1963 · Buick · United States
1963 Buick Wildcat
The Wildcat became its own series, adding a convertible and four-door hardtop; 35,725 built.
United States · researched through 2026-09-22
For 1963 the Wildcat left the Invicta sub-series behind and became its own line, adding a convertible and a four-door hardtop to the existing two-door hardtop, with the 325-hp 401 four-barrel remaining standard. The Standard Catalog lineage gives 35,725 Wildcats for the year, and three separately sourced body-style rows, 17,519 four-door hardtops, 12,185 two-door sport coupes, and 6,021 convertibles, sum exactly to that total even though they come from different reference pages than the total itself. A 1964 Car Life road test separately mentions a 340-hp 425 introduced in 1963 as a Riviera option, but no source read here confirms that engine was ever offered on the 1963 Wildcat specifically.1,2,3,4
Factory prices ran $3,849 for the sport coupe, $3,871 for the four-door hardtop, and $3,961 for the convertible. Shipping weights track a similar but not identical order: 4,123 lb for the sport coupe, 4,222 lb for the four-door hardtop, and 4,228 lb for the convertible, so the four-door and the convertible weigh within six pounds of each other despite the roughly $90 price gap between them.1,3
The standard 401 V-8, marketed under the "Wildcat 445" torque-figure name, is rated 325 hp and 445 lb-ft, SAE gross, with a four-barrel carburetor. The shared Invicta/Electra 225/Wildcat engine-code table lists this as code JT, at a 10.25:1 compression ratio; a second code, JU, describes an otherwise identical 401 at 315 hp with an 8.75:1 low-compression ratio, paired specifically with the automatic transmission, a lower-compression alternative this record does not attribute to any one body style within the Wildcat line specifically.1,2
The 1963 option chart lists dozens of order codes, several marked standard equipment on all three Wildcat bodies rather than optional: Twin Turbine Drive, Custom Padded Cushions, the Accessory Group, Custom Bright Exterior Moldings, the High Performance V-8 engine itself, and Dual Exhaust. Genuinely optional items ran from Power Steering, Power Brakes, and a four-speed manual (marked available on the four-door hardtop code alone) through air conditioning, cruise control, tinted glass, and power windows to a positive-traction differential and an automatic trunk release; no price is given for any of these on the chart as excerpted here, only which of the three body styles could take each code.2
Sixteen exterior colors were charted, from Regal Black and Arctic White through Diplomat Blue and Rose Mist, with two-tone combinations built from a lower-body letter followed by a roof letter. Interior trim ran across black, blue, red, rose, sandalwood, saddle, and white combinations in vinyl or cloth-and-vinyl, each carrying its own three-digit trim code, with some colors, such as black and red, spanning several adjacent trim numbers depending on seat style. The VIN's first digit (6) covered both Wildcat and Invicta, its second digit (J) marked the 1963 model year, and its third digit named one of seven assembly plants (Flint, South Gate, Linden, Kansas City, Wilmington, Atlanta, or Arlington), with the last six digits a production sequence number starting at 001001 for full-size cars; the cowl-mounted body number plate separately carried the style number, trim code, and a two-letter paint code, lower-body letter first.2
Fact sheet · 1963 · United States
The numbers
1963 Buick Wildcat — The Wildcat became its own series, adding a convertible and four-door hardtop; 35,725 built.
Coverage: Partial — researched sections are shown; missing ones are not yet sourced. Researched through 2026-09-22.
Every figure is labeled with how sure we are. Reported means a manufacturer, registry, or reference figure we cite but have not reconciled against factory records ourselves. Disputed means credible sources disagree and both are shown. Rows are separately scoped; don't add them together unless the note says they make up a total.
Key facts
Production
| What was counted | Count | Basis | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wildcat, all bodies1 Wildcat · all bodies · not stated by source | 35,725 | built, model-year | Reported |
| What was counted | Count | Basis | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wildcat 4-door hardtop (4639)2,3 Wildcat · 4-door hardtop · not stated by source | 17,519 | built, model-year | Reported |
| Wildcat 2-door sport coupe (4647)2,3 Wildcat · 2-door hardtop sport coupe · not stated by source | 12,185 | built, model-year | Reported |
| Wildcat convertible (4667)2,3 Wildcat · 2-door convertible · not stated by source | 6,021 | built, model-year | Reported |
No body or engine split found.
The three body rows (17,519 + 12,185 + 6,021) sum to the 35,725 total, which Wikipedia states separately; TeamBuick and OldRide list the Wildcat under the Invicta 4600 series, whose estate wagon (4635, 3,495) is not a Wildcat.
Prices when new
| Model | Price | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Wildcat sport coupe (2-door hardtop)1 | $3,849 | listed retail price per Standard Catalog, as quoted, 1963 model year |
| Wildcat 4-door hardtop (4639)3 | $3,871 | factory price as listed by secondary compilation (Standard Catalog lineage), basis not further stated, 1963 |
| Wildcat convertible (4667)3 | $3,961 | factory price as listed by secondary compilation (Standard Catalog lineage), basis not further stated, 1963 |
Prices are the nominal dollars of the day, not adjusted for inflation.
Engines
| Engine | Factory rating | Availability | Built |
|---|---|---|---|
| 401 V-8 (Wildcat 445)1 401 cu in · 4-barrel | 325 hp, 445 lb-ft (SAE gross) | standard | Not yet sourced |
Ratings are the manufacturer's advertised figures under the standard shown (SAE gross before 1972, SAE net after). They are not dyno results, and gross and net ratings can't be compared directly.
Options and packages
| Code | Option | Price | Installed |
|---|---|---|---|
A6order code |
Twin Turbine Drive2 | — | Not yet sourced |
A7order code |
4 Speed Synchromesh (avail. Flint-South Gate2 | — | Not yet sourced |
B1order code |
Seat Belts-Front Seat (Driver and Passenger)2 | — | Not yet sourced |
B4order code |
Codes B1 Plus B52 | — | Not yet sourced |
B5order code |
Less Heater2 | — | Not yet sourced |
C6order code |
Power Steering2 | — | Not yet sourced |
C7order code |
Power Brakes (Not Avail. W -Synchro.)2 | — | Not yet sourced |
C8order code |
Codes C6 Plus C7 (Not Avail. W -Synchro.)2 | — | Not yet sourced |
D1order code |
Sonomatic Radio With Manual Antenna2 | — | Not yet sourced |
D2order code |
Sonomatic Radio With Electric Antenna2 | — | Not yet sourced |
D3order code |
Wonderbar Radio With Manual Antenna2 | — | Not yet sourced |
D4order code |
Wonderbar Radio With Electric Antenna2 | — | Not yet sourced |
E4order code |
Carpet Savers (Front Compartment) Handy Mats (Rear Compartment)2 | — | Not yet sourced |
E5order code |
Carpet Savers Only2 | — | Not yet sourced |
E6order code |
Rear Seat Speaker (See Note A)2 | — | Not yet sourced |
E7order code |
Codes E4 Plus E62 | — | Not yet sourced |
E8order code |
Codes E5 Plus E62 | — | Not yet sourced |
F4order code |
Safety Group (See Note B)2 | — | Not yet sourced |
F5order code |
Instrument Panel Lower Safety Pad2 | — | Not yet sourced |
F6order code |
Codes F4 Plus F52 | — | Not yet sourced |
G9order code |
Windshield Washer With Dual Speed Wiper2 | — | Not yet sourced |
H1order code |
Cruise Control2 | — | Not yet sourced |
H2order code |
Corner Lights2 | — | Not yet sourced |
H3order code |
Code H1 Plus H22 | — | Not yet sourced |
I-6order code |
Soft-Ray Tinted Glass2 | — | Not yet sourced |
I-7order code |
Soft-Ray Tinted Glass Windshield Only2 | — | Not yet sourced |
J1order code |
Power Seat-6 Way (See Note C)2 | — | Not yet sourced |
J2order code |
Power Seat - 4 Way Tilt Adjuster (See Note D)2 | — | Not yet sourced |
K4order code |
Rear Window Defroster2 | — | Not yet sourced |
K6order code |
Custom Padded Cushions (See Note E)2 | — | Not yet sourced |
N2order code |
Air Conditioner2 | — | Not yet sourced |
N3order code |
Air Conditioner Modification (See Note H)2 | — | Not yet sourced |
N4order code |
Vanity Group (See Note I)2 | — | Not yet sourced |
N7order code |
Code N2 Plus N42 | — | Not yet sourced |
N8order code |
Code N3 Plus N42 | — | Not yet sourced |
O6order code |
Accessory Group (See Note J)2 | — | Not yet sourced |
P1order code |
Custom Bright Exterior Moldings2 | — | Not yet sourced |
Q6order code |
Permanent Anti-freeze 6-Quarts (See Note K)2 | — | Not yet sourced |
Q8order code |
Permanent Anti-freeze 8-Quarts (See Note K)2 | — | Not yet sourced |
S6order code |
Protection Group - Door Guards adn Casoline Filler Door Guard2 | — | Not yet sourced |
S7order code |
Remote Control Side View Mirror2 | — | Not yet sourced |
S8order code |
Code S6 Plus S72 | — | Not yet sourced |
T1order code |
White Wall Tires2 | — | Not yet sourced |
T2order code |
Oversize White Wall Tires (See Note L)2 | — | Not yet sourced |
T3order code |
Oversize Black Wall Tires (See Note L)2 | — | Not yet sourced |
U7order code |
Power Windows (See Note N)2 | — | Not yet sourced |
W3order code |
High Performance V-8 Engine2 | — | Not yet sourced |
W5order code |
Dual Exhaust (See Note O)2 | — | Not yet sourced |
X1order code |
GuideMatic2 | — | Not yet sourced |
X2order code |
Twilight Sentinel2 | — | Not yet sourced |
X3order code |
Codes X1 Plus X22 | — | Not yet sourced |
Y6order code |
Positive Traction Differential2 | — | Not yet sourced |
Z4order code |
Automatic Trunk Release2 | — | Not yet sourced |
1Aorder code |
Trailer Springs (See Note P)2 | — | Not yet sourced |
1Border code |
Heavy Duty Springs (See Note Q)2 | — | Not yet sourced |
33order code |
Optional Wheel Color (See Note R)2 | — | Not yet sourced |
Paint
| Code | Color | Built |
|---|---|---|
A |
Regal Black2 | Not yet sourced |
C |
Arctic White2 | Not yet sourced |
D |
Silver Cloud Metallic2 | Not yet sourced |
E |
Spruce Green2 | Not yet sourced |
F |
Marlin Blue2 | Not yet sourced |
H |
Glacier Blue2 | Not yet sourced |
J |
Willow Mist Metallic2 | Not yet sourced |
N |
Burgundy Metallic2 | Not yet sourced |
P |
Teal Mist (poly)2 | Not yet sourced |
Q |
Twilight Aqua (poly)2 | Not yet sourced |
R |
Desert Sand2 | Not yet sourced |
S |
Bronze Mist2 | Not yet sourced |
T |
Fawn Mist Metallic2 | Not yet sourced |
V |
Granada Red2 | Not yet sourced |
W |
Diplomat Blue (poly)2 | Not yet sourced |
X |
Rose Mist (poly)2 | Not yet sourced |
Color names are the factory's. We don't show color swatches, because a screen color is no guide for a restoration.
Interiors
| Code | Trim | Built |
|---|---|---|
687, 689 |
Wildcat: Black, vinyl2 | Not yet sourced |
681, 688 |
Wildcat: Black, vinyl2 | Not yet sourced |
615 |
Wildcat: Blue, cloth and vinyl2 | Not yet sourced |
619 |
Wildcat: Blue, vinyl2 | Not yet sourced |
677, 671 |
Wildcat: Red, vinyl2 | Not yet sourced |
678, 679 |
Wildcat: Red, vinyl2 | Not yet sourced |
665 |
Wildcat: Rose, cloth and vinyl2 | Not yet sourced |
635 |
Wildcat: Sandalwood, cloth and vinyl2 | Not yet sourced |
637, 631, 638 |
Wildcat: Sandalwood, vinyl2 | Not yet sourced |
697, 691 |
Wildcat: Saddle, vinyl2 | Not yet sourced |
698, 699 |
Wildcat: White, vinyl2 | Not yet sourced |
Specifications
| Measure | Value | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Shipping weight, 4-door hardtop (4639)3 | 4,222 lb | Wildcat 4639 |
| Shipping weight, sport coupe (4647)3 | 4,123 lb | Wildcat 4647 |
| Shipping weight, convertible (4667)3 | 4,228 lb | Wildcat 4667 |
Identification
- VIN
- Plate on the left front door hinge pillar and stamped on the engine block. First digit = series (6 = Wildcat and Invicta); second = model year (J = 1963); third = assembly plant (1 Flint, 2 South Gate, 3 Linden, 4 Kansas City KS, 5 Wilmington, 6 Atlanta, 8 Arlington); last six = production number, full-size cars from 001001.2
- Body number plate (cowl tag)
- Riveted to the cowl left of centre under the hood; style number = year, division, series and body (e.g. 63-4647), then body number with plant prefix, trim code and two-letter paint code (lower, then upper).2
- Engine codes (Invicta, Electra 225 and Wildcat)
- JT: 401 cu in, 325 hp, 10.25:1, 4-barrel; JU: 401 cu in, 315 hp, 8.75:1 (low compression), 4-barrel; automatic.2
Identification
Read a 1963 Buick VIN
The VIN decoder runs in your browser and never sends the VIN anywhere. How the factory numbered this year's cars:
Same model year
Also in 1963
- Buick Riviera Buick's first Riviera, a four-seat personal-luxury hardtop limited to 40,000 cars, with a 401 Nailhead standard and a 340-hp 425 added in December 1962.
- Chevrolet Chevy II and Nova First Nova Super Sport year in the source production table. Enthusiast-compiled production: 372,626 cars; Super Sport 42,432.
- Chevrolet Impala SS Super Sport (RPO Z03) peaks toward the 1960s high: 153,271 built, plus the Z11 427 drag package.
- Chrysler 300 letter series Hardtop-only and trimmed exclusively in Claret Red leather, the 300J carried a 390 hp short-ram 413 as its only engine; 400 were built, the smallest letter-car run.
- Dodge Dart 330/440, Polara and Max Wedge The Max Wedge grew to 426 cu in, rated at 415 or 425 hp, and a Ramchargers Dodge driven by Herman Moser won Stock at the 1963 NHRA Nationals; Ramcharger production remains unsourced.
- Ford Fairlane Hardtops and wagons joined the Fairlane line; reference-site counts give 28,268 bucket-seat Fairlane 500 Sport Coupes, beside 97,444 Fairlanes and 246,443 Fairlane 500s.
- Ford Falcon Sprint The mid-year 1963 1/2 Sprint put the Fairlane's 164 hp 260 V8 into the compact Falcon for the first time, as a hardtop and a convertible.
- Ford Galaxie The 406 opened the year and was replaced mid-year by the 427, in Q-code (410 hp, one four-barrel) and R-code (425 hp, two four-barrels) form, while a fastback Sports Hardtop was offered in the Galaxie 500 and 500 XL series.
- Ford Thunderbird The Sports Roadster's second and last year: only 455 were built.
- Mercury Marauder and S-55 The S-55 line grew to four bodies, and the mid-year fastback Marauder hardtop arrived with 390, 406 and 427 V8s available.
- Oldsmobile Starfire A squared-off roof with a concave rear window; production fell 38 percent to 25,890.
- Plymouth Savoy, Fury and Max Wedge The Super Stock engine grew to 426 cu in at 415 or 425 hp, a Stage II revision followed, and Chrysler's own four-speed arrived in May 1963; Super Stock production remains unsourced.
- Pontiac Catalina 2+2 and Super Duty Three Super Duty 421 ratings up to 410 hp, then GM's racing withdrawal ended them early in the model year.
- Pontiac Grand Prix Production more than doubled to 72,959 at an unchanged price.
- Pontiac Tempest and LeMans A V8 for the Tempest, and about a dozen Super Duty Tempests built for racing before Pontiac's January 1963 withdrawal.
- Studebaker Avanti Studebaker's fiberglass four-seat coupe went on sale with a 289 V8 and an optional $210 Paxton supercharger. It was billed on the strength of a 1962 run of Bonneville records, and 3,834 were built as 1963 models.
- Studebaker Hawk The GT Hawk could now be ordered with the Avanti's R1 and supercharged R2 engines, and a spring 1963 package created the Super Hawk. Old Cars Weekly counts 396 R1 cars among 4,009 domestic GT Hawks.
- Studebaker Lark and Super Lark Studebaker offered the Avanti's R1 and supercharged R2 engines in the compact Lark and added a Super Lark package in April. No source read gives an R2 Lark count; the estimates run from about 200 to a few hundred.