Uncovering the Hidden Gems: Five Underrated Buick Muscle Cars

Buick has a reputation for manufacturing some of the most powerful muscle cars during the 1960s and 1970s. Despite their remarkable performance and distinct designs, some of these cars are frequently ignored by collectors today. Let’s take a closer look at some of the rare Buick muscle cars that deserve more attention and appreciation from car enthusiasts.

Five: Buick Electra

The Buick Electra was first introduced in 1959 and was produced for six generations until 1990. The car was named after GM President Harlow Curtice’s sister-in-law, Electra Waggoner Biggs. The first generation was available in coupe, convertible, and sedan models. There was also a larger variation called the Electra 225, named after its 225-inch body length. Initially, the car was powered by a 6.6-liter V8 engine that produced 330 horsepower. Buick only sold the 225 version of the Electra starting in 1962. The fourth generation of the car was unveiled in 1971 and featured two new engine options: 5.7-liter and 7.5-liter V8s. The latter was capable of producing up to 251 horsepower. In 2020, Buick brought back the Electra nameplate as a concept car for the Beijing Auto Show.

Four: Buick Invicta

The Invicta, introduced in 1959, was designed to take the place of the Century and came in three different styles: sedan, convertible, and station wagon. Its 401 cubic inch V8 engine boasted an impressive 325 horsepower. The car’s exterior was adorned with elegant fins that extended the length of the vehicle. In 1960, a third row of seats was added to the wagon, and the fins were slightly reduced in size. The Invicta maintained its sleek, low-slung look and powerful V8. Despite being a car of the jet age, Buick ceased production in 1963. Buick gave the Invicta name a resurgence in 2007, showcasing a concept car at the Beijing Auto Show.

Three: Buick Wildcat

The Buick Wildcat is undoubtedly an impressive muscle car that has gained a reputation over time. Buick introduced the nameplate in the 1950s with a series of concept cars before finally using it for a production model coupe version of the Invicta in 1962. The Wildcat then received its own distinct model the following year, which included a convertible and a four-door sedan.

Initially, the car was powered by 401 and 425 cubic inch V8 engines. The latter offers 340hp or 360hp, depending on the carburetor chosen by the buyer. However, in 1966, Buick released a GS (Grand Sport) Performance package that included dual exhausts, an upgraded suspension, and a positraction rear axle. Only a limited number of GS Wildcats were ever produced, with just 22 featuring the 360 horsepower dual-quad “Super Wildcat” carburetor option.

In 1969, the Wildcat underwent some significant styling changes and was introduced with a 430 cubic inch V8 that produced 360 horsepower. The following year, the Wildcat got an additional 15 cubic inches and ten more horses under the hood, making it even more impressive.

Two: Buick Special

The Buick Special has a complex production history, spanning from the 1930s to the late 1960s. Its first generation was introduced in 1936 and remained in production until 1949. During this time, buyers could choose from a 3.8 or 4.1-liter inline 8-cylinder engine. The second generation, produced from 1949 to 1958, offered a range of new options, including inline eight and V8 engines. The third generation was available from 1961 to 1963, while the fourth and final generation, offered from 1964 to 1969, was available in sedan, coupe, and convertible versions. The fourth generation was powered by a 225 cubic inch V6 or two 300-inch V8s, the stronger of which produced 250 horsepower. Throughout production, the Special underwent various styling changes and engine upgrades, with the larger 350 cubic inch V8 being introduced in its final years. Despite its weight, the 1968 Special could achieve impressive speeds, going from 0-60 in 8.4 seconds and reaching over 100 mph.

One: Buick Roadmaster

The Buick Roadmaster was introduced in 1936 and went through different generations until the 1950s. It was later revived for the model years 1991-1996. The early generations of the Roadmaster were available in various forms, such as coupe, sedan, convertible, and wagon, with two types of 5.2 eight-cylinder engines. The sixth generation, produced from 1954 to 1956, offered both inline and V8 versions. The 1957-1958 models featured a 6.0 liter V8 engine that produced more than 300 horsepower and almost 400 lb-ft of torque. The 1958 Roadmaster was the last to feature the classic styling of the model. In contrast, the 1990s edition had an oval shape that was common to both the sedan and station wagon body styles. The wagon had three rows of seats and wood grain paneling, but beneath its suburban-friendly features, the Roadmaster had a powerful engine. The 1996 model had a 5.7-liter V8 engine that could deliver 260 horsepower and 330 lb-feet of torque.

Southern Buick Lynnhaven

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