I will never get sick of 427-powered Chevrolet Biscaynes because I love the premise on which they were built. The Biscayne was the lightest version of the full-size Chevrolet you could order and usually showed up in pretty-much stripper form, but with the right options checked off, this was a big girl who not only could dance, but would leave you breathless with the performance…if you could keep up. Many cars wore their abilities on their sleeve for the world to see. This Biscayne showed up dressed like little Norman in his Sunday best…there was nothing to be scared of based on visuals alone. This was just another low-dollar Chevrolet. But damn, did that camshaft sound a bit thumpy…
The options make the car. A four-speed manual. A 4.10 Posi rear axle. The F41 suspension. Power steering, power brakes. And the ultimate checked box, the L72 425 horsepower 427ci Rat motor, because if you were going to spend money, why get the fluff and filler of an Impala or Caprice when you could spend good money on good power? This was a taxicab that could scare the color out of the passengers, the dragstrip dark horse that could take on the normal selections and surprise nearly everyone that didn’t bother with a second look. Would you really miss inboard taillights or hideaway headlights over this two-door post beast?
Looks too nice to race it…. but I’d race the hell out of it :^). Not my favorite year/body (I prefer the ’68), but a very nice piece. Candidly, I’d carefully remove the original drivetrain, put it in storage) and replace it with a 572/620 (would like to use the 720, but the rear axle wouldn’t hold up, and the 620 makes more sense for the street). Very nice car, if very pricey.
Bob J
Yes on the 572, but with those valve covers, same intake, the dual snorkle air cleaner off the 427/365 wearing the same chrome lid as in the photos, and black chrome headers (so they don’t draw the eye). We’re talking Rip Van Winkle-grade sleeper, here. Hell, put factory 396 stickers on the valve covers. Put a 3.42 gear in it. You could roll out easy, granny shift into second, and then just reel ’em in. High 11’s at 130.
I’ve wanted to do something like this in a 4-door ’65-’70.
I agree! What a sleeper it would be!
Baldwin/Motion advertised one these as a “Street Racer Special” in 68-69 for $2999.00. Even though a Biscayne looks huge, it didn’t weight that much more than a well optioned SS396 Chevelle.
The want is high. I think Mecum’s estimate of $115k+ seems a bit optimistic.
The good old days
Santa, Santa . . .Santa Claus ! ! !
I remember 1969 very well. Ron worked for my dad in SoCal. He had one just like in the pic. I was a freshman just getting into cars going to Carlsbad Raceway. Ron only understood one thing. Melt the tires off that car ! My dad owned a Richfield gas station. I think Ron had a really big discount ! I couldn’t get enough of riding with Ron.
My brother bought a 64 Biscayne wagon in 1973 when he got out of the service. Paid $425 for it. Factory 409 4 speed, with on dash tach. What a sleeper. No power steering, no power brakes, it may have had a radio… dog dish hub caps. Boring tan outside, tan interior.
Great memories