I have recently seen a '63 Wildcat that the owner claims is a factory 401 dual carbs. AFAIK there was no such option available. Does anyone know if he is correct? Is it possibly a dealer installed option?
If I remember correctly, Buick introduced the 425 in the Riviera in 1963. But it wasn't until 1964 when the dual quad 425 was made available on the large Buicks with the 425. The 401 never had a factory option for dual quads, but there are many who say dealers could order a factory dual quad "kit" that would ship separately that dealer shops were installing after vehicle delivery to them on the 401's. But I don't see anywhere where the dual quad setup was available yet in the 1963 model year.
I saw the ad for that same car this morning I believe. I asked him which year the factory dq setup was from, he doesn't know. It has a JT engine, decodes as a 63 401 4 bbl. Was it this one from WI? 1963 Buick Wildcat 401 nailhead factory dual quad, factory air, automatic. In excellent condition running / Driving car Interior in excellent condition VERY RARE CAR $18500 OR MAKE OFFER He said its his wife's late husband's car... he built it... got it in 1976 when he was 18.
It's in a city about 35-40 miles from me! I just saw the listing too. Dual quads are not factory though - you can see the Edelbrock label on the front carb (factory dual quad carbs were Carter AFB's) . I don't know if the intake manifold is factory or not, as I'm not familiar with Edelbrock carbs. I'm thinking the intake manifold is an Offenhauser, but would have to see it and find the casting number to make sure. It is a nice looking 63 though. Bucket seats with console and tach! Nice!!!!