1954 Buick Wildcat II

GM’s interest in developing small, powerful cars with lightweight fiberglass bodies resulted in the creation of the Chevrolet Corvette and Buick Wildcat in 1953, but something very different by the next year.

The 1954 Buick Wildcat II had very little in common with the original Buick Wildcat of 1953. Originally billed as an “American Adventure in Tomorrow’s Design,” the newer Wildcat featured just as many “retro” styling cues as progressive details. The “flying wing” front fenders and biplane bumpers had the look of a 1930s speedster. Freestanding headlights and chrome spoke wheels provided nostalgia as well.

Many concept cars are simply rolling hulks and were never given power trains as they were only designed for auto shows. This Wildcat II was specifically made “runnable” in case GM chief Harlow Curtis decided to have one built for his personal use. Painted a bright blue with white leather trim, the Wildcat is powered by a standard Buick 322 cubic inch V-8 engine equipped with four carburetors that boost its horsepower output to 220.

Re-interpreting tradition, the Wildcat displays Buick‘s trademark porthole design is uniquely placed on the top of the hood. This dream car featured expanded front wheel wells with polished metal inner fenders finished off with wide white wall tires.

This rakish sports convertible is Buick”s new Wildcat “dream” car, described by its designers as the only sports car with truly American styling. Built of fiberglass and mounted on a 100-inch wheelbase, the new Wildcat features radical new front fender styling that exposes the under side of the fender and the front end suspension. Headlamps are mounted on the cowl with parking and directional signal lights on the front end, underneath the fender shroud.

There are only two 1954 Buick Wildcat IIs. The original in the Sloan Museum, and this remarkable recreation.