It is possible to describe some cars as mild-mannered. They are gentle and not prone to extreme behavior. That would have summed up this 1967 Chevrolet Biscayne when it was new, but the bigger wheels hint there might be more to this classic than meets the eye. Its current drivetrain combination makes it a genuine sleeper that could pin you in its seat under the right circumstances. It needs a new home, so the seller listed it here on eBay in Ocoee, Florida. The bidding sits at $10,000, but I’m unsurprised that the figure falls short of the reserve. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Larry D for spotting this wolf in sheep’s clothing.
The Fourth Generation Biscayne appeared on showroom floors in 1965, remaining on sale until the end of the 1970 model year. It was physically larger than its predecessor, offering additional interior space and a more comfortable ride. This Biscayne received a repaint in its original shade of Nantucket Blue, but it appears a previous owner completed the work a few years ago. It remains in good condition, with no flaws or defects beyond the occasional minor chip or scratch. It shines impressively, and there’s no evidence of patchiness or UV damage. I can’t spot any rust issues in the excellent supplied photos, and the seller doesn’t mention any in their listing. The chrome and glass look perfect, and if it weren’t for the 15″ Rally wheels, it would be easy to believe this Biscayne was a tidy survivor-grade classic. However, that is a long way from the truth.
The VIN for this Biscayne confirms it rolled off the line powered by a 250ci six-cylinder engine backed by a manual transmission. That gave the driver 155hp at their disposal, with that respectable figure allowing the car to cover the ¼ mile in 19.3 seconds. That would have satisfied most owners, especially those using the vehicle as their primary source of family transport. This classic isn’t numbers-matching, and I would usually consider that a negative characteristic in a vehicle of this vintage. However, you can’t help but like what you find upon lifting the hood. That original “six” has been consigned to boat anchor duties, and the vacant space houses a 454ci Crate Motor. Its specifications are unclear, but the seller assures us the stainless Hooker headers, and dual exhaust provide a stunning engine note. The drivetrain combination includes a four-speed manual transmission and power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes. The most potent engine Chevrolet offered ’67 Biscayne buyers was the 427ci big-block, churning out 385hp. If we use that as a guide, this sleeper should have no trouble producing a sub-15-second ¼-mile ET. For potential buyers, there’s more positive news to consider. The seller states the car is in sound mechanical health and runs and drives well. It is a turnkey classic needing nothing beyond a new owner.
The excellent presentation continues when we examine this Biscayne’s interior. The only fault worth mentioning is some chips and wear on the wheel. Otherwise, the Blue vinyl upholstery looks excellent, with the same true of the carpet, dash, and pad. The person who slotted the big-block under the hood wisely added a column-mounted tach and some gauges under the dash to monitor engine health. There are no further additions, and it is worth noting that the interior isn’t loaded with luxury extras. It is a radio-delete model, so long trips may require a dose of “carpool karaoke” to relieve boredom.
While genuine muscle cars remain desirable and will draw a crowd, there’s something to be said for a sleeper. If it weren’t for the wider wheels, that is what I would call this 1967 Biscayne. That big-block’s sheer power and torque should provide an effortless and civilized driving experience under most circumstances, lulling the unwary into a false sense of security. However, flooring the gas would unleash a monster, giving the car a Jekyll and Hyde personality. If I found it in my garage, I might find the lure of locating some standard steel wheels and dog dish hubcaps too tempting to resist. Do you agree, or would you leave it untouched?
Needs those larger wheels and tires for the fun factor, otherwise just sit there. Myself probably would put some drag radials on back to enhance the fun factor. Sweet ride!
Back in the day this coulda been a GREAT ‘Shine Runner….🤔👍🏻
Gotta wonder what axle is in it.
3.00 would be fine by me-) 🏁
If the rear end hasn’t been upgraded I’d sure be hesitant to drop the clutch time after time on a Friday night of red light racing!
This is a great build! It has just the right stance, with wheels and tires big enough to fill the wheel wells without looking comical. The subtle rake was well thought-out, also.
A Biscayne with an Impala grill? As in those are small parking lights on the outside of the headlights. Something a base Chevy didn’t have.
FWIW.
While those ‘running lights’ were standard on a Caprice, they were also a stand-alone option for any full-size car. While I doubt this was built with them, they were an available option and are ‘correct’ for this car.
simple, beautiful and tasteful.
With this look and this engine It would be even better if it had 4 doors.
I love these old Biscayne’s with big blocks. Back in 1968 the Washington state patrol were using Bellairs with 427 ‘s . They had the cop car rallies with poverty caps. Guys would buy them and just leave alone and take them to drag strips. Were great cars and disappeared fast. Had a friend who was given a 67 Biscayne that had a 396 in a 2-door post. Used by the Oregon state police. Body was really bad and took the engine out. Love these cars
If it’s a 454, Why put 427 on it ?
A 427 would be the top engine size in 1967, plus it sounds cooler than a run-of-the-mill 454. Back in the day you would frequently “downsize” emblems. Seems to me all the Nova SS big block cars were running 350 emblems on the front fenders. Factory 396 Camaros were a tougher sell, as the tail panel was painted black from the factory. I had a buddy that went the extra step and resprayed the tail panel body color, and added a 350 air cleaner decal for fun.
A nearby mega dealer bought a long row of retired ex WI state patrol squads at auction. Two years old. Were 1967’s with 427s in them. My brother in law and two friends went and each bought one. My brother in law put his engine in a ’57 Chevrolet, later years it went into a Chevelle. It spun a bearing and he got rid of it. The other fellow put his in his 1967 Firebird – imagine doing that to a two year old car. The 3rd guy was turning on to Main Street, hit the gas to show off, got traction and launched right into a store front. The car was demolished, don’t know what happened to the 427 block. A few years later I was visiting an older coworker and his wife at their home. Living in a trailer park. Sitting outside was one – repainted maroon. He didn’t even know what he had. He said when he went to buy a used car, his sons picked it out for him. He said it was horrible on gas, but liked the “get-up-and-go”. Sure hope the sons saved it. Those ex squads are like unicorns – no pictures seen to exist anywhere. I finally found a picture of my sister in law with two of them in the background, but I can’t post here because I am not a member.
Makes me think of the ’66 Biscayne from yesterday only this ’67 is a much prettier design and appears way better built! 👍
It surprises me that it not only has carpeted floors but also lower door panels – features that I wasn’t expecting in a bottom-of-the-barrel Chev. It’s strikingly graceful in all its simplicity so the Chev brass did a good job putting together an elegant offering also for the budget-minded customer
The lower door panels have a textured dark vinyl on them to SIMULATE carpet, but they’re not. Used by Chevy for years on the lower trim lines.
Apparently it worked to fool me then! 😏
Readers of a certain age will remember losing money to “That Guy” driving a “Sleeper”
Radio delete & 4 speed. Check.
Tho why someone would order a clock instead of aux gages & fact tach is beyond me.
Most people ordered them but radios weren’t standard on Chevys… or, in ‘67, I’m pretty sure, on Cadillacs.
I don’t think this car has a clock. Fuel gauge is to the left of speedometer. A clock would be to the right. The list price of a clock would’ve been somewhere around $10 and most people ordering Biscaynes or Bel Airs would forego that. I’m going to guess that more Impalas had them than didn’t. I think they were always standard on Caprice. They were in ‘68.
But Special Instrumentation was around $70. A Substantial price in ‘67. And that option was rarely ordered. Plus I’m not sure that that or a tach by itself was offered with a Six, which this car got from the factory, along with a 3-speed.
I’m 10 miles from Ocoee ,Florida what’s wrong with it? Too dam hot with that 454 blast furnace!
This reminds me of cars I would see in my high school parking lot – I graduated in 1970. Classmates would buy some cheap “old” car and put some wider wheels on. I wasn’t into American stuff, but I understood the appeal.
Big, with a big block Chevy, like the 427 emblem on the cool dual snorkel air cleaner if it said “454” it would be less interesting…for some reason. 4 speed screamer but I have a feeling standard full size cars like this here Biscayne with desirable engines were “donators” back up until the…ninties(?).