134057 / 1959 Chevrolet Biscayne

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When it comes to factory power, durability and sheer intimidation, ex-police cars are about as good as it gets. While modern variations are more focused on items like power steering coolers and electronics, there is no shortage of automotive mythology based around the law enforcement support of yesteryear. If you've ever heard tales of hopped-up cruisers going head-to-head with the hottest cars of their day, vehicles like this '59 Biscayne are likely the basis of those legends.

This sinister pursuit vehicle started life at GM's Oakland, California assembly plant where it left with a rich coat of dark blue to correspond with the requirements of the Oregon State Patrol. Today, the car wears that very same color sprayed over a laser straight body massaged to perfection during the three-year restoration process. The paintwork presents well and gives the car an intimidating looking most Chevrolets of this vintage struggle to pull off.

What truly sets this car apart from its siblings is the Duntov-spec 348cid V8 planted between the fenders. While most associate Zora Arkus-Duntov with the Corvette, his knack for warming up mild mannered cars translated across the GM catalog. The mill utilizes solid lifters, a one-off cam, high-compression pistons and a unique intake manifold to produce 305 horsepower. Freshly painted, date-code correct and showroom clean, this 348 fires to life with ease, emitting a sedate rumble through a factory dual exhaust system.

Behind the 348, a date-code correct Saginaw three-speed manual offers full control while a factory rear end packed with 3.36 gears puts the power to the pavement. The ground-pounding stance is provided by the police-package heavy duty suspension which utilizes heavier springs, upgraded shocks, and stronger rubber bushings. Steering is a manual effort as are the four-wheel drum brakes. At the corners, body-matched steel wheels topped with dog dish hubcaps and modern Good year rubber connect the chassis to the road.

Inside the Biscayne, law enforcement received little in the way of amenities but GM styling more than made up for it. Seating is provided by a standard bench seat wrapped in a mixture of light blue and gray vinyl while a light blue steel dash hosts little more than gauges. Below, a period-correct Motorola CB adds some authentic police flair to the package.

This was a one-year design for Chevrolet that collectors have grown to treasure over the years. Factor in the 1 of 40 powerplant, quality restoration and sinister look and this Biscayne starts to look like a very good idea. If you're ready to hit the road with Duntov engineering, call, click or visit: http://rkmotorscharlotte.com for more information on this '59 Biscayne.