Buick Wildcat, Red, for sale in Charlotte, North Carolina, for $34,995.

As far as big, luxurious '60s cruisers go, it's hard to do better than this '64 Buick Wildcat convertible with a super-rare, matching-numbers Super Wildcat 425 wearing dual quads and factory A/C. Talk about a gentleman's hot rod!

OK, so bright red screams performance, but Buick was serious about putting some real power under the hood. And make no mistake, this is a very fast car that retains Buick's full-sized luxury and comfort. Striking is the right word for this big Cat, in its brilliant Granada Red, and those quarter panels alone are nearly six feet long. There's no sagging, either, so the doors close with a solid sound using just your fingertips. And while there's a lot of chrome, most of it has been refinished or is a well-preserved original piece, so there's not a huge bill out there waiting for the new owner, just a beautifully presented big convertible.

Inside there's room for five to cruise in total comfort. Reupholstered black buckets up front and a wide rear bench are supportive and comfortable, and the seat covers are authentic reproduction units that look right. A stylish chrome and vinyl center console houses the shifter lever for the 3-speed automatic as well as a cool integrated tachometer that fits the Wildcat's personality perfectly. Brushed stainless instrument panels for both the driver and passenger are nicely finished, and all the original gauges are fully functional. And yes, as I mentioned, this car is equipped with factory air, a very nice option that definitely adds value and makes the car a pleasure to drive under all conditions. The only deviation from stock is a Pioneer head unit in the dash, but the installation almost looks like it belongs there. Finally, a matching black convertible top has been recently installed.

Buick's Nailhead V8 with the Super Wildcat dual quad option was rated at 365 horsepower and 465 pounds of torque. With that kind of power, this massive car will paint rubber for a city block if you keep your foot in it. You'll enjoy the cognitive dissonance that comes from a giant luxury barge that moves like a Skylark GS. The Nailhead is instantly identifiable by its finned valve covers that are horizontal to the ground and not canted to match the angle of the engine's cylinder banks. A new dual exhaust system has just enough rumble to it to let people know this is no ordinary Buick, but doesn't compromise the car's luxury mission. Those optional Formula Five chrome steel wheels still look great after nearly 50 years, and they wear recent whitewall radials.

Buick has always been about luxury muscle, and there's no finer specimen than this Wildcat, which is as luxurious as a Cadillac, but moves like an Impala SS. Call today!