In the previous year, Buick eplaced the Invicta performance line with theWildcat nameplate. While the Invicta had been a LeSabre with the 401 V8, it had no identification as the performace car line for Buick.

The "Wildcat" moniker sounded like it was something special, and sales in this line did increase. Perhaps the only mistake Buick made was not making the Wildcat only a 2-door sports coupe and convertible, as Olds and Pontiac did with their Starfire and Grand Prix, respectively.

Buick moved more toward Chevrolet's Impala line, offering 2 and 4-door hardtops, and eventually a sedan in this line. Some say this hurt the exclusivity of the sport models. Regardless, the Wildcat brand outlived the Starfire, but succumbed way sooner than the Grand Prix and the Impala.

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