The 1965 model year was a banner one for Chevrolet, especially with record sales for full-size cars. That includes station wagons, which saw more than 184,000 builds across all three series: Biscayne, Bel Air, and Impala. The Biscayne was the entry-level model, so creature comforts were held to a minimum. This example is rich with patina and has a drivetrain, but it’s not in the vehicle. Located in Golden Valley, Arizona, this Bow-Tie project is available here on craigslist for $6,500. Another great GM tip from Pat L.!
When it came to full-size transportation, the Biscayne was the starting point for Chevy buyers. The nameplate was first used in 1958 and would satisfy bargain buyers through 1975. Rubber floormats would be commonplace where carpeting would otherwise be. Other than bumpers, chrome trim was held to a minimum. A lot of these Chevies came with an inline-6 engine, but the seller has a rebuilt 283 cubic inch V8 and 3-speed manual transmission waiting to go back in. But we don’t know if either of them is original to the Biscayne.
We’re told this wagon is a good base for a project, either restoration or restomod. The glass is all good and the undercarriage is largely rust-free. But some corrosion in the passenger side window area should be attended to sooner rather than later. The wagon has its share of dents and dings, but the body shop should be able to easily take care of those.
Inside the passenger compartment, everything is original. The wagon has a radio, but it’s not installed. The Chevy sports a nice set of shiny, later Rally wheels with new BF Goodrich radial tires. Items on the MIA list are few, such as the clutch and pressure plate throwout bearing. Apparently, this car was a project that got stalled and needs someone new to pick up the slack. The odometer reading is 24,000 miles, but who knows if that’s accurate (124,000?). Drop the motor in, put some clearcoat over the paint, and then ride like the wind?
To be sure the Biscayne carried one taillight per side, the Belair carried two taillights per side and the Impala carried three per side, so, unless the owner installed an extra light, this vehicle is a Belair. Back then the number of taillights identified the model of the Chevy brand as well as the grill and front end of the car. It is hard for me to imagine that anyone of my era would ever consider anything but a two door vehicle with a V-8 in it. My how the auto culture has changed.
I will have to disagree, Biscayne and Belair had the same number of tail lights, 2 on each side. The inside ones had clear lens in the center to accommodate a backup light bulb which was standard on the Belair but optional on the Biscayne. Impala and Caprice had 3 lenses on each side of which the center of the middle lens was the clear back up lens. My parents bought a new Biscayne in 65 and we had it for 10 years. I still have the photos. The difference between the Biscayne and Belair was where the chrome trim was located. On the Biscayne it ran down the top of the rear fender as seen in the photo of the wagon. On the Belair, it ran down the length on the car midway up on the side.
There were no one taillight 65 Chevys.
I agree with Frank M and Pnuts. All the Biscaynes I’ve seen had two on each side.
Also I’m in my 50s and I’ll agree that 20 years ago I would not have given a six banger 4 door a second look, especially not a wagon, but my tastes have changed over the years. I enjoy them all now. I just love old cars.
No clutch required but a torque converter and a engine would enable movement 😉
Its a lil over the actual price by a couple grand.
Nice future rod !
These projects are ALWAYS so far away. Shipping a dead car to Canada, or even Maine makes this impossible. I love an old wagon. A good small block, a 5speed, candy red with a tan interior.
Daily driver.
You CAN transport vehicles far away not running, its not impossible. I just shipped 3 back across the country, all were running, but they gave me the option of the come along if not running. It was NOT that expensive either. I’ve TWO California rust free Pontiac Safari’s, Bonneville & Tempest I’m keeping, & a ’70 Mustang that will be sold w/slight rust from Alameda (San Francisco area)
What year safaris??
Mind if I ask what shipper you are you using to bring your cars and about what the cost is per mile?
I really must stop looking at barn finds. I want them all. Would love to put a monster big block, 410 gears, nitrous, tubbed rear end and leave the rest as is. What a sleeper that would be eh?
Could have been a nice project, but too little, too much to make it affordable.
Nice Rust camo. Would be hard to find this in a junk yard ! lol
A good restomod project, probably $10-$20K to realize. I’d use it as a daily driver.
‘63 Bonneville Safari & ‘64 Tempest Safari
Thank you Gary for reply
Looking for 65 tempest
http://www.shipyourcar.com (888) 532-8805 Ext 2, they may use several shippers if they are a broker, & LUX Auto Transport (413) 354-8400 is who they used for mine.
Rich Corinthian Patina . . .
Paint’s done, now to look for a big block.