Projects Another what's it worth

Since there's another thread slightly out of the year cutoff, I'll ask mine. (I'm sure not trying to get his thread shut down).
I've come across a 65/66 buick wildcat 2dr in pretty rough shape. It's gonna needs quarter work, interior, engine (dry seized) rebuilt etc. But really to do it right it needs everything gone through. What makes this one special is it has the dual 4bbl 425 with a standard trans. I don't know yet if its a 3 speed or 4 speed. It is a Ford top loader for sure. From my research, there weren't many dual 4bbl 4 speed cars and only about a handful of dual 4bbl 3 speed cars built. It's so unique I'd love to get it restore it, but it's gonna take alot of work. Very low optioned car. Buckets, maybe console (can't remember). Ps and brakes only.

 

One of my favourite cars. I would loved to have owned one. You are going to have to test the water by making an offer. Personally, I would start about $2,500 and be prepared to bid more, if you really want it.
The nailhead is one of my favourite engines, and having a standard transmission, either a 3 or 4 speed, just makes the car that much more desirable.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buick_Wildcat
Bob

 

I don’t understand the “Ford top loader”? Did Buick buy transmissions from the blue oval at that point in time?

Definitely a desirable car. Costs the same (approximately) to restore another similar vintage car but it’ll be really special when done so it’ll likely cost a bit to get it.

Edit — that wiki page isn’t much help.. In the section with 65s it says they had automatics or 3 speed manual and the section that ends with 64 as the latest says 65s could have 4 speeds.

“The problem with allowing the general public to edit pages- is that most of the general public are idiots”

 

Yes, GM did use FoMoCo 3 speed manuals for a while.

 

I thought I'd update my thread for those that are interested. I bought the wildcat I was asking about. 2 years ago the guy was asking 2500 for it, I looked at it seriously but I just couldn't spend that much and really didn't need another project. I recently got it for 1000. I still don't need another project but figured I couldn't lose at that price. The car actually might have a 401 that someone put dual 4bbl on and the aluminum buick valve covers. It might have had a dual 4bbl 425 swapped in it. Or might have been a dual 4bbl 425 stock but highly unlikely. I haven't looked at any casting or stamping numbers yet. It definitely has the Ford dearborn 3 speed standard in it. It will take a huge amount of work to restore if I decide to try that. I haven't decided what to do with it yet.

 

Carbs,intake and valve covers are worth what you paid...maybe even a bit more depending on the numbers when you decode them.

 

Good score, money well spent in my opinion.
Try first to free up the engine with some Marvel Mystery oil in the cylinders. Who knows? I freed up an Austin 4 cyl recently, now I’m trying to get it fired up.


Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app

 

Looks like it'll buff out...
Nice score.

 

in '66 they had wildcat gs's. option combo's like yours, '65 right, are quite rare, especially since yours isn't a gs. it will take a boat load to r&r it. but the final result is kind of a one of scenario.
now where do you draw the line.....restore it or part it out and lose a piece of history.

 

Ford toploader is probably one of the if not the best transmission ever made, yes other folks used 'em. It may have been the result of a fire at a GM plant or somesuch, and they were stuck without for a time.