Stoat White doesn’t have quite the cache as “Ermine White” does, even though an ermine, a small ferret-like creature, is also known as a stoat. How’s that for an offbeat way to start a post about a very cool 1966 Chevrolet Biscayne Wagon project? Now if this car turns out to be Cameo Beige all that was was for naught. This car is posted here on craigslist in Davenport (don’t get me started as to what’s related to that word!), Iowa and the seller is asking $5,200. Here is the original listing, and thanks to Chuck F. for the tip!
A couple of things right away: the ermine, or stoat, is mostly white only in the winter, and they have a black-tipped tail. In case there were any real experts out there who were about to pound out an angry comment on how they aren’t always white. Hey, Chevy named this car Ermine White, I didn’t. And, Davenport, Iowa is a great city, the third largest in Iowa and one of the “Quad Cities” on the eastern edge with neighboring Illinois. It was named after George Davenport, an 1800s sailor, adventurer, fur trapper/trader, etc. It has nothing to do with a piece of furniture. Not to mention, the seller says in their description that it’s actually located in Hedrick, Iowa, which is 110 miles southeast of Davenport, but they can bring it to the Quad Cities. Ok, back to this patina-heavy Biscayne wagon!
The seller nails the photos, including a bunch of great ones, including all of the rust and other issues. They also have one of the best and most detailed listings that I’ve seen in a long time with extra links for a ton more photos and videos. This, my friends, is how you run a craigslist ad! Chevy made the Biscayne from 1958 through 1972 in the U.S. (longer in Canada) and it was a lower trim-level car.
The fourth-generation Biscayne was made from 1965 through 1970 and was part of Chevrolet’s redesign of the lineup. This car needs a lot of mechanical and cosmetic work and as the lowest trim level, I’m not sure if it would ever be worth it (financially) to restore it, but as a cool weekend car, or as the seller uses it, as a car for use at racing events, it would be fantastic. The back seat shows what would be the original blue vinyl seating surfaces. The rear cargo area is huge, big enough for a 4 x 8 sheet of plywood with the rear seat folded down. I’d love to see a YouTube detailer go after this car inside and out to see what it would look like cleaned and polished.
The big (small) thing with this car, other than its tough-cool look, is Chevy’s 250-cu.in. OHV inline-six with a respectable 155 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. Sadly, it runs through a two-speed Powerglide (what we used to refer to as a “slip-and-slide”) automatic, but the seller says it all works well. It does have some needs – there are a few leaks, and it’ll need the usual: brakes, tires, hoses, belts, bushings, suspension work, etc. How much would you pay for this Biscayne?
My parents were of that generation that believed you should trade your car in every few years. So I remember growing up in station wagons (some with fake wood siding) built in 1962, 1965, 1968 & 1972. Every summer, we’d go on vacation in ours (with roof mounted luggage & sometimes a tent). I’m sure other Geezers like me remember when these and their V8 cousins roamed the terrain in large numbers.
And remember how much we hated them (the wagons)?
powerglides are great transmissions. They are very efficient and used a ton in drag racing. GM even offered one in their 2011 427 COPO Camaro. They neither slip nor slide.
The one in my ’68 Camaro works fine ( I had it resealed last summer ) The V8 327 engine has enough torque where it only really needs two gears. High gear is the same 1 to 1 in a Turbo Hydramatic or a Power Glide )
The drag prepped Powerglide is about as far removed from a stock one as you can get.
I’m a Ford guy to the core and GM trannies are HANDS DOWN the best.
This one brings back a lot of memories . . my dad, who was a territory manager for John Deere, had a Biscayne company car just like this one ( only painted GREEN, of course ) except it was a three-on-the-tree. My sister and I ( both in our early teens ) liked to sit on the floor in the back, and look out over the tailgate with the window down, watching the road below. ( at low speeds, but we STILL wouldn’t do that today !!! )
Nice ride and it has the 6cyl but they were cold blooded getting them going in the cold but after that very dependable ride
Mom bought one brand new in Maine (with five kids) while Dad did a tour in Saigon. Dark Blue w/blue interior & a 283. I was 10. Only had 66,000 on it when they traded it in 72 for a Impala, the year I got my license. It was ziebarted too in Michigan in 68. Oh how I wish it had become my 1st car in hindsight, for a party wagon if nothin else.
i love it. not many left with a 6. i would just drive it. leave the LS motor out of it
Replacing the Powerglide with a Turbo 350 would make a huge difference.
As an old wagon lover I see great potential here.modern enough to handle and stop well in todays traffic , while having endless ability to drive as is or parts find and bring up to whatever level is desired.I dig it.
This brings back fond memories of a ’66 Biscayne I once owned. I bought it as a finished car that was as neat as it could be. Absolutely beautiful body painted dark brown with a tan interior from a ’66 Caprice wagon that included power windows and seat as well as a tilt and telescope column. It was the ultimate cruiser, 283, Turbo 350, Flowmaster exhaust, 8″ Rallies with small center caps, and TA radials. It was a gorgeous car that I truly wish I still had.
The Craigslist ad has been deleted by author as of 02/24/2025, 1:08 pm CST.
Thanks, Mike!
No surprise there!
Hi,
I thought the 1966 In line 6 was the 230 cu. in.
Gary