The 1954 Buick Wildcat II concept car had a front fender that flared straight out from the body, exposing the entire front wheel well and part of the front-end suspension (which was chrome plated). This Wildcat concept car featured Buick’s traditional portholes, but these were larger and placed on the top of the fender instead of the sides.
Following is the January 17, 1954 Buick Motor Division News release:
“This rakish sports convertible is Buick”s new Wildcat “dream” car, described by its designers as the only sports car with truly American styling. Built of fiberglass and mounted on a 100-inch wheelbase, the new Wildcat features radical new front fender styling that exposes the under side of the fender and the front end suspension. Headlamps are mounted on the cowl with parking and directional signal lights on the front end, underneath the fender shroud. Painted a bright blue with white leather trim, the Wildcat is powered by a standard Buick V-8 engine equipped with four carburetors that boost its horsepower output to 220. The Wildcat will make its public debut at the General Motors Motorama in New York City.”
The Wildcat II now resides at the Sloan Museum in Flint, Michigan. It sported plenty of the 1950s most popular design features. The body was made of fiberglass and was the inspiration for the Chevrolet Corvette.
