Featured is a good looking restored 1959 Chevy Biscayne. The Biscayne was produced by Chevrolet between 1958-1972. The rankings in 1959 put the Impala model on top, followed by the Bel Air, with the Biscayne being third.
The 1959 Chevrolet Restyling
Chevrolet had a one year only restyling for the 1959 model year. The same was the case with Ford meaning that both historic competitors were going all out advertising and promoting their all new looks. In addition to that, 1959 was predicted to be a banner automotive sales year and it achieved that goal.
The Biscayne was a full size automobile that resembled the Chevy Impala in many ways. The Biscayne came out in 1958 replacing the Delray model as Chevy’s economical option. Advertising for the Chevrolet 1959 line up stressed the fact that there was a full size Chevrolet to fit all budgets.
The Biscayne had the same grill and very close to Impala’s profile but tail lights were quite different. The Chevy Impala long noted for it’s six tail lights (three on each side), the 58 Chevy Biscayne had four tail lights (two on each side) and then followed in 1959 with the two “cat eye” tail lights (one on each side). In 1960 the Biscayne would go back to two tail lights on each side.
There was also a big difference in trim styling between the Biscayne and Impala. Obviously a lot less trim. The 1959 Biscayne model came in a two and four door sedan. There was also a two door utility sedan produced that year with no rear seats. This model was used primarily as a delivery vehicle.
A major difference compared to the Impala was the model’s new car price. The Biscayne was the lowest cost Chevrolet full size automobile at the time. While the Chevrolet Impala was a huge seller for the automaker, it’s new car cost in 1959 averaged about $3,500. The 1959 Chevy Biscayne had a new car price tag averaging about $2,450.
Chevrolet produced the Biscayne primarily for it’s fleet customers but it also filled the need for buyers who wanted simple no frills transportation at a relatively low price. And if you really wanted to own a full size Chevrolet it was your lowest cost option.
Another note regarding Chevrolet styling for 1959 was that nothing was considered too radical to consider. What was wanted was an entirely new look. A look that would stand out. Designers were essentially given that task. Looking back now, the Chevrolet design teams did certainly produce a car in 1959 that did not resemble anything the competition (especially Ford) offered. The unique horizontal gull wing tail fins on the 59 Chevy would carry over to 1960 and that would be the last model year for Chevrolet tail fins.
If you were to name the most stand out feature of the 1959 Chevrolet Biscayne it would be the combination of the “gull like” tail fins along with the “cat eye” like tail lights.
1959 Chevy Biscayne Specifications
The 1959 Chevy Biscayne offered the buyer a choice of a 235 cubic inch straight six Blue Flame or a 283 cubic inch V-8. The six delivered 135 HP and the V-8’s offered various horsepower between 185 and 250 depending on configurations.
Transmission options included a three speed manual, four speed manual and a two speed Powerglide automatic.
Brakes were four wheel hydraulic drums.
Dimensions for the Biscayne included a 119.0 inch wheelbase, 210.9 inch overall length, 79.6 inch width, 58.1 inch height. Weight averaged between 3,600 to 3,700 lbs.
1959 Chevrolet production numbers for Full Size vehicles totaled just over 1.4 million units.
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1959 Plymouth Belvedere Convertible
Reference material for this article includes..The American Dream – The Chevrolet Impala 1958-1970 by Norm Mort..1959 Chevrolet Dealership Sales Brochure for the Biscayne..American Cars of the 1950’s by the Editors of Consumer Guide..Standard Catalog of Chevrolet, 1912-2001; 90 Years of History, Photos, Technical Data and Pricing by author John Gunnell.
1959 Chevy Biscayne Collector Car Values
While the 1959 Chevrolet Biscayne is not a hot muscle car nor an expensive rare vehicle, the Biscayne could be a good way to start your car collection affordably. The 1959 Chevrolet models in general were very popular with the car buying public at the time.
Currently you can find good Chevrolet Biscaynes priced under $25,000 and at the same time you’ll find them $40,000 plus in some instances. Mileage, originality, restoration age, etc will drive price.
(Article and photos copyright Auto Museum Online)