I always place great store in long-term ownership of any classic. Vehicles with that history are generally well-maintained and treated respectfully, which explains how they’ve survived. This 1959 Chevrolet Biscayne takes that theory to a higher level. Until recently, it had been in the care of its original owner for an incredible sixty-three years. It’s not perfect, but the buyer could drive it as an original survivor with their head held high. If you’d like to be that person, the Biscayne is listed here on eBay in Herald, California. Bidding sits at $10,110, which is below the reserve.
Until recently, this Biscayne had remained in the care of its original lady owner since it drove off the showroom floor. There is no suggestion of any prior restoration or repairs, meaning its Code 970 paint combination of Gothic Gold and Satin Beige is original. Close inspection reveals accumulated scratches, marks, and bruises, but nothing requires immediate attention. If the new owner wishes to retain the car as a survivor, it seems up to the task. This Chevy spent its life in California, making its rust-free status unsurprising. There are no issues in the prone lower body extremities, and the seller doesn’t mention any in their listing. Some trim pieces, notably those on the hood front, have dings, but they are part of a survivor’s character. Reproduction replacements are readily available for those contemplating the restoration path. The glass is spotless, and this classic rolls on its original steel wheels with dog dish hubcaps.
The tidy theme continues when we focus on this Biscayne’s interior. It isn’t perfect, but there are no pressing needs. The original owner replaced the front seatcover, and it doesn’t match the one on the back seat. The replacement is serviceable, but the seller indicates that this aftermarket item conceals the original upholstery. I’d throw caution to the wind and remove it. That’s a calculated risk, but the worst it will do is expose an unserviceable seatcover. If that proves the case, there are options worth considering. Sourcing the correct item for the front seat shouldn’t prove challenging, but it may introduce a slight color mismatch to the older rear cover. The buyer could spend $660 on a complete set, although that option compromises some originality claims. However, it is the option I’d choose to maintain consistency. Otherwise, the interior needs nothing. It isn’t overflowing with luxury appointments, although it retains its factory pushbutton AM radio.
Although buyers in 1959 could order a new Biscayne with a six under the hood, this car’s original owner selected the iconic 283ci V8 producing 185hp. They coupled this to a two-speed Powerglide transmission, although they didn’t choose power assistance for the steering or brakes. Outright performance probably wasn’t the original owner’s priority when ordering this classic because more potent combinations were on offer to fulfill those requirements. The seller claims the odometer reading of 48,970 miles is probably genuine, although they hold no verifying evidence. The car’s overall condition and presentation make the claim plausible, but there’s nothing like having evidence in your hot little hand! They include to original Owner’s Manual, Owner Protection Policy, and Protect-O-Plate. This Biscayne spent time in storage, but the seller cleaned the fuel system and replaced the brakes, wheel cylinders, battery, and tires. It received a complete fluid flush that returned the vehicle to a roadworthy state. It runs and drives well, ready to give its new owner classic motoring pleasure.
This 1959 Chevrolet Biscayne isn’t perfect, but that is part of its attraction. Returning it to a factory-fresh state with new paint would be easy and relatively inexpensive, but that would destroy part of its character. Finding restored classics from this era is easy, but finding unmolested survivors can be challenging. That it remained a one-owner vehicle is particularly noteworthy, considering it emerged during a period when many motorists considered cars a disposable commodity. If the new owner elects to leave this Biscayne untouched, I would hardly blame them. I know it is an overused expression, but they are only original once. Do you agree?
Definitely needs to remain unrestored.
Did they paint those data plate rivits on the firewall back then also ?
Agreed. A car like this, an original survivor, is a rarity and is just the kind of car I most like to see at a car show or cruise in. Restored cars are common but an old car still in the condition that it left the factory in is a treat to see.
Wow! What a car! Leave it as is. Take it from a guy who has lived in the midwest all is life….west coast cars like this are considered an endangered species.
beautiful. Love the 59 and 60’s. Good luck to the new owner. seeing one this original is a breath of fresh air!
Good luck.
Cheers
GPC
My first car was this with aqua paint and white roof and trunk. My dad gave it to me, after he had it for a year. This was in 73. Ran like a champ until the motor mount broke. Great car for a 16 year old to learn on
Once again a BF find that illustrates just why I’m so found of GM’s late50s/ early 60s B-bodies, Chevs in particular – even in bottom feeder livery this one looks like a million simply thanks to an already fantastic design.
If I’m at all allowed to be picky here then it must be I was just a tiny bit let down it wasn’t a 3spd… When I see unmolested Biscaynes like this I’m somehow crossing my fingers I’ll see a 6cyl with 3spd OD… 😏 This is an amazing find that deserves a dedicated new owner to let it stay a basic Biscayne
Pretty sure, if you were a kid in the 60s in a big city, someone on your block had a car like this. The way it’s equipped, it probably belonged to that old single lady, you thought was a witch. She didn’t go far, and this car did what she wanted.The lack of P/S or brakes may surprise some, but that was just part of driving then. It, for many, was a needless and expensive option on a bare bones car like this. I know we ooh and ahh about the simpleness and why we don’t see these today, they were simply for a different time, think Andy Griffith time. Like a rotary phone in todays world, just won’t cut it. A great find, and not to sound glum, but as more and more older folks die, and houses sold and garages opened for the 1st time in years, I think we’ll see a lot more of this stuff. I’m sure the test drive will scare the crap out of someone not familiar with 1959 technology.
Yep, my neighbor had a BelAir in the same colors.
I thought we had a repeat here, but there are enough differences to be two cars. Here’s its twin from last year. Both from CA and similar mileage & condition. Crazy.
https://barnfinds.com/348-v8-tri-power-1959-chevrolet-biscayne/
Great survivor….next owner don’t change a thing.
I can never un-see this, but a beautiful car for you – and not for your loved ones.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_r5UJrxcck&ab_channel=IIHS
This was the first car I bought … the local pharmacist’s wife’s car, it had the 283 with three-on-the-tree … bought it in 1970 for $75 and the clutch was so bad that it wouldn’t move unless given a lot of gas … replaced the clutch, bearing, and plate for $20 – labor included … tail lights cost me as much … gf painted flowers on the metal dash and we threw a bedspread over the front seat … car had “legs” – would get 80 in second gear … drove it from New Orleans to Chicago, where it was stolen and stripped …
Just missed buying this car off Dallas Craigslist a few weeks back. Sorry to see it was bought to flip.
Did the seller bother to look at the pictures before he posted them? If you want a premium price, give the potential buyer premium photos.
yep…..agree but it’s been prepped to sale……..
The car sits at around $22,600. I contacted the owner for a ballpark price and he indicated around $38K would work.
People won’t usually reveal their reserve, but I suspect that $38K is the reserve. Commenting so I can be kept in the comments.
Was this little old lady from Pasadena ?
No Paul, she drove a shiny Red Super Stock Dodge.🤣
Bought a car exactly like this in Maui in 1975. Was hitchhiking to get to my apartment in Lahaina. A 1959 Biscayne pulled over and gave me a ride. I was looking for a car and asked him how much he wanted for this one if it was for sale. He said $300, we had a deal.. Ran like a Swiss watch for many years to come. Had the six cylinder with a three speed manual. Good times!!
Have to watch results, even for a Caly car, $38 seems high , but if it goes for $32k , give or take , still pricey. I know a couple guys that might be game , but the dollar is heading for toilet paper level so who knows.
This trim and colors are exactly as I remember them in the day. Super rare in originality and trim and I want it. Out of all of the cars I’ve looked at online in months this one stands out.
Just lovely….
I’m sitting on a 1954 Chevy BelAir, 2 Door Hardtop Sport Coupe, it’s a SUVIVOR 235CI, 115 HP, 3 on the tree, Horizon Blue with a India Ivory Top, The car is Beautiful, It’s hard protecting a car like this,
I’m thinking of selling in the Spring
Please consider listing it here on the site!
I looked for one of these 2 dr post cars for a few years after I sold my ’59 El Camino, and they were like nonexistent in the Northern California area. So now this comes out of the woodwork, too bad I am not in the market now. I see one thing on this old girl that just isn’t right in the listing, and I spotted it right off since I know these ’59 bowties pretty well, if you look closely at both front and rear bumper, they are not original to a true California car, tells me they are from the Midwest or east side of the country. A real California ’59 Chevy (all models) would have the one-piece bumpers. That would be a good question to present to the seller IMO.
Also, sorry Adam but you mention in the listing this has a PB Radio, it actually has the lo budget straight line tuning manual radio. This car is so bare bones it has no dome light switches in the door jams. The El Caminos were bare bones for the most part and came that way unless you sat down and ordered all the little extra’s. Still, this is a nice find and hope that it stays in the Norcal area, I may see it at a C & C one day.
Good catch there – decoding the VIN shows it was built in Kansas City, MO so maybe the buyer needed a new car to move to Cali…?
Here’s mine. I got it out of a collection in Texas. https://youtu.be/b-vJxKwc8ig
The fact that these survivors are still out there just amazes me. My grandfather had this exact car except it was a 6 cylinder 3 on the tree. He was a district manager for Haverty’s Furniture in Texas & it was his company car. After 5 years, he was given the option to buy it when they rotated the fleet. He gave $50 for it.
Once again, the writer thinks this was a special order car, just like all his other listings – I know he is not from this country, but who would special order a near base model Biscayne ? No one . There were cars like this in every lot ,from the cheapest to the highest optioned model. 99% of the time , that’s what got sold. Most buyers are looking for a car because they need one and dont want to wait.