1954 Buick Wildcat II concept
Exposed front wheels and chrome-plated suspension components defined this radical 1954 concept, with flying-wing fenders that flared straight out from the fiberglass body.
Harley Earl and Ned Nickles created the two-seat roadster for GM’s Motorama show circuit, positioning Buick’s trademark portholes on the hood top rather than the fender sides.
Twin headlights mounted on the cowl swiveled with steering input, while a panoramic windscreen wrapped around the compact cockpit. The overall design blended aircraft-inspired themes with a dramatic open-wheel layout intended to showcase Buick’s styling direction.
The rakish sports convertible rode on a 100-inch wheelbase and stood just 40.2 inches tall. Despite its diminutive height, the car tipped the scales at approximately 3,700 pounds.
Power came from a 322 cubic inch V8 producing 220 horsepower through four side-draft carburetors, with dual exhausts exiting below the rear bodywork. A Dynaflow automatic transmission delivered power to the rear wheels.
Originally finished in Electric Blue, the concept was later repainted metallic platinum before being restored to its original color scheme. The Wildcat II currently resides at the Sloan Museum in Flint, Michigan.
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