1961 Chevrolet Biscayne

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 V8. Rebuilt front suspension disc brake conversion kit, LED lighting, and all new American Auto Wire Wiring. A no rust car with a few faults in the black paint but a goer fer sur dudes!

ExteriorDeep black paint bathes the steel panels of this early 60's bowtie. There is a black metal top and the front windshield is commonly referred to as a formal roof with its swept back A pillars and wrap-around windshield hermetically sealed within the pillars and roofline and rear overhang. 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 sides forming a body matching 3D trim spear. Gaps are good and more bubble for the rear glass which wraps around the trunk deck to the B pillar and has a visor on top from the roof. 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 nicely. Blackwall tires with black painted wheels and a shiny dog dish style center cap are on all 4 corners.

InteriorOpening the driver's side door we find red and white vinyl in horizontal stripe form. A split back front bench has a textured ribbed broadcloth in red and has shiny smooth vinyl red bolsters with a white and black stripe on each seat and back edge. The solid rear bench has the same pattern and also uses some red piping. These seats are like new. Red carpeting floods the floors and in the front center is a Hurst shifter. The red painted metal dash has a futuristic angled in format and has been modified to include 2 additional aftermarket gauges below the speedo, and a column mounted tachometer with the original red steering wheel attached. Shiny temp and fan speed sliders are next to the ignition switch. A white headliner tips off this interior red piece of cake!

DrivetrainUnder the hood is a definite highlight of this car in condition and detailing as well as fit and finish. Here we see the 350ci V8 that our consignor states is from 1971. Our consignor also states it has an Edelbrock 7102 cam kit. It is topped with a single 4bbl Edelbrock 650cfm carburetor topping an Edelbrock Air Gap intake. A recently rebuilt Muncie M21 4-speed manual transmission with a Center Force dual friction clutch is shifted by a Hurst Competition shifter. On the back is a 3.36 posi rear axle and pumpkin. Ceramic coated headers allow for a bigger exhale. Cast ribbed valve coverings and there is plenty of bling to keep this power plant eye candy to your attention.

UndercarriageNo rust and some texture painted undercoating looking recently done is on most surfaces. The centrally located X frame is solid as are floor pans and rockers. Independent coil springs are upfront and a 3 link with coil springs are on the back. New power disc brakes are on the front, and stock drum brakes from the factory are on back. A shiny like new Flowmaster exhaust takes the spent gasses from the headers and pushes them out the back freely.

Drive-AbilityHopping in we fired this baby right up and the 350 cubes came right to life. It has good solid acceleration and smooth shifting from the Hurst, and good handling. A wonderful red environment like new but looking the period. The wipers were not working at the time of my test drive.

An interesting line from this 1961 Biscayne. Almost "visor like" for all the overhangs, pointy taillights, and all in black right down to the painted headlight bezels. Beautiful, restored interior with some gauge add-ins, and the 350ci engine is looking and running with pride.

VIN DECODE11111J2301141-Chevrolet11-Biscayne 6 Cylinder11-2 Door SedanJ-Janesville, WI Assy Plant230114-Sequential Unit Number

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.