Vehicle Description
1966 Chevrolet Biscayne
In the late 1950s and 1960s, Chevrolet's passenger-car line made it
one of the best-selling makes on the market. Sales topped the
one-million mark year after year. The lineup included a wide
variety of body styles, including two- and four-door sedans,
wagons, and coupes along with convertibles. In 1959, they even made
a "Utility Sedan," a sort of business coupe for the modern age,
with a bench front seat and storage area behind for salesman's
samples or extra luggage. Chevrolet divided the line across several
trim levels, reserving models such as the four-door hardtop for the
highest trim level, Impala, and the Utility Sedan for the lowest,
Biscayne. Devoid of the additional exterior trim and options found
on the higher-line Impala and mid-range Bel Air, the Biscayne was
available only as a two-or-four-door sedan or the Utility version;
it was for fleet buyers or the thrifty. The Brookwood station
wagon, however, featured the same trim level as the Biscayne, and
Chevrolet advertised the model for "budget" buyers.
Flashy muscle cars are fun, and polished customs are nice, but for
some folks, there's nothing better than a well-done cruiser. No
gimmicks, no frills and no drama; just sun and fun - LOTS of fun.
This exceptionally clean Biscayne is a classy stunner that mixes
350 cubic inches of power with a 4-speed manual, some interior
upgrading, and tasteful aesthetics. Oh, and did I mention it also
can go in a straight line in a not too shabby style as well?
Exterior
This classic design uses sculpted steel and chrome accenting to its
advantage and creates an iconic year for the Biscayne. Dual
headlights flanking a nice egg crate grille, clean shining bumper
below and we then see miles of Ermine White covered steel panels.
Trimming is kept to a minimum with only the front and rear glass
having brightwork surrounds, simple crossed flags on the fenders,
Biscayne in your grandmother's script on the rear quarter panels
and more of grandma's pen on the trunk lid in Chevrolet form.
Chrome is on for the mirror and handles that make up this sporty
but subdued sedan with slight misaligned door panels, but overall
good gaps. Evidence of bodywork, cracks and some bubbling are noted
on the lower sections of the body. Moving to the rear where the
2-tail light configuration has been embedded into the rear panel,
wraps slightly around into the rear quarter, and is framed on the
bottom by the clean bumper and dual tipped tailpipes showing under
the rear quarter panels. Simple Ermine White 15-inch steel wheels
with Bowtie dog dish caps are all around and 215/70R15's are
upfront and larger 255/70R15's on the rear.
Interior
A very clean, nicely restored new interior greets us with a swing
of the doors, on whose panels are black vinyl with embossing, clean
cranks and handles and a smooth lower panel. The dual benches,
split back in the front, stretch from door to door and look like
they are new. Also, in black vinyl they have a nifty tuck and roll
central panel and smooth black bolsters. The original looking dash
is there as is the steering wheel, which has a tachometer mounted
to the column. Just a few scrapes are here but mostly clean. Deep
black unstained carpet floods the floors, and a sagging headliner
floats above. Mounted on the hump and well within the driver's
reach is a chrome Hurst shifter with the requisite white ball
topper.
Drivetrain
Wedged into a clean restored engine bay is a 350ci V8 circa
1980-1985 complete with an Edelbrock intake manifold and 4-barrel
carburetor. A 4-speed Saginaw manual transmission is on the back of
the mill and it throws power back to a 10-bolt rear weighing in
with a conventional 3.08 ratio. Flame etched chrome valve covers,
and a chrome air cleaner lid add a bit of bling to the mostly black
engine bay while an aluminum radiator and electric fan are on to
keep things righteously cool baby bear.
Undercarriage
Some slight surface rust, patina paint, and road dirt are seen on
this undercarriage, however nothing remarkable as to structural
integrity compromise or problematic. We note the original flooring
and truck pan are still on and looking strong thanks to this being
a former southern car. Independent coil springs are the suspension
for the front, and 4 link with coil springs are on the rear. We see
a heavy-duty rear sway bar has also been added for better handling.
Power brakes have been added with discs being up front and drums in
the rear, and a Thrush dual exhaust feeds spent fumes from the
headers and snakes across the undercarriage.
Drive-Ability
A turn of the key and we are running like a champ with a nice
throaty exhaust sound. The transmission shifts smoothly, and one
can feel the power as you pick up speed. The power steering is
tight, brakes are solid, and it was an overall enjoyable experience
with a smooth ride. All is functioning well on this car save for
the horn which wouldn't toot.
A nice job with some well applied Ermine White paint, good
brite-work and chrome, and some power to boot. Or should I say put
your boot into! Come on down to Classic Auto Mall and fall in love
with the wonderful lines of this classic "sleeper".
VIN DECODE
153116D132162
1-Chevrolet
53-Biscayne 6 Cylinder
11-2 Door Sedan
6-1966
D-Doraville, GA Assy Plant
132162-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
12E-5th Week December Build
ST 66 15311-1966 Biscayne 2 Door Sedan
BDY BA01446-Atlanta Body #
TR 840-Blue Cloth & Vinyl Bench
PNT CC-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.
