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The 1955 Buick Wildcat III was the third installment in a series of concept cars designed by the legendary Harley Earl. Unlike its predecessors, the Wildcat III was more grounded in reality, with a design that was both conservative and realistic.
Sitting on a 110-inch wheelbase chassis and measuring 190 inches in length, the Wildcat III was larger than its predecessors but still smaller than its production counterparts. Buick designers affectionately referred to it as the "toy convertible."
The Wildcat III was a 4-passenger convertible with a reinforced fiberglass body painted in a striking bright red hue, complemented by a matching red leather interior. The front and rear styling of the car foreshadowed elements that would later appear on the 1956 and 1957 production Buicks.
The front bumper pods housed the parking and directional signal lights, while the grille featured a fine screen material. The back of the car sported two bomb-shaped rear bumpers, adding a touch of unique flair. Air inlets were strategically placed in front of the wrap-around windshield and rear wheels, giving the Wildcat III a sleek and aerodynamic look.
Under the hood, the Wildcat III was powered by a 280 horsepower V8 engine equipped with four carburetors, mated to a Twin Turbine Dynaflow automatic transmission. The car's performance matched its striking appearance, making it a true showstopper.
Unfortunately, the ultimate fate of the 1955 Buick Wildcat III remains a mystery. While some rumors suggest it may have met a tragic end at the crusher, others claim it has been hidden away in a secret collection, waiting for its moment to re-emerge and captivate once more.
Regardless of its current whereabouts, the legacy of the 1955 Buick Wildcat III lives on as a testament to the innovative spirit of GM and the timeless beauty of Harley Earl's designs.
