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Melt into the soft bucket seats, an option, of the Buick Wildcat and for a fleeting second you would think you were in a luxury saloon. But, from the moment you fired up the ignition, the roar of the engine reminded you that you were in a man-made wildcat that had all the power and bite of the graceful but finely muscled wild animals it was named after.

Although the true Wildcat classic car only lasted from 1962 to 1970, it became a popular choice on the muscle car scene and stood tall amongst other inferior makes. However, of all the Wildcats, the 1967 model must be the most favoured, at least in my opinion. With its huge 430 V8 engine producing 360 bhp at 4600 rpm, it was equal to another other muscle cars, yet it had a distinctive advantage. Because of its saloon-based size, there was comfort as well. Similarly, the uniquely pronounced three-pronged shape of the front end was guaranteed to get you noticed, wherever you were. Its smooth coupe style successfully managed to combine the beautiful feline and feminine curvature of a lioness with the power and ruggedness of her mate.

On a trip from Moab in Utah down to Las Vegas, you can really appreciate the agility and versatility of this wonderful machine. As you travel through the streets of Torrey, the engine literally purrs, as if acknowledging the admiring glances of the people staring with envy as the great beast saunters by, knowing from the sound that this is a car that can unleash astonishing power will little encouragement from its driver.

Once you leave the town and head out into the Byrce Canyon National Park, the roads twist and turn through the beautiful country. Even there, with the power increased, like her namesakes in the African scrublands, the Buick Wildcat accelerates through the bends without hesitation and hardly a murmur. In the driving seat there is hardly a hint of movement from the change of direction.

Then it is on through the straight desert roads as you approach Las Vegas. Time to unleash the full might and power of this wonderful beast. With the windows opened, you and the car become almost one with nature and the distance is effortlessly eaten away. The Wildcat engine is hardly straining, just using its boundless energy to carry you through.

Finally you reach journey's end and as the Buick Wildcat slows to a gentle walk along the strip, head again turn, noting even through the dust that has accumulated on your journey, that this is indeed a muscle car to be reckoned with.

The Buick Wildcat, the lioness that became the leader of the muscle generation.

Learn more about this author, Paul Lines.
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