​Buick entered the burgeoning personal-luxury/sporty-car market with the upscale Wildcat in the spring of 1962. Ford’s Thunderbird had prospered in that niche since 1958 when it was reinvented as a four-seater. Chrysler had offered its 300 since 1955, and for 1962 a non-letter 300 was introduced as a lower-cost alternative to the 300-H. Oldsmobile had jumped in for 1961 with the Starfire convertible, followed with the addition of a hardtop for 1962, and Pontiac took the plunge that same model year with the Grand Prix hardtop.
A sampling from the additional models that were in the personal-luxury/sporty bucket-seat brigade for 1962 includes the Ford Galaxie 500/XL, Mercury Monterey S-Fifty-Five, Chevrolet Impala SS, Dodge Polara 500, Plymouth Sport Fury, and Studebaker GT Hawk.
Though the Impala SS debuted partway through 1961, it didn’t get bucket seats until the following model year. Buick also listed bucket seats with a storage console between them as standard for the Invicta Custom two-door sport coupe and Invicta Custom convertible in the 1962 dealer brochure.
“The new full-size sports-style car,” is how Buick described the Invicta-based Wildcat, which featured a lengthy list of standard equipment. Motivation came from the 325-hp 401 four-barrel, dual exhaust, Wildcat 445 engine (meaning 445 lb-ft of torque) backed by a Turbine Drive automatic transmission. Inside were foam-padded, Seville-grain vinyl bucket seats; an instrument-panel pad; a console that housed the shifter, tachometer, and rear-floor courtesy lamp; Deluxe steering wheel; clock; heater/defroster; foam-rubber headliner and sun visors with chrome-plated roof bows; full carpeting; and an automatic trunk lamp. The exterior was decorated with bright body trim; Wildcat medallions and lettering; black or white “vinyl sheath” for its sport coupe (hardtop) roof; Electra taillamps; a license-plate frame; and 15-inch wheels and tires with Wildcat wheel covers. Finned aluminum front brake drums were also included.
Popular Science magazine tested the 1962 Wildcat, a 300-H convertible, and a Thunderbird convertible. Drop-tops generally cost more than hardtops, and the Ford was also described as being heavily optioned. Accordingly, the T-Bird cost $6,141, the 300-H $5,461, and the Wildcat hardtop was considerably less at $4,357, despite its added options that included A/C.
The Buick had the longest wheelbase at 123 inches versus 122 for the 300-H and 113 inches for the T-Bird, yet the 300-H was the longest car at 215.3 inches versus 214 inches for the Wildcat and 205 inches for the Ford. The Chrysler was also the widest at 79.4 inches followed by the Buick at 78 inches and the T-Bird at 76 inches. Coincidentally, weights were close, with the T-Bird the heaviest at 4,400 pounds and the Wildcat and 300-H separated by a mere four pounds at 4,328 and 4,324 respectively.
You may have noticed that the Buick is considerably larger than the Thunderbird. GM didn’t have like-sized models to go head-to-head with the Ford at this point, so its divisions used full-size cars. The arrival of the 1963 Riviera provided Buick with a Thunderbird challenger that was closer in size with a 117-inch wheelbase, 208-inch length, and 76.6-inch width.

​A 380-hp 413-cu.in. engine with two four-barrel carburetors was in the 300-H, and the Buick featured the 325-hp 401 four-barrel engine. The Ford was listed in the article as having a “340-hp” 390. However, the 340-hp rating was for the optional 10.5:1 compression-ratio 390 with three two-barrel carburetors. No underhood photos were in the article to help verify the engine, but since it was also listed having the 9.6:1 compression ratio and four-barrel carburetor, both specs of the standard 300-hp 390 engine, it was likely the 300-hp version.
All of the cars had automatic transmissions, and the rear gear ratios were 3.23 (300-H), 3.42 (Wildcat), and 3.00 (T-Bird). The Chrysler and Buick were equipped with 7.60 x 15 tires and the Ford 8.00 x 14 tires.
Three different drivers piloted the cars for a 1,012-mile road trip through various types of terrain and weather in New York and Canada. Each driver took multiple shifts behind the wheel of each car.
In the driver’s individual subjective driving impressions, the Buick was praised for its comfort, ride, acceleration, and smooth shifting transmission. It was derided for its “idiot lights” on the dashboard, but was also said to be the best compromise of the three cars. Despite giving high praise to the acceleration, handling, and seating of the 300-H, two of the three drivers said that they preferred the Wildcat over the rest, and the third preferred the T-Bird.
Instrumented tests were also performed; 0 to 60 mph was attained in 7.7 seconds for the 300-H, 8.7 seconds for the Buick, and 9.8 seconds for the Thunderbird. Passing times from 40 to 70 mph were 6 seconds for the Wildcat, and 300-H and 8.2 seconds for the T-Bird. Surprisingly close were the fuel mileage figures, with the 300-H posting 13.1 mpg, the T-Bird 13.3 mpg, and Wildcat 12.3 mpg.
Using a points system to rate many performance, comfort, safety, efficiency, and operational aspects of the three cars, the Wildcat bested its competitors in ride, assembly, visibility, convenience of controls and their function, and price. It tied for the top score in passing performance, ease of entry and exit, and noise level. A mid-pack ranking was earned in handling, seating and interior roominess, and instrumentation. It trailed the others in fuel economy, braking, and parking ease. When all the points were totaled, the Buick attained highest overall score. The 300-H came next, followed by the Thunderbird.
While doing research for this article, I also located a television ad for the 1962 Wildcat on YouTube that provides vague references to its luxury and performance, but doesn’t offer many specifics. It doesn’t even state what engine it comes with or its power rating. Instead it boasts, “This Wildcat has more horses than you’ll ever need.” It does appear that Buick was one of the first automakers to include ferocious felines in its ads, however. Pontiac would famously use tigers in its advertising not long after and Mercury would employ a Cougar for its namesake model when it debuted for 1967.

It has been reported by various sources over the years that approximately 2,000 Wildcats were built for 1962, but some enthusiasts have questioned that figure as being too low.
Following its abbreviated introductory model year, the Wildcat became its own series for 1963, consisting of a two-door sport coupe (hardtop), a convertible, and a four-door hardtop. The nameplate continued through 1970.
How have the values of the road test vehicles held up over the decades that followed it? Using Hagerty’s Valuation Tools at www.hagerty.com, a #3 (good condition) Wildcat is currently valued at $9,300. The rare 300-H convertible is $61,000, and the 1962 Thunderbird convertible with the 300-hp engine is $27,800, both also in #3 condition.
You may be thinking that the convertibles likely have a higher value than a hardtop, and since the 1962 Wildcat was only offered as a sport coupe (hardtop), the comparison to the convertible 300-H and Thunderbird is an apple-to-oranges one. To that end, the 300-H hardtop in #3 condition is valued at $26,800 at the Hagerty site, and the Thunderbird hardtop is $8,400.
The 1962 Buick Wildcat was undoubtedly a worthy competitor for the Thunderbird and 300-H according to the Popular Science road test. Given the values stated at the Hagerty website, it appears that 55 years later, the Wildcat would be a satisfying and affordable vintage cruiser.
Article courtesy of Hemmings Daily, written by Thomas A DeMauro.

The AMX continued to go from strength to strength in 1969. While the changes made were very minor, including headrests and a new speedometer, the car was also making further inroads into racing. Twelve AMXs were designated as pace and courtesy cars for the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, with only one remaining today, that used by Bobby Unser before the race. A variety of special editions were made of the 1969 AMX. On the west coast, dealers sold the California 500, which came with sidepipes and the 315 horsepower 390 by default. If you were the drag racing sort, you could grab a Super Stock AMX. On this build the 390 was equipped with twin carbs and new cylinder heads, as well as slick tires. This car  was rated at 420 horsepower by the National Hot Rod Association, and once set a quarter-mile time of 10.73 seconds.
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​The AMX saw a minor facelift in 1970, along with a thorough interior redesign which brought a new woodgrain dash, and a two-spoke steering wheel. Under the hood, you could now plump for a 360 V8, replacing the previous 343, while the suspension saw some improvements. Reviewers described it as the best AMX yet, but its days were numbered. All too soon, it was to be absorbed by the AMC Javelin.

​The Javelin is a car that’s not given anything close to the amount of the attention that I feel it should be. Back in the day, it was an able competitor to the Plymouth Barracuda and the Dodge Challenger, and even outsold them frequently. Now, however, if you want one, be prepared for a hunt. Production of the Javelin began in 1967, and instantly appealed to the young. The average age of buyers was 29, 10 years younger than AMCs as a whole, and there are good reasons for that. It looked the part. The front end featured a split and recessed grill, aping a European look, and the windshield featured a dramatic rake backwards of 59 degrees. There were also a pair of hood scoops, but these were purely cosmetic. The car’s engine options ranged from a small straight-six with a cruising speed of just 80 mph, up to the 390 V8. In contrast to the AMX, the Javelin was, as the name would suggest, a long machine, bigger than the Mustang or the Camaro, and it was comfortable inside, to top it all off. The interiors were fully-carpeted and featured racing bucket seats, which could recline on the more expensive SST models.

​In the racing circuit, the Javelin performed exceptionally well. Two Javelins raced in the SCCA Trans-Am series, with AMC being the only factory to finish every race, and finished third in the 1968 series. This was a small company with a lot of bite.

​In 1970, the Javelin got a redesign, with the hood being stretched, new front suspension and safety glass. As on the AMX, the 343 was replaced by a 360, but most exciting of all, from a speed perspective, was the “Go Package.” The option, which was available only on the 360 and 390 V8s, included front disc brakes, dual exhaust, improved suspension with a sway bar, and performance tires. In a test of pony cars, the 1970 Javelin came second to the Camaro in terms of comfort, but was also the quickest of all cars tested, hitting 60 in 6.8 seconds.

​AMC pushed out the second true incarnation of the Javelin in time for the 1971 model year, and the changes were immediately obvious. The whole car looked far more futuristic, and adverts pushed it as a “1980 looking Javelin,” made to look definitively different from all other muscle cars. Even now, in certain lights, the second-gen Javelin looks unique. The car’s fenders somewhat ape those of the Corvette, and the roof features a built-in spoiler. On the AMX models, there is a fiberglass induction hood, and spoilers at the front and rear. The spoilers worked extraordinarily effectively, adding 100 pounds of downforce. On the engine front, the new Javelins were able to pack even more of a punch than their predecessors, thanks to the inclusion of a 401 V8 which produced 335 horsepower.

​1972 saw a few minor changes to the car, with improved standard equipment and the first true one-year warranty. Any problems would be repaired by AMC for one year, and a loaner car would be provided while the work took place. The old auto transmissions were replaced with TorqueFlite transmissions from Chrysler.  In the racing world, the 1971 and 1972 Javelins had rocketed to success in the Trans-Am Series, claiming the title in both years, resulting in the production of a mostly cosmetic Trans-Am Victory Edition in 1973. However, 1973 also saw the major problem which would affect just about every company: the issue of meeting emissions standards. The engines saw a slight downgrade in performance, with the 401 downrated to 235 horsepower, while quarter-mile times extended up to 15.5 seconds. While these emissions problems must take some of the blame, some of it also rests in the hands of AMC itself. While other companies had seen that the pony car market was declining, and pulled or dramatically changed their offerings, AMC pushed ahead with the Javelin and the AMX variant in 1974. While the OPEC oil embargo raged on, AMC continued to push out gas-guzzlers, leading to a big fall in consumer interest.

Why then, when these cars were innovative and AMC, for the most part, previously demonstrated good business sense, did the company so dramatically fall over the next 14 years? It’s a tale worthy of a novel. You see, AMC were hit hard in the 1970s. From 1975-1977, the company made a loss of $73.8 million, and the stockholders were not happy. To dig themselves out of this truly monstrous hole, in March 1978 the company decided to go international, to do a NATO, and partner with French firm Renault. This wasn’t the first interaction AMC had had with the French giants: in the 1960s, Renault were selling rebuilt versions of the Rambler Classic in Belgium and Argentina. Not even two months later, AMC faced a recall of all their 1976 cars, to repair an emissions control unit. The timing couldn’t have been worse for AMC. The cost of the recall, $3 million, wiped out the company’s earnings from the first quarter.

​The deal with Renault began to bear fruit in 1979, with AMC receiving $150 million in cash, $50 million in credit, and the right to manufacture the Renault 5 in the US after 1982. The price was 22.5 percent of the company. For one brief, shining moment, it appeared as though AMC may have been on the rebound. Their profits hit an all-time record of $83.9 million, and their sales increased by 37% despite the terrible economy. The economic situation and high gas prices came back to bite on the Jeep end of AMC however, one of the company’s mainstays, and when that dipped, the whole company was looking straight back down again. What AMC also wasn’t prepared for was the arrival and surge in popularity of Japanese cars in the United States. With high-tech plants and innovative ideas, Japanese manufacturers began to stomp all over AMC and their out-of-date facilities. To save themselves from bankruptcy, AMC’s shareholders overwhelmingly voted to give control of the company to Renault.

​The final years of AMC began relatively well. The AMC Alliance, a licensed and mildly altered version of the Renault 9 was very warmly received by critics, but a lack of options in the body styles somewhat hamstrung its success. The Jeep Cherokee and Wagoneer also saw some success, and kickstarted the SUV market.

​It was all just too shaky. In 1985, AMC found themslves once again thrown by the market. Gas prices were falling again, and AMC’s compact models were once again losing favor. In addition to this, AMC faced angry workers at their plants.  The workers felt that they were owed thousands of dollars each for contract concessions, but United Automobile Workers had accepted just $300 a head. They took matters into their own hands. In April of that year, four workers at the Jeep plant in Toledo, Ohio, were fired for damaging unfinished Jeep bodies on the production line. Other protests included painting the bodies the wrong color or simply stopping work.

What no one could have expected was that this cavalcade of catastrophes that AMC was experiencing would be brought to an end in a hail of bullets. It wasn’t only workers in the US who were angry; in France, the investment in AMC had led to plant closures and the loss of 21,000 jobs. The chairman of Renault, Georges Besse, was unwilling to divest his company of its North American stake, however. He was sure that AMC were on the road to recovery, that Renault was going to make a killing. He had fair reason to: the aforementioned Jeeps were proving popular and an advanced new plant had just been finished in Brampton, Ontario. This wasn’t enough for other groups. On November 17, 1986, Besse was assasinated in a drive-by shooting by the far-left French group Action Directe. The killing, they claimed, was a response to the vast lay-offs which Besse had overseen.

As a result of the killing, Renault attempted to get the labor force back on their side, and as such, divested themselves of their American holdings to focus on the French market. At this point, Renault held over 46 percent of AMC stock, so getting rid of it was going to be no mean feat. Fortunately for Renault, Chrysler had already made an agreement with AMC, who were to build cars for them from 1986-1988. In March 1987, Chrysler bought Renault’s stake for $1.5 billion, where it became the Jeep-Eagle division. In one fell swoop, Chrysler had quashed the small company which had previously been a thorn in the side of the larger marques, and also banished Renault from the United States for eleven years.

Article courtesy of restoMODS.com, written by Joe.

​Our friends over at Hooniverse recently posed the question, “What car has the best looking fins?”  Hmmm, that’s like picking your favorite Beatles song. Let’s start with the back story first.
Invented by GM and introduced on Cadillacs for 1948, tailfins sparked a styling race with the Big Three that peaked in the late-fifties and influenced car designers from around the world.
General Motors design chief, the legendary Harley Earl, is generally credited as the mastermind behind the tailfin. Harley was influenced by WWII fighter aircraft, particularly the twin-tailed Lockheed P-38 Lightning and the little bumps on the Caddies rear fenders mimicked the fighter plane’s vertical rudders.
Little did anyone know, these small appendages that Earl borrowed would grow to become huge, chrome trimmed wings taking their influence not only from aviation design, but from rockets and spacecraft as well.

​It was Chrysler’s “Forward Look” for 1957 that upped the stakes and took fins to this next level. Stylist Virgil Exner’s designs were fresh and exciting and everything else on the market suddenly looked old. It caught industry leader GM off guard and it countered with wild new 1959 models, including a Cadillac lineup that would go down in the history books as the car with biggest fins ever made.
It was all downhill after that. GM got scared and toned down it’s styling for 1960, Chrysler and Ford followed suit and by the mid-sixties it was over.The “Golden Age of Detroit” would soon be over as well.
The best looking fins?  Your humble author votes for 1960/61 full size Chryslers.  How bout you?