1960 Chevrolet Biscayne: At the Service of the State

Receiving its name at the General Motors Motorama automobile exhibition in 1955, the beautiful Chevrolet Biscayne Concept became serial only in 1958. It replaced the Chevrolet 210 and occupied the “budget car” niche in the company’s lineup.

Source: MotorTrend

The Biscayne Concept was created by General Motors primarily as a demonstration of the division’s progress at the Motorama auto show in 1955. Interestingly, for three years, the automobile remained a concept, most precisely – a dummy, lacking even a gas tank or engine. However, it served as a base for a range of production cars. Later, from 1958 to 1975, it became a production model and was released for four generations. In 1959-1960 it was the cheapest full-size Chevrolet model. However, at the beginning of the production, Biscayne was not a budget model: in 1958, it occupied an intermediate position between the Delray and Bel Air series. Later, it ended up in the company’s lowest price ladder rung.

The origins

Source: Mecum Auctions

This model appeared in 1955 as a concept car at the Motorama auto show to demonstrate the new 215 hp V8 engine with dual exhaust and a futuristic design. For the distant 50s, the debut of this concept was indeed an event, for it amazed the public with its timeless futuristic design. Moreover, this concept served as a basement for the future models of General Motors, including the Buick Riviera, Corvair, and Cadillac Eldorado Brougham. The implemented design concept was called “the study of elegance.” Chuck Jordan took over the project under the direction of Harley Earl, who eventually created a 4-door fiberglass-bodied hardtop on a stretched Corvette chassis powered by a new 215 hp 4.3-liter V8 265 engine with a 4-barrel carburetor. Fascinating was the unusual design of the front part: a radiator grill of nine sharp vertical teeth, marker lights in triangular holes in the front, and bulging headlights in the hood cover. At the rear, the model was devoid of the then-popular fins. The shape of the trunk lid and double round “duck tail” lamps appeared later in the production Corvette of 1961-1962. In 1958, the company launched the mass production of Biscayne, and its series included only two and 4-door sedans.

The 1960 model year

Source: DeviantArt

The 1960 release was the cheapest full-size automobile from the entire Chevrolet line. The automobile was available for unit and corporate orders, and its affordable price made it a perfect vehicle for government agencies, the police, taxis, and commercial organizations. As a full-size comfortable, affordable automobile, the Biscayne had minimal body chrome, simple fabric or vinyl interiors, and a reduced list of technical equipment, such as power windows. In the 60s, especially for American motorists, such characteristics as car power and dynamic qualities became vitally important. The Detroit companies valued the advertising potential of competitions like NASCAR and NHRA. Thus, active work for improving their automobiles led to a new round of “horsepower racing.” Despite its simplicity and democratic price, the model had an undeniable advantage.  It could be ordered with any engine from the Chevrolet line, from the 3.9-liter 6-cylinder Blue Flame 235 with 135 hp up to a 5.7-liter V8 348 Special Turbo-Thrust with 315 hp. Racers especially loved this automobile, as they bought a lightweight Biscayne and equipped it with the most powerful V8 engine and a 4-speed manual transmission. As for body styles, there were three options for the 1960 Biscayne: a 2-door 2-seat sedan (Utility Sedan), a 2-door 5-seat sedan, and a 4-door sedan. The 1960 release was also given lower-grade upholstery and was stripped of many amenities, including door armrests, a passenger-side sun visor, and a cigarette lighter. The 1960 styling change included a new oval grille with twin headlights. Also, Biscayne name plates were located on the front fenders, just below the hood and in front of the front door. The “Spread Wing” fin became more angular and slightly more restrained as the industry removed this style element.

Did you know?

Source: Classic and Collector Cars

The company decided to cheapen the vehicle by painting some parts locally instead of chroming them. So, in 1960, a two-door sedan cost $2,230.

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