1955 Chevy Biscayne GM Motorama Concept Car
By Brian Brennan – Photography By GM Photographic
While we all have ideas about what’s cool and what we would build, there can be no denying that the concept cars from the major auto manufacturers were great sources of exciting ideas. As a budding hot rodder, I couldn’t wait to see and read about the GM Motorama concept cars. Often, I would see them at the new car shows that came to the towns around my home. It was amazing.
Joe Bortz is a longtime car collector who has amassed some very interesting pieces over the years, not the least of which are two dozen former Detroit concept (show) cars. His collection is currently on display at the Petersen Automotive Museum in a compilation titled “GM’s Marvelous Motorama” and will be on display until 2026.
Read More: LT4 Powered Tri-Five Chevy
Bortz had an affinity for concept cars, and it wasn’t long before his son, Mark, discovered the 1955 Chevy Biscayne in 1989 at the Warhoops junkyard. Although the Biscayne was cut in half and readied for the crusher, it would be a lucky find, and Joe (after digging deep into his wallet) would bring home the “gold.” It was some time before the Biscayne underwent restoration, and as luck would be, fellow hot rodder Kerry Hopperstead was charged with building the frame. Based on building photos Bortz found, Hopperstead recreated the frame.
Read More: “Square Bird” Built By Hollywood Hot Rods
You can see where the 1962 Corvair and the 1957 Corvette found much of their lineage. We thought it would be cool to show off one of the truly unique concept cars, the 1955 Chevrolet Biscayne. Looking at it, you can see multiple styling cues that would eventually find their way onto several different Chevy and other GM production-line automobiles. Unlike what Detroit’s cars would look like in a few years, this design is often called a “minimalist” appearance. What stands out is the “stratospheric” windshield all hot rodders enjoyed then and today. MR
