1965 Chevrolet Biscayne 2 Door Post/409 4-Speed

The Chevrolet Biscayne was produced from 1958 through 1972. It was the least expensive model in the Chevrolet full-size car range (except the 1958 only Chevrolet DelRay). It was void of most exterior and fancy interior trimmings through the life of the series.

Today on the AJ Car of the Day is a very rare 1965 Chevrolet Biscayne equipped with the legendary 409 big block, and a four-speed transmission. A true sleeper, this bare-bones, stripped-down sedan looks more like grandma’s plain Jane six-cylinder grocery getter, than the high-powered muscle car it actually is.

This 1965 post bodied Chevrolet Biscayne sedan is actually one of 20 built by General Motors, and is believed to be one of only two left in existence. It was ordered with the 400 hp version of the 409, a four-speed transmission, and Posi-Traction rear end.

What makes this car so rare, is that in 1965, Chevrolet began production of a new big block engine. This new big block engine had a displacement of 396 cubic inches, and it was built to replace the early W-head type engines, which included the 348 and the 409 engine. Because this was an early build vehicle, it was ordered with the 409/400hp engine that was supposed to be phased out of production by 1965. The L31 409/400 HP engine is built with solid lifters, 11.0 compression, chrome “W” valve covers, an aluminum intake manifold, dual exhaust and the now rare dual snorkel air cleaner.

Like all Biscayne's, the car is largely devoid of exterior chrome trim and is fitted with small hubcaps, though several exterior trim pieces and upgraded hubcaps were available at extra cost. The Interior trim was given lower-grade cloth and vinyl upholstery trim, a standard steering wheel with center horn button, and rubber floor mats.

This is definitely a car for a true collector, and cannot be argued that this is a very rare machine. One usually finds a car like this deeply tucked away in a private collection. This particular car failed to sell for $65 K at auction...which considering how rare and a blast this car must be to open up...passing up such an opportunity was foolish.