It’s a safe bet that the majority of 1962 Chevy Biscaynes were sold with either an inline-6 or a small-block V8. And the 409 big-block V8 could be ordered for any one of them. But the number of Biscayne station wagons with the 409 is probably as rare as hen’s teeth. This ’62 example is one with a dual carburetor setup, but there’s no mention of whether this is a factory installation because the wagon was last registered in 1970. Located in Churchville, New York, this resurrected Chevy with patina is available here on craigslist for $34,900. A bravo to “Zappenduster” for the tip!
The full-size Chevy pecking order remained the same as in 1961 (and earlier). The entry-level big Bow-Tie was the Biscayne, so the level of creature comforts was minimal. Next up was the Bel Air, which was a little fancier. And at the high end of the deal was the Impala, which had become a series of its own in 1959. The standard Biscayne came with a 230 cubic inch inline-6 with a “3-on-the-tree” manual transmission. The 283 V8 was optional. And, technically, the hot 409 engine with twin 4-barrel carburetors and 409 horsepower could be checked off on the order form.
According to the seller, this wagon was last registered for highway use in 1970 with 89,000 miles. 56 years later, the odometer has the same reading, so we assume this car was in limbo somewhere for all this time. We’re guessing things have been refreshed so the automobile is roadworthy again. But when did the 409 appear? In 1962, 1970, or perhaps within the last few weeks or months? Dual exhaust was installed along with front disc brakes, and the 3-speed tranny is still there.
The seller says that most of the white paint is original and wears some surface rust pretty well. The red interior looks like it has been redone, but we’re told that’s not the case, and it looks great. All of the original glass is intact, and the vehicle runs well. Other than the aftermarket wheels (and it appears the wagon has been lowered), this wagon could pass as a sleeper. At the seller’s asking price, you’re paying a premium for the big block.
With a 3 on the tree I seriously doubt it was a factor 409
I too doubt that it was originally a 409, but not because of the three speed. I’ve seen plenty of original 3 speed 409 cars, we had one in my family. In 63 my cousin had a 62 Impala (non SS) with the single 4bbl 409/380 and a three speed column shift. I’ve seen other three speed 409’s over the years, including one in an Impala four door post.
In 62 the only transmissions available with the 409’s were the standard three speed or the optional four speed in close and wide ratio versions. Neither the single four 409/380 hp or the two four 409/409 hp were available with the Powerglide. The only 409 that could be ordered with the Powerglide was the 409/340, which first became available in 63.
The car does have the correct flags and “409” emblems on the front fenders, not that they prove anything. While the trim tag won’t identify what the original engine was, it will identify if the car started life with a six or V8.
A 3 speed manual column shift was not available on a 1962 Chevrolet Biscayne 409 which greatly affects that price of $34,900.
You are WRONG. There absolutely was a HD column shifted 3 speed available with the 409 on Biscayne models in ’62.
Possible i am wrong can you show me where that is stated because i can not find it anywhere where a 3 speed or a HD 3speed column shift available with these car with a 409.
Don Kiepert, correct. The 3 speed manual was the standard gearbox.
The RPO587 409/409 was definately available with a three speed manual in 1962. I have an older Hemmings article about a fellow that bought a new ’62 Impala 4 door with exactly the same combination. If this thing is a true 587 car, it is as rare as the proverbial “hens teeth”. Even if it is just a true 409 single 4 barrel car, it sure as heck ain’t very common. Agreed that the seller is asking premium dollars for it, but depending on how it came from the factory, if it’s a true 409 equipped car, I believe that he price is pretty close, and if it could be verified as a true 587 car, it is cheap.
As a side note, I hate the wheels, would be too cool with Turbo-thrusts or Vette rallies and BFG TAs.
Unless they went through everything completely after it’s been sitting for 56 years which i doubt they did. To me it might be worth 12 grand with the 409 in it but that’s my opinion.
I sometimes trash the 409, but make no mistake, it was a heck of a motor. I agree, in lower Suburbia, you’d rarely see a 409 anything, much less a wagon. Some drag racers did use wagons with 409s,, but not much success. These were usually relegated to a push car for the rail jobs. I wouldn’t dis the 3 speed either. I bet this car really sets you back with every shift. We laughed at the Power glide, now the undisputed choice for non-fuel cars, go figure. They have a unusual car here. The family man won’t want it because of the motor, and a drag racers won’t want it,,,it’s a wagon. At that price, (stick, noPS) it’s going to be a tough sell.
My history teacher bought a ’63 with a 409. I asked her why, and she said “so I can climb the mountains when I go on trips”.
Following. I like the red interior.
Ever since the Planed Demic, everyone thinks they have Mecum Auction vehicle with Mecum prices. Even if it’s a rot bucket from New York. Just saying.
@ Lakota…..In fact a 3-speed trans. WAS available w/either of the 409’s in1962. (https://oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Chevrolet/1962_Chevrolet/1962_Chevrolet_Full_Size_Brochure/1962%20Chevrolet%20Full%20Size-14-15.html)
Thank you for that Utesman there was indeed a 3 speed column shift available with that car with a 409.
If this vehicle was born with a 409 (of either HP) you can bet the seller would be specifically saying that. But the ad does not say anything like that, and only says Powered by “a” legendary 409.
Read between the lines and that “a” means there is a 99% chance that “that” 409 did not originally come in this car.
But regardless, it is still way cool!
Í completely agree, that ís exactly why I mentioned “íf”.
My personal opinion is that the chances of this being a factory 409 are in all likelihood slim to none, but I also agree that either way it is cool.
Soon as an ad says runs and drives as it should you know it’s a curber…..This car has rust issues thus 30ft photos, interior needs some major work, and a vague enough description hoping someone is impressed enough with it being a 409(348?) between the rails to not probe too deeply. Still, if that car was close enough to me, and the unseen rust wasn’t terminal, I’d go 15k CDN for it, but car prices now are aimed at the Institute of the Blind 401k people who don’t do homework. Still a cool car, but 20k overpriced…..just my 2 cents (CDN) ;)
cool wagon.