Vehicle Description
1961 Chevrolet Biscayne
The Chevrolet Biscayne was a series of full-size cars produced by
the American manufacturer Chevrolet between 1958 and 1975. Named
after a show car displayed at the 1955 General Motors Motorama, the
Biscayne was the least expensive model in the Chevrolet full-size
car range, (except the 1958-only Chevrolet Delray). The absence of
most exterior and fancy interior trimmings remained through the
life of the series, as the slightly costlier Chevrolet Bel Air
offered more interior and exterior features at a price
significantly lower than the top of the line Impala and Caprice.
The Biscayne was named after Biscayne Bay, near Miami, Florida,
following a trend by Chevrolet at the time to name cars after
coastal cities or beaches such as the Bel Air and the later
Chevrolet Malibu.
For consignment, a mild-mannered looking Biscayne from 1961 but it
sneaks through the door with us barely noticing that it now has a
350ci LT-1 courtesy of a Camaro or Nova. Rebuilt front suspension
disc brake conversion kit, a re-upholstered interior. A few areas
of rust are noted and will be specified in the description to
follow so read on!
Exterior
Jewel Blue paint bathes the steel panels of this early 60's bowtie.
There is an Ermine White top and the not as popular but still
visually appealing formal roofline. Dual headlights and a
horizontal ribbed grille and we note the turn signals are in the
eyebrow position just under the hood on either corner. Starting at
the upper front quarter just above the dual headlights is a body
crease that runs the length of the slides forming a body matching
3D trim spear. Gaps are good and a slight overhang of the roof over
the rear glass. Going with the moving while standing still look,
the rear wheel wells are nicely swept back and that 3D trim spear
takes a turn upward just forward of the bumper and forms a small
fin that looks like a spoiler on top of the trunk lid, only with a
3D V in its center. Pointy tail and backup lights, (just like the
pinups of the 60's), are inset into the body with chromed bezels
surrounding them. A clean rust free bumper is below and has two
vertical bars in the center to frame the plate. The chromed side
view mirror is showing with pitting. 15-inch Weld Prostar wheels
all polished and nice are on all 4 corners. Some rust is noted on
the right front fender, and more bubbling on the rockers which will
eventually need attention. Below the headlights is invasive rust.
Also, from the photos one can see the paint is splotchy and
unevenly colored as well as showing some drips from an uneven
application.
Interior
Opening the driver's side door we find it does not match the color
of the passenger door. The seats have been reupholstered and match
the passenger door color. Turquoise background with small black
houndstooth broadcloth is in the inserts and the bolsters have nice
blue vinyl as a contrasting edge to the front split bench and rear
full bench. These benches are nearly perfect and in a great color
and pattern. A futuristic blue dash is upfront and it has spaceship
styled lines for the dash top and the instruments and other
functions are within an inverted V. A trio of round gauges in just
below the GM speedo and an aftermarket Don Garlits tachometer hangs
from the dash from drivers right. Some 60's style knobs and temp
siders are all chromed and cool looking and just below are more
aftermarket gauges and an under dash mounted FM radio. Also,
underneath are the controls for an aftermarket heating unit. Blue
carpeting is below and shows some soiling and above is a water
stained and ripped mohair headliner.
Drivetrain
Under the hood is a definite highlight of this car in condition and
detailing as well as fit and finish. Here we see the 350ci LT1
rated at 360hp, (stamping code CTB), that started its life in
either a Camaro or Nova. It is topped with a single 4bbl carburetor
and has a Muncie M21 4-speed manual transmission shifted by a Hurst
Competition shifter. On the back is a 12-bolt 3.73 posi rear
axle.
Undercarriage
No rust but I can see where a black rattle can was used to cover
some of it up. Previous repairs to the floor pans were not
performed to best of quality but there is no rust. Rockers are
showing rust and again rattle canned sprayed over in black.
Independent coil springs are upfront for the consignor stated newly
rebuilt front suspension. In back is a 3 link with coil springs
setup and disc brake conversion has been performed on the front and
in back the drums remain. A like new Turbo muffler and 3-inch
exhaust dual pipes are seen making its way out either side just
prior to the rear wheel well. Note, the rear axle brackets and
shock mounts are poorly welded in.
Drive-Ability
Hopping in we fired this baby right up and the 350 cubes came right
to life. It has good solid acceleration, smooth shifting from the
Hurst, and good handling. I am a bit concerned about those rear
axle bracket welds and shock mounts. The heater blower did not move
air, and the reverse lights are inoperable.
An interesting line from this 1961 Biscayne. It needs some TLC on
the exterior on the rust and paint dripping front, but you are
starting with that fab formal roof topped cockpit, and those
beautiful newly re-upholstered turquoise houndstooth chairs inside.
Also, the engine is all buttoned up and powerful to boot.
VIN DECODE
11111B102049
1-1961
11-Biscayne 6 Cylinder
11-2 Door Sedan
B-Baltimore, MD Assy Plant
102049-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
STYLE 61 1211-1961 Biscayne 2 Door Sedan
BODY BA233-Baltimore Body #
TRIM 833-Blue Cloth & Vinyl
PAINT 959B-Jewel Blue Metallic & Ermine White
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
