In the world of classic cars, every discovery holds a unique story. Some are forgotten relics, abandoned or left to gather dust, while others are cherished possessions that owners are reluctant to part with. For classic car enthusiasts, stumbling upon a well-preserved gem with a touch of history and a layer of barn dust is nothing short of heartwarming. Such is the case with the remarkable find of a rust-free 1959 Chevrolet Biscayne.
Unveiling the Treasure
Ryan, the host of the Iowa Classic Cars YouTube channel, recently came across this one-owner 1959 Chevrolet Biscayne on Facebook Marketplace with the help of his devoted fans. Within a mere five minutes of posting about it, he struck a deal to acquire the car, sight unseen.
Purchasing a classic car without inspecting it in person is often compared to playing Russian roulette. Most seasoned collectors would advise against such a risky move. However, Ryan, being well-versed in the world of classic automobiles and already owning a few ’59 models, exuded confidence in his ability to judge a car’s condition even without a physical examination.
Unearthing the Past: A Fascinating History
This particular 1959 Chevrolet Biscayne carries an intriguing story and holds immense sentimental value for the family it belonged to. According to the seller, who happens to be the great-grandson of the original owner, the car belonged to his grandmother, who drove it until the ripe age of 90. Eventually, the family decided it was time for her to retire from driving.
After his grandmother turned 90 and became unfit to operate the vehicle, the seller took possession of the car. He used it for a year during his college days before storing it on a farm without ever transferring the title.
Considering the two decades it has spent in storage, this 1959 Chevrolet Biscayne is in remarkable shape. It certainly cannot be classified as a rust bucket. The previous owners claim it has been sitting idle for the past 20 years.
A Hidden Treasure in Need of Care
While the exterior of the car showcases its original beauty, there are signs of wear and tear. The right quarter panel bears evidence of physical damage caused by the owner’s grandmother while parking it in a garage. Additionally, the rear window glass is missing, having been broken during its time in storage.
Fortunately, this classic gem cleaned up nicely once Ryan brought it home. The taillight remained intact, with no signs of damage. The front fender showed no dents or scratches, and the rockers and floors were completely free from rust. This rust-free condition is a rarity for a 64-year-old barn find.
Regrettably, the interior is in dire need of attention. Critters had a field day during the car’s two-decade hibernation, leaving it in a sorry state. Essentially, it is a bare-bones classic featuring a six-cylinder engine but lacking a radio.
Despite these shortcomings, the primary reasons Ryan decided to strike a deal without physically inspecting the car were its rust-free condition and one-owner status. With the exception of the damage to the rear right side, the car’s original Gothic Gold paint still shone brightly beneath the layers of barn dust accumulated over the years.
Chevrolet Biscayne: An Affordable Alternative
For those new to the realm of classic cars, the distinctive rear design of the Chevrolet Biscayne may evoke memories of old Hollywood movies. While not as extravagant as the Bel Air or Impala, the Biscayne was introduced as a more affordable alternative to its counterparts.
Chevrolet initially launched the no-frills Biscayne in 1958, primarily targeting the fleet market. Production continued for 14 years, spanning from 1958 to 1972, with GM Canada continuing to sell it until 1975.
Similar to the Impala, the 1959 Chevrolet Biscayne offered various engine options, including a six-cylinder (3.2-liter Blue Flame I6) and V8s (4.6-liter V8 and 5.7-liter V8). The 5.7-liter V8, commonly known as the 348, was the most prevalent engine option. Ryan’s discovery, however, features the earlier 3.2-liter six-cylinder engine paired with a two-speed Powerglide transmission.
Restoration Plans and Anticipation
While the exact price Ryan paid for this classic gem remains undisclosed, neglected versions of the same model have previously sold for around $1,900 on eBay. Meanwhile, low-mileage, meticulously restored examples of the car can fetch prices of approximately $12,000 on platforms like Bring a Trailer.
Ryan’s intention is not to flip the car immediately; he has expressed his desire to keep it for himself. His immediate priority is to get the stuck engine up and running again. To achieve this, he plans to soak the engine with a mixture of acetone and ATF in hopes of freeing its seized parts.
We eagerly await the unfolding of Ryan’s restoration journey and the eventual revival of this vintage beauty after two decades of dormancy. It will undoubtedly be a momentous occasion for both Ryan’s dedicated fans and the previous owner to witness the car once again cruising down the road, serving as a testament to its enduring charm.