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What's my classic worth?

320 messages,  Last post on Jan 09, 2009 at 10:17 AM

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What is this discussion about? Coupe, Convertible, Sedan

Messages Page 33 of 33

#315 of 320 Re: [Mr_Shiftright] by andre1969

Jan 09, 2009 (4:34 am)

Replying to: MrShift@Edmunds (Jan 03, 2002 10:04 am)
In addition to the car, I think "Wildcat" is what Buick called the 425 CID V-8 in those days. IIRC, the air cleaner top read "Wildcat 445" on it. The 445 referred to the torque rating, rather than displacement, but would confuse people into thinking it was a 445 CID engine.
 
In the past, the Wildcat had been on the shorter LeSabre wheelbase, rather than the Electra's, but for 1965 they moved it to the Electra wheelbase (126", vesus 123" for LeSabre) It would stay there from 1965-68, but went to the LeSabre's wheelbase for 1969. However, the Wildcat still used LeSabre rooflines and rear doors, so I'm guessing the car was more like a Pontiac Bonneville versus a Catalina, where they made it longer without making it bigger inside. In contast, a "real" C-body, like an Electra of 98, was bigger inside than a C-body...about 3" more legroom in the back seat.
 
But anyway, back to engines. The LeSabre had a 300 CID V-8 standard. Wildcat/Electra/Riviera had a 401 standard, and it was optional on the LeSabre. The 425 was an option on the Wildcat/Electra/Riv, and had either 340 or 360 hp.
 
Would a 425 Riv carry much of a price premium over a 401?

#316 of 320 Re: [andre1969] by texases

Jan 09, 2009 (7:29 am)

Replying to: andre1969 (Jan 09, 2009 4:34 am)
"The 445 referred to the torque rating, rather than displacement"
 
Or to horsepower..this is the only time I've heard of a manufacturer using the torque rating as a selling point - are there any others (ignoring diesel trucks, that is)? Thanks for the info!

#317 of 320 Re: [texases] by andre1969

Jan 09, 2009 (8:06 am)

Replying to: texases (Jan 09, 2009 7:29 am)
As far as I know, Buick was the only manufacturer to do that, and I think they only did it with the 401 and 425 V-8's. According to Wikipedia, the 401 had torque ratings of 375 (de-tuned version that ran on lo-test), 410 (2-bbl carb) or 445 (4-bbl carb).
 
The 425 had a "465" sticker on it for the 4-bbl. If you got the dual quad option, the carbs and intake manifold were delivered in the trunk, and installed by the dealer.

#318 of 320 Re: [andre1969] by MrShift@Edmunds HOST

Jan 09, 2009 (9:37 am)

Replying to: andre1969 (Jan 09, 2009 4:34 am)
The GS package on a Riv would carry a substantial increase in value, yes.

#319 of 320 Re: [andre1969] by berri

Jan 09, 2009 (10:17 am)

Replying to: andre1969 (Jan 09, 2009 4:34 am)
I really enjoy reading the stuff all you guys write in these classic car forums. I'm always learning something new that I didn't know about the cars I grew up with. Thanks!

Messages Page 33 of 33

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