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.