Introduced In 1958, the Biscayne was Chevrolet’s entry-level full-size car through 1975 (except for the Delray in ’58). It was often purchased in numbers for fleet service, such as taxi cabs. This 1963 six-passenger station wagon has had a lot of mechanical stuff replaced over the years and is only on its third owner. From Lake Grove, New York, this mostly solid transport is available here on craigslist for $12,500. Once again, Pat L. comes through with another great tip for us!
The third generation of the Biscayne (1961-64) shared all the styling and mechanical updates of its better-trimmed brethren, the Bel Air and Impala. In those days, Chevy didn’t keep track of production numbers by model, just body style, so nearly 200,000 4-door wagons were built in 1963 across all three series. About 75% of those had V8 engines. We suspect this Chevy originally had a 283 under the hood, but it’s been updated with a nice running 307 cubic-inch engine from 1971.
This automobile has had the benefit of changing hands very few times, which often equates to better treatment. The original owner kept the wagon for only two years, but the second owner had it for more than 50, although much of that was while it stayed in the garage. That was where the seller found it in Illinois in 2016 and brought it home for some good old-fashioned TLC. Today, it qualifies as a daily driver, using the seller’s own words.
We’re told that “everything” has been gone through and either repaired or replaced. Besides a motor swap, the original Powerglide was replaced with a TH-350 that’s said to shift just fine. The blue paint (or is it aqua?) looks rather nice, but we’re told there is some rust that the photos don’t focus on. The interior presents well, and – although as spartan as Biscayne’s were – it looks comfortable enough. If you’re looking for a nice 1960s Chevy wagon to tool around in, this one could be a good start.
It always warms my heart to see steel a GM-style steel fuel filter, not a crappy plastic one…
I like, great builder. Some work needed but no heavy lifting needed from what I see. 307 would not be my first choice of a replacement engine but that’s an easy fix, OD tranny add some binders and air, yeah I said that. Someone should have a good crusier.
307 may be an updated engine but not upgraded.
Absolutely, a built up 283 would have been much nicer.
My Pop had a ‘63 Biscayne wagon, black with red interior. 283, 3 speed manual on the column. Six kids, him and Mom, served us well. Memories.
How do those chrome deflectors at the back work or their purpose?
I think they were supposed to deflect rain on rear glass,I could be wrong.
They blow air across the glass to keep road dust, water, etc off of it. Crude but they work.
Later wagons used a horizontal air deflector integrated at the top of the window, same results, but much better looking.
My dad had those on exact same car when I was a kid he told me that it was to keep the exhaust fumes out of the car. Don’t remember if it actually worked
This Biscayne illustrates just why I’m so attracted to the ’61-’64 B-bodies and Chevs in particular. Though I understand I’m biased looking at it with 2022 eyes I find there’s something clean and elegant about the minuscule trim, painted dash and subtle upholstery. So even though I know it’s a lesser model it still doesn’t really look lesser to me at all.
I observe lower door panels, floor and kick panels have been updated with carpets. Other than the PS/PB it has very little options, all I can see are radio and 2spd wiper/washer. Doesn’t bother me as I prefer lowly optioned cars – less stuff to break! So even though it’s a bottom-of-the-barrel model I’d never feel ashamed to own it! Very nice find! 👍
My neighbor had one of these and I was told it had a 409 duel 4 bbl carbs. Is that possible? Even was the same color. I just remember people was often over her house, trying to buy it. She did sale it around 1990.
Longroofs could be had with the 409 just as any other B-body Chev these years. Not unusual that wagons bought with the intention of serving caravan tug duties were so equipped.
Now as for the dual quad version I’ve never heard of one such wagon but there really shouldn’t be any limitation against it being ordered by one demanding customer. It’d require to be spec’d with a manual though
This would be a fun cruiser and with the right exhaust it will sound way better than those fart can imports running around town
Decent looking car. Would recommend the seller address any rust, if it is significant for that kind of money.
Back in 1972 I had one of these ’63 Wagons, it was yucky Brown with an off white color top, had the 283 with 2 spd auto. Paid I think $400 back then, good old long roof driver back in the day. Never dreamed these old Station wagons would be worth the kind of money they bring in today. Very nice find here!
My first 63 Impala was a 4 door wagon in 1972. It was an original 327, power glide car. Drove and rode wonderfully nice. Bright RED with a red interior. Great car.
I had dropped my girlfriend off and I was headed home at around 3am. Outside the Kodak headquarters on State St. I stopped for a red light and when it turned green I started going through the intersection when a drunk in a 69 VW bus ran the light and made the front clip take a 45 degree shift from the square. Even with a broken radiator I still ran him down in a half a block.
When he opened the door about a 6 pack of empties fell out and he started accusing me of running the red. About a minute later an elderly gentleman pulled up and said he saw the whole thing and told him that he ran the red not me.
The guy said “What do you know! Your just an old man!”
He said: “Well, I may be an old man, but I am New York Supreme Court Justice Edward Bohem.”
Sort of made all the other discussions moot.
Case Close!!!!! LOL
Here come da judge, here come da judge!
How do you plead???????
Hey! I’ve been victimized here!
It was not a GTO but an Impala. LOL
Great story! VW bus? Had to be full of roaches too!😂
State St. 1972. Kodak. The glory years. It’s a ghost town at night now around there.
My wife is an almost 40 year survivor at Kodak Office
Dirty Jim, my condolences to your wife, but she made it, right?
I only applied for a job with Kodak once. I was wearing cutoff jeans, and striped tank top and sneakers. Hair down to my waist.
I told the girl at the counter that I wanted a “position”. She asked what position I wanted and I told her “Something like executive Vice President in charge of labor relations.”
I left my number, but they must have lost it, because they never did call me back……
Brings back fond memories. My parents had a 63 wagon like this, same color and same chrome deflectors. Except ours had the third seat that faced backwards. I was taught to drive with that car , a 283 with a Power Glide.
NEVER thought I would see another one again.
I’m not sure how my wagon wound up on this site! But if anyone is interested it’s still available.
I have a 63 numbers matching 409 four on the floor 9 seater Biscayne, running, driving floorboards are rusted out in some places, but boy is she an eye catcher