This 1958 Chevrolet Biscayne’s future is up in the air. It doesn’t make a positive first impression although, as we shall see, there could be more to this classic than meets the eye. Some will view it as an affordable project candidate, while others may see nothing but a parts car. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting the Biscayne listed here on eBay in Ramona, California. The seller’s BIN of $2,500 makes it tempting, but their willingness to consider offers could see someone score the Biscayne at a lower price.
Chevrolet introduced the Biscayne to its product range in 1958, with the First Generation available for a single model year. The company offered two and four-door sedan variants, with our feature car the latter. It is unclear how long it has occupied this spot exposed to the element, but the faded Tropic Turquoise paint that is being consumed by surface corrosion suggests we can measure the time frame in years. That doesn’t bode well for what might hide below the surface, but this classic may have dodged one fairly significant bullet. It is situated in a very dry location that is conducive to steel preservation. There are no visible gaping holes in the lower extremities, and what can be seen of the floors from the interior images reveals no evidence of penetrating rust. The car would undoubtedly require stripping back to bare metal as part of a project build, although the process may not entail any significant cutting or welding. One window is broken, but the remaining glass appears okay. Any trim pieces that haven’t disappeared require a trip to the platers. However, this Biscayne might be a better project candidate than first impressions suggest.
The seller confirms that this Chevy received a retrim in Blue and White vinyl at some point, and I suspect that the process wasn’t completed before the car was parked. The vinyl remains in good order, with no visible rips or tears. It might be a case of treating everything to a deep clean and completing the assembly process to achieve a satisfactory result. The seller states that the car comes with an engine and transmission, and while the latter appears to be a two-speed Powerglide, the powerplant remains a mystery. The 235ci “Blue Flame” six was a popular choice among buyers, although several versions of the 283 and 348ci V8 were also available. I tend to think that the seller would specify if it was an eight, but since they appear approachable, that would be one of the first questions to ask. The condition of the drivetrain is unknown, but factoring a mechanical rebuild into the restoration budget would be wise.
It would take an in-person inspection to confirm the viability of this 1958 Chevrolet Biscayne as a viable project candidate. However, the low BIN price and the possibility of securing the car for a lower figure make rolling the dice sight unseen almost worth the risk. It is always disheartening to see classics left to fend for themselves exposed to the elements, but the dry location could mean that the visible surface corrosion is its most significant shortcoming. That brings me back to my first question, which is whether its future will be as a project or parts source. It will be fascinating to gauge your views and to discover whether we have readers who might consider pursuing this Biscayne further.
Nice car in 1958, now its 2025 barely parts car.
no v under chey sign on hood or trunk so looks like a 6 cylinder
Let this “R.I.P.”, Rust In Peace!
Waste of site space, should have posted an airplane add instead!
Be KIND to this one, Friends! Yes, it’s only a six-cylinder Biscayne — but it still has those nice 1958 lines, and the power-train comes with it. Chevy’s engines and transmissions in those days were nigh “bullet-proof, and everything other than the trim ought to be readily available. At this price, SOMEbody would rescue it and re-build it, I should think. No?
I agree Harrison but slip a pieord correct 348 in it I had a 1958 Impala ht in highschool had a 348 factory 3 on the tree great car
2 doors too many. Parts car.
A 283 with a Powerglide would be fine with me, al — so long as we locate the gold “v” trim that goes with it for the hood and the trunk. And this shade of turquoise looked GREAT for ’58! But NO, ACZ; those four doors are just fine — and the lines on this car set them off well. My personal experience is with a 1958 Chevrolet Impala convertible in this same colour, with a 283 and a Powerglide: I had all of the easy power that I would ever need. But at my age, no more convertibles, please. And I no longer have the strength or ambition to rebuild and restore a car such as this. But, if I had the money, I’d happily drive a four-door like this one. Any time. That ’58 Impala was vastly better looking than the hideous ’59, and virtually “bullet-proof” also — ran for but EVER. After some years, rust in the rockers is a problem with these. ACZ, I would rather get rid of every COUPE. My “dream” car, in fact, is a foor-door — a 1959 Ford Galaxie hardtop.
have to agree with you on the 1959 Ford mostly the 4 dr galaxie hardtop
Thanks, al!!! It bugs me when posting friends here respond as if every four door car should be stripped bare for any useful parts to re-build something else, then sent to the crusher or the salvage yard. Most Americans 60-79 years ago were like me: if they had the means to buy a new car, they chose the durable practicality of a family sedan — and such vehicles still appeal most to me. I also like station wagons — but they have grown lately as pricey as convertibles! One difference, though: most post war Americans chose mid-trim models (such as Ford’s Customline), probably out of leftover frugality owing to The GreatcDepression. I prefer top-of-the-line models; thank you.
there where lots of good looking 4drs when I was 15 yrs old parents bought new 1960 Impala 4dr ht glass all the way around turned 16 the next years bought fender skirts for it changed grill and trunk signs from 283 to 348 signs it was a great looking car I think because of the windows design and skirts looked better than the 2dr
“there could be more to this classic than meets the eye.” ? Seriously ???
It looks like a junk 4 door 58 Chevy with a few useable parts , and looking further into it, its still a junk 4 door 58 Chevy with a few useable parts.
junk
To dogwater: How can you deem it as JUNK, if you haven’t looked it over? Certainly a 1958 Chevrolet four door Biscayne is a worthy car to own and drive, if the frame and body still are solid. SOMEone thought enough of this one, to re-do its seats not too terribly long ago, by the looks of things, and an original hubcap lies inside. The question is, why did they give up on it? And as for the extensive patina: I actually see cars on the road like that. Unless we know, by inventory and inspection, what it would take to get this old girl back on the road, we really can’t assess it a status.
It’s worth saving.
It is mostly there, the glass is there, just find a front bumper.
These cars are very simple to work on, and parts are available.
Just picked up a 55 Ford wagon in about the same condition, this last Monday.
Just need to go through the driving systems, then I can go through window cranks and door latches.
Cars like this need an owner with patience and experience, Our collection is now up to 26. All are wreaking/tow yard rescues.
Most affordable way to get yourself an antique.
Question is; are you prepared, to take on such a project?
To Dave Neff: HATS OFF TO YOU! There is a poor 1968 Dodge Dart GT convertible on this site which is being derided as “junk”. Its nose took a whack. It is eaten by rust and the driver’s side door is missing. But the engine runs with starter-fluid. Could you not find something to do with it? NOT for $1,000, certainly — but it might donate parts to help you restore something else; no?
Depends on where it is.
Cost of shipping can easily exceed the sales price.
If that 58 were within 200 miles of me, I would have been all over it.
I am 2 states away from it. That is a 2 day drive. I have the trailer, but she traded the rig for an RV.
At a minimum to go and get it solo I need a mid 70’s Chevy 3/4 ton 4×4 Suburban. I know where there is a good one, but the guys son is emotionally attached. Won’t sell.
I’ll look up the Dart. Those are cool cars.