1958 Chevrolet Biscayne

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 ca