Beginning in 1959, the Biscayne was Chevy’s entry-level, full-size car. It would remain in the GM division’s portfolio through the 1975 model year. Most were Plain Jane cars that were popular for fleet purchases or consumers who had no interest in any frills. Though mild in appearance, you could order a Biscayne sedan with any of Chevy’s engines – including the hot, new (in 1961) 409 cubic inch V8. We don’t know if this engine was in this auto from the start, but now it’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Located in West Melbourne, Florida, this ordinary-looking Grandma car is available here on craigslist for $49,900. Another grand tip brought to us by T.J.!
Chevrolet built more than two million automobiles in 1962 and an estimated 166,000 carried Biscayne badging. Fewer of them were sold than the better-equipped Bel Air and Impala that families were more prone to purchase. A 235 cubic inch inline-6 with a “3-on-the-tree” manual transmission was standard fare. But if you were feeling particularly frisky, you could check the box on the order form for the “She’s So Fine My 409” V8 engine (as the Beach Boys would say).
While this Chevy looks good overall, it’s not in show condition. We’re told the paint (Autumn Gold?) is mostly original and you’ll find the occasional nick and ding. The sheet metal all looks solid, but the floors have been replaced at some point (and done well, according to the seller). The undercarriage has been detailed and painted, so it presents with confidence when hiked up on a lift. The interior is in decent shape, though we’re told the need for a new headliner and package tray could come later.
The magic of this machine lies under the hood. The 409 engine has been professionally built and is quite powerful, though we don’t know if the car left the factory with this specific powerplant. The automatic transmission is not numbers-matching, a later TH-350 rather than a 2-speed Powerglide. To keep the motor cool, an oversized radiator has been installed. But the car may be a handful in the corners and when stopping as there is no power assist with the steering or brakes. So, you’re looking at a car the seller says is “100% mechanically restored” and a daily driver otherwise. Grandma never had it so good!
Shiny motor. Drop the hammer and lay down a smoke 🚬 show leaving the lawn bowling club.
If this is an original 409 car, it may have been a detective’s car in a larger city. I can’t think of anybody else that would want a 409 with a Powerglide and no other options, especially in this color. I would definitely want to upgrade the brakes to a 2 pot power disc system. Other than that this is one fine looking ride
Did Chebbie put a slushbox behind a 409? Ford only used manuals behind the performance engines.
I hope that is a joke. Either you are joking or have no clue about what you are saying.
Strange one. Lot of money put into the engine bay. Aluminum heads, intake etc, but no power brakes or discs. Just seems odd to sink all that money and not finish it, I mean the way they have the engine it’s not like they were concerned with originality.
A lot of money for aluminum heads for the oddball 409. No combustion chamber. The pistons were notched.
I almost expected a 3-speed column shift. Worked with a guy whose father bought one like that because it was the cheapest deal that day. Those and 340 hp/powerglides were probably more plentiful than we think. Cool old Biscayne.
It’s O.k. A little expensive. Of course it’s high for negotiations. I would wait for a bubble top Biscayne. I have seen some for $30K needing paint.
The Biscayne, unless my old age has fogged my memory, began in 1958. Jeff, an older guy in my neighborhood had a blue ‘58 with a 6-cylinder and a three-on-the-tree. And no one confuses a ‘58 and a ‘59. He kept that ride looking sweet!
You are correct the Biscayne did come out in 1958 but it was the mid range vehicle that year as the Bel Air was still top-of-the-line and the Impala was only a trim package on the Bel Air. The entry-level vehicle in 1958 was the Delray. In 1959, the Delray was discontinued, the Biscayne moved down a notch to entry level and the Bel Air did too becoming the mid range model and the Impala moved up to its own top-of-the-line series
This car more than likely left the factory with a small V8 or 6 cylinder. The seller never claims the car is a factory 409, “100% mechanically restored” is a generic term used in reference to being rebuild or refreshed.
It’s a nice looking car and looks to be worth the money if the cars condition is in line with the sellers description.
Steve R
At least the TH350 has a better ratio spread than a 700.
My favorite year, great color. It’s a shame about the automatic, but I guess I would leave it and just upgrade the brakes. It would be an easier drive for my gal anyway…
When I got my 1958 Chevy Impala convertible (wish I still had it!), the model lineup (in ascending order) was as follows (if memory serves):
Delray;
Biscayne;
BelAir;
Bel Air Impala
Don’t know how Biscayne ended up at the bottom. I always thought that the 1962 Chevrolet was a particularly beautiful automobile — especially as a face-lift of that weird 1961‐- and I hated the “bubble-top” — but the ’62 was lovely only in Impala and Impala Super Sport trim. I know how the 409 is beloved — but not by me. The venerable 283 has enough power for any needs I might have; in fact, my ’58 Impala had a #283 and not a #327. “Heresy!”, I know. As long as a car runs easily at posted speed-limits, has the “extra” needed to pass slow-movers, and effortlessly climbs hills without running out of energy, that’s good enough. I like four door sedans, despise coupes, and intensely dislike hot-rods. I like the cars that American adults ACTUALLY DROVE for practical transportation — I never was interested in “sporty” cars — but I did enjoy convertibles when I was young in the 1950s (I would look and feel ridiculous in one now, with my frail frame and white hair — I might blow Way! (smile)
You’re never too old for a convertible
I think you mean 348. The 327 didn’t come out until 1962 if memory serves me correctly. In 58 the top motor was a 348 and I believe it was a precursor of the 409.
Delray was dropped in 1959.
blow away (sorry for the typo)
For a modified non numbers match car the price is ridiculous. Especially since it’s not a 4 speed. Unless you just have to have a 409, save your money.
My first car in 1967 at 16 years old was a 4 door, 1963 Biscayne with a 283 V8 with a 2 speed power glide transmission. Paid $225.00 for it with 58K miles on the odometer. Same color but with a white top. Most dependably car I ever drove. No A/C and hand crank windows.
Curious location of that stain on the drivers front bottom cushion……..?
Looks like some raw sewage got into the canal! Probably a direct result of the power of that engine paired with no steering or brakes!
The 2-4 409 or the single four 400hp 409 was not available with a powerglide automatic just the 340 hp could get a powerglide.
I want one of these, but not at this price. I want it to look menacing, not a sleepy look. Find one in decent shape drivetrain delete and build how I want it. That would be with a 409 built much like this one, period correct 4 speed, bench seat with cutout, power brakes & steering, .411 gears, radio delete, red on red with red steel rims, bigger in the rear. And make sure you get a lid for that coffee!
While this is a neat car and the 409, either original or an update is an interesting feature, Chevrolet was late to the game with Performance & cubes and back in the day this was known as a “garbage truck motor” (at least by Ford & Mopar guys), as the 409 started life as a truck motor. Chrysler had their Hemis and Ford had big blocks so not to be outdone Chevy started putting beefed-up truck engines in passenger cars, but when the 396 came out in 1965, the 348/409 went away for good reason.
My best friend in my teen years had a 1962 327 4sp SS Impala. His big brother gave it to him because 62 was the year my friend was born.That 300 hp 327 was plenty.1962 Impala to me is the best looking Impala ever made,good times.
and no clutch! Really?