Better off Basic
Riding the bottom of the line doesn't need to be a crawling effort.
The formula Plymouth used to usher in RoadRunner's no shine all fight performance looks to have Chevrolet roots. Take this Chevrolet Biscayne and place it next to the all black RoadRunner on my "TAXI!" piece for an uncanny resemblance. Chevrolet's Biscayne however, could be docile or a stealth road bomber.
Introduced in 1958 as a baseline companion with the Delray model, Biscayne's were quite conservative compared to gleaming finned uptown competitors. Bare essential brightwork to separate the Biscayne from looking strictly government sectioned smooth body panels. Straight six engines provided adequate budget transportation below a 283 small block V8 for a bit more amusement. Zora Arkus-Duntov had a hand in providing the BIscayne with 348 cubic inch 4bbl V8s that allowed police pursuit variants to rival European sports cars in acceleration performance. Inside the human compartment resided only necessities. Bench seating front and rear, heater control, AM radio (Maybe), carpet, big steering wheel for a manual rack, all done in solid color. Passengers were certainly not blinded by interior chrome and polished surfaces. That was reserved for Bel Airs or Impalas.
1963 interior (SuperChevy)
1967 interior (carswithmuscles.com)
Quite the proper option arose with Chevrolet's 427 big block. I'm not one to call favor, but there's no denying a street Hemi's surprise when Momma's beige Chevy faded not into dust. Sticking to essentials, a four speed stick, big block Beetle bumper, and posi-traction rear end birthed another basic brute. You could drive out of the dealership with a solid color, dog dish capped terror and blend seamlessly into traffic. How many lawmen could decipher who had the thunder when you looked like an unmarked detective?
We don't hear enough of the baddest Biscaynes because they were a better kept secret. It was not in GM's market plan to advertise such potential along the base lines. There would be little need for anyone to purchase an Impala or Bel Air. Call Biscayne another example of corporate oppression like the Camaro to Corvette. If a model is supposed to wear the top hat, never advertise pauper equality. Unfortunately that had to endure as gospel throughout the ranks at GM for all of the 60s until total displacement mandates were lifted in 1970. The Biscayne perished by 1972 and few covert performers remain. Plymouth may have publicity by a budget blazer like RoadRunner, but give a Biscayne some respect when you see one. Your birdie might just get dusted.
1966 L72 427 Biscayne (Hemmings Motor News)
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Comments (4)
I had a shop teacher in high school that drove a mid '60s Biscayne. It had a 327 with a 4 speed and bucket seats. That car was a true sleeper.
When real CARs were made in the USA!
I think the hurdle is finding a pretty solid example of the base models today, they were certainly used and used well. Shared to the D_TRB USA facebook page Mark!
True sleeper. Beautiful car