Frame Up Restored Biscayne 396 V8 TH400

I can't think of a more underappreciated classic car than the Chevrolet Biscayne. Reliable, simple and great to look at, these big work horses carry the trademark versatility that has built Chevrolet into one of the largest automotive brands in the world. Their no-nonsense nature and performance potential was a big hit with motor heads back in the 60s, and given the recent shift back to more traditional hot rodding, it seems only natural that they'll eventually see a major boost in popularity. Equipped with a powerful big block motor and some of the best styling to ever come out of General Motors, this super cool 1961 Biscayne cruiser is an incredible amount of car for a relatively small amount of money.

Covered in GM code 912 Jewel Blue and topped with a correct GM code 959 white roof, this cars incredibly straight body still hangs all of its original body panels with the exception of weight reducing fiberglass front fenders. Those panels feature better than factory alignment and the cars paint, which has been wet sanded and polished to a perfect shine, displays no visible defects. The combination of excellent panel alignment and Kansas flat body panels suggest that this Biscayne was completely disassembled during its recent restoration and that many labor intensive hours were likely spent making sure it received top notch finish work. All that time and hard work paid off handsomely because it's one of the finest old school Chevrolets I've seen in a very long time.

At the front of the car, a body width stainless grille sits below chrome “Chevrolet” lettering and houses a nice looking Chevrolet crossed flag emblem between four clear headlights. Below the grille, a wrap-around chrome bumper with a showroom quality shine sits above a cool chrome tag insert that's recessed into the middle of the front valence. At the sides of the car, straight stainless rocker spears, chrome GM door handles and chrome rear fender mounted “Biscayne” emblems act as small, well placed details that highlight the cars clean, sculpted side panels. Above those panels, some of the coolest windows to ever come down a factory assembly line curve around the greenhouse of the car and sit behind new stainless trim and bright stainless wiper arms. Out back, four rocket inspired Chevrolet tail lights sit above another show worthy chrome bumper that features a matching chrome tag insert. On the trunk lid, a second Chevrolet crossed flag emblem sits above a pristine chrome V that is centered perfectly inside the cars body lines. With its bright paint, swept front glass and low stance this car brings new meaning to the word classy and looks simply incredible from any angle.

Mechanically, this Biscayne is all business. Under the hood you'll find a newly rebuilt 396 cubic inch V8 that has been bored .030 over to 402 cubic inches of fire breathing power. Factory rated at 375 horsepower it has no problem carrying this relatively light Chevy down the road just as fast as you want to go. At the top of the engine, a correct dual snorkel air cleaner wears a chrome lid, smooth satin black paint and a proper “396 Turbo Jet” decal. Below that air cleaner, a high performance 4 barrel carburetor sends fuel from stainless fuel lines into a correct Chevrolet Orange intake. At the sides of that intake, good looking Chevrolet Orange valve covers sit above correct cast iron exhaust manifolds that, despite a bit of rust look clean and solid. At the back of the engine, a correct points distributor sends power into correct 7MM black suppression wires, and in front of the engine, a heavy duty radiator sits below a correct fan shroud and circulates water through fresh black hoses. Fully sorted and displaying a nice coat of satin black paint on its fenders and hood, this car's engine bay presents well, and the big engine fires up with little effort, idles smoothly and runs like a champ.

Backing up the 402 cubic inch big block is an unbreakable TH400 3-speed transmission that sends power to a rebuilt rear end with tall but highway friendly 3.42 gears. During the restoration the cars original double A-arm front and 3 link rear suspension was completely rebuilt and features new air shocks out back and retrofitted power steering up front. Braking is handled by a new firewall mounted brake booster and master cylinder that sends fluid to new drilled and slotted front discs brakes and correct and completely rebuilt rear drums. Exhaust flows through a 2.5 inch true dual system that is complete with stainless steel pipes and high performance mufflers. Above the suspension rust free floorpans are covered in a thin coat of protective undercoating and all lines, hoses, brackets and fasteners, which were completely replaced at the time of restoration, show little to no weathering. At the corners of the car, chrome 18 inch front and 20 inch rear Coys wheels wear 255/35 Ventus Sport Z-rated radials that look good and grip great.

This Biscayne's fully restored correct GM code 883 blue interior features dynamic blue plaid seats that were fully rebuilt during the cars restoration and are both cool and comfortable. Below the seats, new blue carpet is properly fitted to the floors and shows no weathering or signs of damage at all. At the top of the car, a light blue headliner is stretched behind a chrome trimmed dome light and awesome two-tone sun visors. At the front of the car, a simple painted blue dash features a correct radio delete, chrome controls for the cars heater and accessories, and hangs an Equus three pack gauge pod that keeps an accurate eye on the big block engine. In front of the driver, a horizontal speedometer sits in front of a column mounted shifter and a correct blue steering wheel that features bright chrome trim around a very cool Bel Air horn button. At the sides of the seats, nice looking two-tone door panels hold new armrests below chrome handles for the windows and doors, and behind the cockpit the cars gigantic fully restored trunk features correct spatter paint, a correct mat and correct spare tire.

This 1961 Chevrolet Biscayne is a top-notch car that is ready for years of endless showing and cruising or an all-out high performance build. It's one of the last great no nonsense, no frills designs to come out of Detroit, and it's the kind of car that your family can enjoy for generations. You simply won't find more car for the money. Call today!