1965 Chevrolet Biscayne

During the 1950s, Chevrolet's model lineup included a base, intermediate, and top-of-the-range option. They shared the same chassis and styling, distinguished by their level of standard accouterments, trim, and mechanical specification. With the addition of the Corvette in the mid-1950s, Chevrolet now had a sports car.

In 1960, the rear-engine, rear-wheel drive Corvair was added to the lineup. It was an economical, compact automobile joined by a more traditional front-engine model named the Chevy II (Nova) in 1962.

In 1964, Chevrolet's portfolio expanded further with the introduction of a mid-size model called the Chevelle. Residing on General Motors' A-body platform, it would become one of Chevrolet's most successful and popular nameplates. For 1965, the Chevelle 300 was the entry-level mid-size model, the Chevelle 300 Deluxe was the intermediate, and the Chevelle Malibu was the top of the range. The Chevelle Super Sport, offered as a hardtop and convertible, was the sport version of the mid-size Chevelle. The Chevelle SS-396 option arrived mid-year and came with a 396 cubic-inch V8 with 375 horsepower. Adding $1,501 to the price, a mere 201 examples were so-equipped.

The 1965 Chevrolet Full-Size Models
The 1965 Chevrolet full-size model lineup began with the entry-level Biscayne, the intermediate Bel Air, and the range-topping Impala. Each came standard with six-cylinder power, and each model was similarly priced, with the Bel Air costing approximately $100 more than the Biscayne and the comparable Impala roughly $100 higher than its Bel Air counterpart.

The Bel Air added Bel Air nameplates, full-length bodyside molding, rear accent band, and roof drip rail moldings. The interiors were more comfortable with vinyl and pattern cloth trims, and a glove compartment light. The nine-passenger station wagons had power tailgate windows.

The Impala added even more exterior brightwork, and the interior was more luxurious. They had an electric clock, parking brake light, trunk and backup lights, and the pillared sedan models had vinyl and pattern cloth trim combinations. The station wagons and convertibles had all-vinyl upholstery, and the Sport Coupes and pillarless Sport Sedans had ball, all-vinyl upholstery.

The 1965 Chevrolet Biscayne
The 1965 model year was the first year of Biscayne's Fourth Generation of styling which would continue through 1970. With the recently added compact and mid-sized models, the full-size Chevrolets were free to grow even larger. Continuing to utilize a 119-inch wheelbase size, the 1965 full-size passenger cars had an overall length of 213.1 inches, approximately four inches longer than the previous year.

Styling
The styling continued to evolve, with noticeable changes to the front, including a stamped grille with the wraparound bumper intersecting the upper and lower portion of the grille. A pair of round, horizontally mounted headlights rested on either side. Restrained brightwork adorned the exterior, around the windshield, body sill, and rear fender ridge.

Standard Equipment
Standard equipment included an oil filter, electric wipers, blackwall tires, and a 230 cubic-inch inline six-cylinder engine. The interior had a foam-cushioned front seat, front seat belts, and a heater and defroster.

Power brakes and power steering became standard for the 1970 model year.

Bodystyles, Pricing, and Production
Body styles included a four-door sedan priced at $2,415, a two-door sedan at $2,360, and a station wagon at $2,415. The addition of eight-cylinder power added approximately $100 to the base price. Around 107,700 examples of the Biscayne received six-cylinder while, while around 37,600 had V8s.

The Biscayne station wagon was discontinued in 1968 and replaced by the Brookwood wagon.

Engines
The 230 cubic-inch, overhead valve six-cylinder engine had 8.5:1 compression, hydraulic valve lifters, a Rochester one-barrel carburetor, seven main bearings, and delivered 140 horsepower at 4,200 RPM. The optional 283 CID V8 (RPO L77) engine had a Rochester two-barrel carburetor, five main bearings, overhead valves, and 195 horsepower at 4,800 RPM. A new, larger 250 CID inline-6 joined the list of engine options, and it had hydraulic valve lifters, a downdraft single barrel carburetor, 8.5:1 compression, overhead valves, and 155 horsepower at 4,200 RPM. The L30 option was a 327 CID V8 with 250 hp ($95), the L74 ($138) was a 300 hp version of the 327, and the L35 396 CID V8 had 325 hp. The L76 option was a 396 CID V8 with 425 hp. The L33 409 CID V8 delivered 340 hp ($242.10), the L31 409 had 400 hp ($320.65), and the L78 396 CID V8 offered 425 hp. A big-block 427 CID V8 was available from 1966 to 1969, and a 454 CID V8 in 1970.

The 230 was dropped in 1967.

Transmissions
A three-speed manual was standard, and an overdrive transmission added $107.60 to the base price. A Powerglide was available on all six-cylinder models for an additional $188.30, and a Turbo-Hydramatic was available with the 327 and 396 V8s. A four-speed manual floor shift transmission added $188.30 with the L30 engine and $236.75 when applied to the L74, L33, and L31 engines.

by Daniel Vaughan | May 2023