1968 Chevrolet Biscayne 427 V8 385 HP 4 Speed

Chevrolet Biscayne’s were produced from 1958 through 1972. Named after a show car displayed at the 1955 General Motors Motorama , they were the least expensive model in the Chevrolet full-size car range ( the exception being the 1958 Chevrolet Delray ). The absence of most exterior and fancy interior trimmings was indicative of the series. ( The slightly costlier Chevrolet Bel Air offered more interior and exterior trimmings at a price  lower than the mid-line Chevrolet Impala ).

Biscayne’s were produced primarily for the fleet market, though they were also available to the general public — particularly to those who wanted low-cost, low frills transportation with the convenience, room and power of a full-size automobile. While most Biscayne’s were sold with a six-cylinder engine through the late 1960s, V8 engines became the more popular powerplant by the early 1970s. Power Steering and power brakes were made standard in 1970, while the Turbo Hydramatic transmission was standard on all cars ordered with a V8 engine starting midway through the 1971 model year.

Chevrolet Biscayne’s are easily identified by the use of two taillights per side; the only exceptions to this were in 1959 and 1972. The more expensive Impala (and later Caprice) had three taillights per side. The Biscayne was devoid of exterior chrome trim and was normally fitted with small hubcaps, though several exterior trim pieces and upgraded wheel covers were available at extra cost. Interior trim was slight, with lower-grade cloth and vinyl or all-vinyl upholstery trim, a standard steering wheel with center horn button, and rubber floor mats.

Customers could purchase a Biscayne with any of Chevrolet's high-output Big Block V8 engines and performance-oriented transmissions, including a 4-speed Manual Transmission with Hurst shifter and low-ratio final drive. A quick side note….Baldwin Chevrolet of Long Island, New York, became famous for offering the "Street Racer Special," a 1968 Biscayne coupe with dealer-fitted high-performance 427 cubic-inch V8, and heavy-duty suspension components, turning the Biscayne into a serious drag car. Biscaynes with high-performance equipment were often nicknamed "Bisquick" by enthusiasts.

Speaking of...at a curb weight of 3,966 lbs, performance-wise, The 427 , 385 hp V8 Chevrolet Biscayne had a top speed of 114mph, went from 0 – 60 in 6.3 seconds, and had a quarter mile time of of 14.7 seconds. It got a mere 7.8 miles per gallon, (… but since gas at that time was so cheap…who really cared?) Original production numbers of cars built this way were very low, and examples of these high-performance cars are highly sought after by collectors today. I personally just love the fact that looking at this car, you’d never even give it a second glance at a stoplight…’till the light turned green. ("..what the...?? ") Gotta love them sleepers!