This compelling car shown here is the 1985 Buick Wildcat Prototype, a collaborative project between Buick and the racing specialists at McLaren Engines/McLaren Racing of Livonia, Michigan. Buick’s history with the ‘Wildcat’ name dates back to a series of concepts built from 1953-1955. The name was then used again for a full-sized Buick production automobile from 1963 until 1970, and was later used as a trim option for the LeSabre model. It’s last ever implementation was used by Buick in 1997 on the Buick Riviera Wildcat. One purpose behind creating the Wildcat of 1985 was to showcase the co-developed 3.8L 6-cylinder engine. A number of other innovative characteristics were also implemented into the project, including a heads-up display system, an outlandish spoke-less steering wheel, and a tremendous glass canopy that tilts to allow for entry into the spaceship-like cabin. This front-hinged canopy was constructed using cast gray acrylic and carbon fiber with glass-reinforced polyester resin. The distinctively shaped bodywork was made using high-strength fiberglass resins and carbon fiber. After the initial concept car was shown at SEMA in 1985, a second prototype was subsequently built to be used as a test-bed for future technologies, as well tour the CART/Indy Car circuit. Though not officially a pace car, the Wildcat was constructed with support from PPG Industries, the primary sponsor for the CART Indy car series from 1980 to 1997. The design for the Wildcat was born in Buick’s ‘Design Studio One’, with William L. Porter serving as studio head and David P. Rand as a senior designer. The initial clay modeling was crafted by Steve Jordan. The avant-garde interior styling was designed by Nellie Toledo, and final construction of the Wildcat took place at ‘Design Studio Two’ and was headed by the Triad company.
How many made? 1 non-functional concept (1985 SEMA), 1 functional prototype
Engine: McLaren-built engine derived from Buick’s 3.8-liter V6 - 360 hp
Debut: 1985 at SEMA
Top speed: 70mph (electronically limited)
0-60mph: 8.4 seconds (claimed)
Photo Credit: @dtrockstar1
Research: @rarecarsonly