Chevy fans, sit down before proceeding. It appears that someone is selling the holy grail of factory Chevy sleepers, a 409, 4-speed, 1965 Biscayne. This car has been restored to what looks to be better than new condition and according to the seller is one of 20 originally made and one of two known exist. To say that this car is ultra bitchin’ would be the understatement of the week! Normally we lust after the later COPO 427 Biscayne’s but we honestly didn’t know that a handful got W-motor power.
Equipped with virtually no chrome, steel wheels with dog dish caps, bench seats and a four gear it is just as sleepy as the other big Chevies of the day and according to our research, factory weight was a fairly paltry 3300lbs. Today we have 4,000lb “pony” cars, so that weight is a pretty big deal. The ad makes vague references to the rear end as being one of the things that makes the car truly unique. It mentions optioning larger tires which makes little sense, so we’re guessing it is a non-posi piece that was standard equipment and the original buyer did not want to opt for the posi-traction axle.
Yes, this thing would probably get blown off by the 427 cars, but who gives a rip! It will still haul ass and no matter what, when you pop the hood at a show or cruise, jaws will hit the freaking floor! At this writing, the car has been bid up to $65,000 and has not yet met reserve!
We love us som W-Motor action here at BS and with a four speed behind it? Nirvana!
Link: 409/4-speed 1965 Chevy Biscayne on eBay
1965 was the change-over year for big block chevy engines. They started the year with the 409, and partway through, changed over to the 396. Had a friend who bought a new 1965 Impala SS at the beginning of the model year with the 409/4speed, ans later that yea, bought a second identical car with the 396/4speed. Unfortunately, he totaled them both!
I had a nice small block 65 SS Impala, very nice car but HUGE, I could hardly walk around it in the garage. You forget how large these cars were.
Oh thanks, Brian. Torment me, why don’t ya.
Wow! When I purchased my 6-cyl 65 belair (Very similar to the Biscayne) in my late teens my plan was to put a 409 in it and replicate this.
I have only seen the Impala model with the 409 or any BBC in it prior to this picture.
I can’t help but picture this with Chrome reverse wheels and huge x fat tires on the back!
This is one gorgeous car!! I had 3 65 Impy SS cars back in my youth, 2 smallblock 327s and one 396, these are absolutely my favorite year. I would love to be able to buy a 409 65 Chevy, it’s on my bucket list!! LOL
Yes – 1965 was the transition year. But what replaced the 409/400 HP engine option was MUCH better. . . the L78 396/425 HP