Vehicle Description
1958 Chevrolet Biscayne 2 Door Sedan
Named for the bay near Miami, the Biscayne was introduced in 1958
and served as a low cost alternative for those wanting a full sized
car. Interestingly in 1958, Chevrolet listed production numbers by
body style and engine, not by model. So out of the 256,182 two door
sedans built in 1958, a good number were likely Biscaynes. Compared
to the tri-fives, however, today's relative numbers of surviving
Biscaynes are probably low.
For consignment, one of the survivors that's been restored. In 1958
the Chevrolet became elongated and more streamlined, less of a
bread box and more like a cereal box. This car sports the period
trend of two tone paint jobs, now an iconic nod to a time gone by.
It also hints of the jet age that would only grow in popularity in
the coming years. The correct 6 cylinder engine graces this car and
that's only the tip of its notable attributes.
Exterior
Tropic Turquoise over Artic White was chosen for the respray of
this car which presents as quintessential 50's coloring. The wide
front end appears less bulbous than the generation of cars it
follows and the twin headlights seem to have taken their cue from
the 1957 Eldorado, or any number of cars in 1957 that featured this
configuration. The twin marker lights below accentuate the drama
and look like little jet afterburners. The grille is low and long
and consists of countless splines. The chrome here is in
presentable condition but not flawless. Though not as striking as
the 1957 Bel Air body trim, a broad metal strip travels the length
of most of the car and is a bold design element which artfully
tapers down to the continuation of a smaller strip to the back of
the car. This body trim intersects the two colors delineating the
change. The drip molding on the roof defines the next color change
as it slopes down. Both the windscreen and back window curve around
the car like domed bookends and it's a spectacular period feature.
The fins are like wings and begin just behind the door and sweep
back to the rear where it sends its silver border trim down and
around the taillights. And those taillights are unique indeed,
housed in a bezel that cradles the red light and reverse light
separately with an extended centerpiece. The rear bumper is low and
straight and has a gaping cutout for the license plate. 15-inch
Cragar mag wheels give the pedestrian family car a bit of a racy
edge. Imperfections include pitting on the door handle chrome, some
paint bubbles, scratches and tiny rust spots, and some chrome that
might need to be polished or replated.
Interior
Shades of blue and panels of white give the interior a clean airy
feel and would be right at home bayside, by the water where blue
water forms whitecaps in the wind. Anyway, it's very nicely done
inside beginning with the door panels with white ribbed vinyl
meeting a band of blue. The split bench seats are patterned in blue
vinyl, white vinyl, and light blue cloth. The rear bench picks up
the design and it's all in excellent condition. A new shade of blue
is introduced in the steering wheel, column, and dashboard. The
speedometer is horizontal and housed deep in a recess with a curved
roof. Fuel and temp gauges are the only other monitors. Remember,
this was considered a no frills choice for fleet cars and the
general public. An AM radio is present in the center along with fan
controls retained in an exaggerated protrusion of the dash, a
design feature that continues to the passenger side. Three on the
tree for this car and a silver center horn ring preside. The dash
overall shows some patina but for a car from 1958, it's pretty darn
nice. The blue loop style carpet and ivory headliner present in
fine condition while the trunk is lined with a gray cloth cover and
holds the spare tire.
Drivetrain
The 235.5ci inline 6 is in the big engine bay with lots of air
around it! It is painted blue and is topped with a single 1-barrel
carburetor. The 3-speed manual transmission is matched with 3.55
gears in the back while drum brakes are found front and rear.
Undercarriage
Copious amounts of surface rust color the X-frame but nothing
appears to structurally compromise the car. The gas tank looks new
and some undercoating, POR 15 maybe, appears on the floorboards and
other flat panels. Coil springs handle the front independent
suspension while four-link and coils are out back.
Drive-Ability
We love the greenhouse effect of the walls of windows and
wrap-around windshield. The six cylinders with the 1-barrel motors
out of the garage and clearly is not intended to win races, but
runs smoothly and provides for a floating ride that absorbs road
imperfections with ease. The long hood is like the bow of a boat on
the bay and the steering is somewhat vague, but the big car turned
the loop in fine fashion. A few inoperable items were noted
including the horn, the radio, the heater blower and the fan speed
slide control is stuck on high.
Here's a vehicle we rarely see at the mall, a 1958 Biscayne with
all the ingredients to make a great car show and weekend cruiser;
iconic 50's colors, the beginning of the jet age, and an interior
that is as fun to look at as it is to occupy. If you're looking for
something that is just a little bit different from the Chevy norm,
this one is worth consideration.
C58B194248
C-1500 Series 6 Cylinder
58-1958
B-Baltimore, MD Assy Plant
194248-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
STYLE 58 1641-1958 Biscayne 2 Door Sedan
BODY M11469-Baltimore Body #
TRIM 813-Green Cloth & Vinyl
PAINT 953C-Arctic White & Glen Green
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