'62 Wildcat production was 1,116. A general, round number to start survival assumptions with is 10% when talking about this era- which would be 111 cars left. Collectibility plays into this among other factors, moving that number up or down. In this case it probably moved it down- I would guesstimate between 5-10%, or 55-111 left.
Mark, where did you find a production number for 1962 Wildcats? I've never seen anything other than the general production number for model 4647, which included the 2dr ht Invicta and the Wildcat.
I didn't record the source (tho it is very likely either this board or from the BCA board), but I have a text file I keep whenever I encounter a credible production #. Wish I could be more specific, but at the time I entered the #, I know I was convinced it was accurate (else I would not have recorded it), and I am a stickler for the facts. I want to say an ex-BMD guy stated it, but this was the better part of 10 years ago- the memory lapses. So I cannot document it, nor can I 100% guarantee it, sorry. I will say one thing- it sure comes off a lot more exact than 'circa 2000'. I have a short list of random performance quantites, for ex : '66 Wildcat GS 2x4 : 21 '65 Bonneville convert 421 HO 4-spd : 3 '58 Fury w/ FI : 2 '57 T-Bird w/ SC : 208 that sort of thing.
I know that this thread is pre 62, but I watched a nice , just restored 66 cat conv. go at a auction recently for $27 K. I should have bid. Anybody know how many of these were made. It had the 401 naihead. It was nice! Steve
i just bought a 62 in anahiem. it is in rather poor condition but still very solid....just had been neglected. tach is long gone, but i still have the console...(whats left of it!)
took this from a musclecar website.... as soon as i get 10 posts i'll add the link...... Comments: The first Wildcat (officially named the Wildcat Sport Coupe) was part of the Invicta line, but included front bucket seats, a console, tachometer, and a rear floor lamp. It's body style was classy and attractive. Buick engineers adjusted the suspension to improve the handling of the Wildcat. Highlights included a frame which carried boxed cross-members with heavy side rails, coil springs on all four corners, and oversized 10 inch drum brakes. Sporty yes, but light, no. The Wildcat weighed in at 4,150 pounds. Standard power was the Buick LT401 cid V8, rated at a strong 325 bhp. Although this engine was also available in the regular Invicta line, the Wildcat came with a standard 3.42:1 rear end. A 4.45:1 rear end was optional for those wanting even more drag strip performance. Marketed as a "family-sized sports car", approximately 2,000 were sold. Production: 2D Hardtop: 2,000 (est.) Engines: 401 V8 325 bhp @ 4400 rpm, 445 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm. Performance: .
From my discussions with the brothers that own the two '62 Wildcats below, their best guess is around 2100 '62 Wildcats built in both the US and Canada. And as stated before, given it was an optional trim level on the Invicta, it doesn't have a specific model number, so its extremely difficult to track and figure out how many remain. I think it's safe to say there is probably less than 200 left.
Well, I happen to be one of the lucky ones I guess.... I heard the production number was around 2000 in many books and on-line reading. I just bought a 62' Wildcat with 41K on it. Originally bought in Eugene OR, by a 32 year old guy. He sold it in 1972 to a older (in thier 40's) couple in Veneta OR. (about 20 miles west of Eugene, OR. In the early 80's the husband passed and left the car to his wife. She put new tires on it in 1985 at 39,000 miles on it. That was 3000 miles ago, and 23 years ago! These tires are still on the vehicle with no tears rips or cracks. (they will not be driven on, they will be for looks only) In 2002, she passed and left it with her son whoo in turn sold it back to the original owners son. He also kept it garaged and after 7 years decided to sell it. He drove maybe 500 miles on it in the 7 years he had it. After I acquired it, I drove it around town with many a great compliments. My wife thought it was strange how people would roll down thier windows at a stop light, honk at us for our attention, then tell us the car is beautiful then drive off. I am used to it since my first car was a 62' LeSabre 2 door ht. Anyways, I drove it once in the rain, seen water in the trunk, then decided it was time for repairs. So, the Buick is undergoing a complete 46 year old make-over. Interior removed and being redone, all glass out, body/frame/interior shot with walnut shells to just remove the paint. The floorboards (hardly any rust in entire vehicle), package tray and trunk were shot at Xtreme coatings. They are a spray on bedliner company here that shoots thier stuff on HOT, and the chemicals mix in the gun to cook onto metal, and is sound proof, water proof and impossible to break. (would not even consider line-x or the other cheaper brands as they are not water proof and dont come close to the quality of the X-treme coatings material) I had my truck bed lined a few years ago and I drop engines in the back and the bed dents and the liner is like new still. Plus they have a lifetime warranty too! Anyways, after getting the car blasted with nut shells, it is off to the body shop on monday for a 10k body shoot. The original motor runs great. The diff is a 63' 3:42 posi with resplined original axles. The dynaflow will be going bye bye and saying hi to a 700r4 I rebuilt for her. I have enclosed a few pics of the work done.... anyone else got 62' wildcat pics?? Also, the 62' had no manual trans option, and many a places recall the GM later made admitting to the failure of putting in a manual in a 62'. BUT, who seem a cadillac with a 4 speed? People see me spin my power steering with my pinky and after letting go, the wheel is still steering! As far as pedals, I put a set of 63 pedals in my first 62. They worked, but with a little modification. So, if you have a 62' with an auto on the floor, but had a 63 on the column manual trans set-up, the frames are all the same until 64' and it is highly possible to make it fit easily. After all, people told me a t-400 from 65' wouldnt fit my 62'. And since they couldnt answer the question of why, I decided to prove them wrong. In 1982, my 62 had a t-400 in it. I never lost a race in her either... GO BUICKS GO!
Looking good!! Here are a few newer pics of ours. 18's ans 20's with disc brakes up front. sorry I like pics
cut coils in the front ( not sure how much ) . For now have some weight in the trunk. Plan to put air ride on the back.
In Phoenix, Arizona. Come see I have a blue with white top '62 Wildcat, 2 door coupe, electric windows, bucket seats, must see ! 405 engine. Feel free to call my cell phone. Birdsong (602) 405 - 8725:beer
