Vehicle Description
A longtime fixture on the New York state drag-racing scene, this
1966 Chevrolet Biscayne was ordered new from Leroy Motors of Leroy,
NY, by the company's service manager, Karl Bill. Documentation
shows the special-order Biscayne was perfectly equipped for
quarter-mile competition: the L72 427/425hp high-performance V8
engine with transistorized ignition, Muncie M21 4-speed manual
transmission, 4.56:1 posi-traction rear end, F41 suspension,
metallic brakes, Soft Ray tinted glass and heater delete. It was a
potent package, one that earned Bill a number of A Stock and Top
Stock Eliminator titles, his two biggest wins came when he beat the
national record holder at 1320 Dragway in Niagra Falls in 1967 and
Ed Miller's World Finals-winning HEMI Belvedere in 1968. Bill raced
the car, which he named "Bonanza," for several years, often running
below the class record and turning an impressive best time of 11.73
seconds. After four more owners, it was discovered by John DeRue,
who mounted a rotisserie restoration to return the car to its
authentic as-raced configuration. It was refinished in the original
white to emulate the factory-quality paint finish and the original
decals and signage were hand-replicated by well-known sign painter.
Based on a correct high-performance block, the engine retains the
original heads, intake and Holley 4-barrel carburetor. It has been
dyno-tested at over 470hp and 440 ft/lbs of torque and is mated
once again to a Muncie M21 and posi-traction rear end, this time
using 3.70:1 gears for more driving flexibility. The interior was
expertly refinished by professionals, who kept many original
components in the process. Many NOS parts were used in the
restoration, which has earned the car an AACA National Award at
Hershey and AACA Race Car Certification. Included is the original
dealer invoice and period racing photos.
