Weekly Motor Fix: 1964 Chev Biscayne

7 April, 2015

 

Chevrolet’s Impala enjoys a coveted status as the unofficial ‘king’ of American cars. Thanks to drag racers, hot rodders, lowriders, and gangsters, the Impala is undoubtedly one of the world’s most recognizable American cars of the ’50s and ’60s. 

In 1958, Chevrolet introduced the Biscayne as a lower–priced, full-size equivalent to the Impala. Though the cars looked very similar, the Biscayne omitted most exterior chrome trim and featured a lower-grade interior trim. Nowadays, the differences between the Impala and Biscayne are long–forgotten by most — regardless of badge or trim, they’re both cool cars.

Steve Adams owns this 1964 Chev Biscayne, two-door ‘post’ coupe, which we spotted at last month’s Gear Jammers Hot Rod and Muscle Car Club show in Paraparaumu. The Biscayne was purchased from Trade Me as a near-complete build, which was “only needing paint.” We’ve all heard that one before … 

Once he began stripping the car back for painting, it was found to be looking the worse for wear, and essentially became subject to a full ground-up rebuild. Suffice to say that, since then, the Biscayne has received the paint it was needing. The blacked-out bumpers, grille, and wheels offer a refreshingly different take on the traditionally over-chromed old Chevy. 

Outside, the easiest way to distinguish a Biscayne from an Impala (aside from the badging, of course) is in the tail lights — the Biscayne runs two tail lights to the Impala’s three. 

Under the bonnet, the Biscayne runs a tough 383ci small block, backed by a five-speed manual gearbox, for maximum driver involvement. The diff is a standard item at this stage, although plans of installing a Ford nine-inch have been discussed, and looks set to happen sooner rather than later. 

The interior is also a tidy environment, without being anywhere near overboard. An aftermarket shifter and steering wheel take care of the driving dynamics, and a rev counter and trio of diagnostic gauges keep track of what’s going on under the bonnet. At this stage, all that is required is headlining, although Steve plans to give the interior a full once-over before long. 

Two years after purchasing it, Steve’s Biscayne is now the quick, comfortable, and reliable cruiser that he wanted. Not just that, though — it’s also a neat-looking car that manages to offer a slightly different take on the traditional shiny and low Impala — and in this day and age, that’s no bad thing!

NZ Classic Car magazine, July August 2025 issue 400, on sale now

Good for the soul, a dose of Hemi Orange – Chrysler’s champion Charger
The Australian-developed Chrysler Charger was a game changer for the company in 1971, as it faced a faltering start introducing its new VH range. The stylish big coupe signalled a massive change of direction and emphasis for Chrysler.
Auckland racing driver Rod Coppins raced successfully in Australia and New Zealand. Rod found success behind the wheel of a couple of Chargers, and it is a special E49 R/T in the custody of Mike Todd for some years, that is our feature car.
A full restoration of this car has been completed at Auto Restorations (AR) in Christchurch. We recently sampled the car, ready to be shipped back to Mike and spoke to AR’s Harry Dawber, leading the team who completed the superb restoration of this rare piece of NZ motor racing history.
I mentioned that Chrysler Chargers were never built to this standard as we walked around the gleaming Charger in its Hemi Orange colour scheme.
“We took a lot of time getting those shut lines exactly right. It’s been a great car to work on, and the paint and trim have been very well done by the team here.”

Britannia rules the roads – Royal Tour Cars – part 2

Royal rollers and fancy Fords
Ford Zodiacs had transported the Queen Mother during her tour in 1958 but five years on, their glitz had perhaps faded a bit too much for an actual monarch. As there was no longer a convertible version of Britain’s Zephyr or Zodiac on offer, Ford looked to their American arm for a replacement, finding it in the huge Ford Galaxie. The Public Service Garage purchased the car at around £3000 for royal tour work and VIP transport.