Chevrolet redesigned its automobile lineup in 1958, going for “bigger is better” and a shuffling of the nameplates. Things were looking up until a deep economic recession put the whammy on new car sales in ’58. And Chrysler’s success with their “Forward Look” 1957s led GM to do another rework for 1959, so the ‘58s were a “one-year-wonder”. The seller’s Biscayne sedan is said to be a good runner, complete with ample patina, and can be found in Madelia, Minnesota. Available here on Facebook Marketplace, this vintage Chevy can be yours for $5,450 OBO. Some of the best tips come from “NW Iowa Kevin.”
The trim Chevies of the 1955-57 “Tri-Five” era were replaced in 1958 by bigger, bulkier machines that may not have been well-received by buyers. The GM division’s sales were off 22% in ’58 compared to ’57, a fate experienced by other car builders. But Chevrolet’s decline may have been due in part that they looked big and fat compared to Fords and Plymouths, so it was full speed ahead for another round of new cars in ’59. The seller’s Biscayne was the successor to the prior 210 series.
We wish there were better photos of the seller’s car. They’re all taken from inside a garage, so the angles are confined, yet the seller takes it out for a test drive in a short video. The seller says it’s a good daily driver, powered by a 283 cubic-inch V8 paired with a 2-speed Powerglide automatic transmission. To help it do its job, the car has been treated to new tires, an upgraded ignition system, a fuel tank, and a regular air cleaner as opposed to the old-style oil bath filter.
As long as you’re a fan of patina, the only bodywork needed is a new set of floor pans. Inside the passenger compartment, it looks as though the seats will require new upholstery. For grins and giggles, the seller still has the old bias-ply tires and generator that came off the Chevy. In an interesting twist, the owner wants to get something bigger (like a Suburban) instead of something smaller, like a Camaro or Nova.
The Bel Air was really the 210’s successor. The Biscayne was more like the 150. The new Impala succeeded the old top of the line Bel Air.
The Delray took the place of the 150. The Biscayne took the place of the 210.
And The Impala PUSHED Bel Air down to second place.
So loads of rust!!!
A guy I played basketball with in high school had a 2-door in the same colors as this. He called her, “Rosie, the Bondo Bomb”. Michigan winters will do this to a car. It’s the kind of patina you can get elsewhere but my home state has perfected the look. It’s a good bit of nostalgia, but $5,450 is a little high to be driving an old joke.
First, I never really understand the big deal over *Tri Fives*, although I have wondered about Chevys 57 rear fenders looking so similar to 57 Chryslers. But as most know I’m all about Luxury and Impressive appearance. The 58 Chevrolet filled that quite well, even in the base model. The bulked out look was so similar in front to the 58 Cadillac. Of course my preference was the Bel Air. This Biscayne Will need much TLC, but I hope someone can restore it as a one year only example of IMO one of the Best of Chevrolet
I like how they try and hide the 4 doors! Take a picture showing it to be a 4 door! And he is lying about 70 miles an hour! That tank with 283 and cast iron power glide never can get to 70! I had exact same car in better condition! But it was like driving a lumber wagon! Beautiful to look at though!
My dad bought one new like this. Same color, 283 but a 3 on the tree. He never liked the 283s especially in this heavy rig. 2 years later traded it in for a new Corvair. Didn’t like that either but kept it til 63 when he traded it in for a 2 door Biscayne that came with a 327 300 hp car. That car could fly!