overhangs defining Wildcat's entire smoothly penned design which ends with a massive boot lid and tri-divided tail lamps. The white-walled Buick Rallys spin 225/75R15 could be optioned with plenty of available tires.

The Interior was a similar story with sort of herringbone-esque patterned seats, a full-length center console, and a large-diameter steering wheel. The Buick Wildcat came with a full set of carpets and an option between bucket or bench seats. 

The base offering was notch vinyl bench seats in either sandalwood or black. While the custom sport coupe was available with an all-black vinyl bucket seat. Other options include Auto AC, Tinted Glass, polished rocker panels, door guards, and a Long Console.

The Thunderous 455 Big Block

Buick started offering V8s starting from 401 Cu V8, which finally peaked in 1970 Buick Wildcat with 455 Cu of displacement, iron block with hydraulic lifters, 4.31 in bore × 3.9 in stroke, and a 4bbl Rochester carburetor. 

The thin wall casting of the 455 helped keep its weight in check. It made 370 bhp @ 4600 rpm 510 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm and was mated to a GM Turbo-Hydramatic 400 3-speed. It also came with power-assisted drum brakes, power-assisted steering, and heavy-duty suspension with Positraction rear diff as an option.

How Much Is A 1970 Buick Wildcat Nowadays?

The 1970 Buick Wildcat was offered in three options, a coupe, convertible, and a 4dr hardtop. On an average, the '70 Wildcats cost around $25,000 these days as per Classic.com. Although you might have to shell more if the car in question has some factory options ticked or has got a decent odometer mileage.

Image Source- Flickr CC BY SA 2.0, Brochure