How big is a 1958 Chevy Biscayne?
Typically about 210 inches long (roughly 5.3 meters), with a 119-inch wheelbase and a width around 77–78 inches; height sits in the mid-to-upper 50s inches. Exact figures depend on body style and options.
The 1958 Biscayne was Chevrolet’s base full-size model for that year, offered mainly as traditional sedans with a simple, no-frills presentation. It shared the same general footprint as its upscale siblings, but with fewer luxury touches and trim bits. Its size made it one of the era’s more expansive family cars, capable of seating several passengers and swallowing cargo in the trunk.
Overview of the 1958 Biscayne
In 1958, Chevrolet reorganized its full-size lineup, positioning the Biscayne as the practical, budget-conscious alternative to the Bel Air and Impala. The Biscayne nameplate indicated a straightforward body with practical interiors, while remaining part of Chevrolet’s large-car family. Across body styles, the core dimensions remained broadly consistent, reflecting the era’s emphasis on generous interior space.
Core dimensions
Below is a concise set of measurements that describe the Biscayne’s footprint. Keep in mind that exact numbers can vary slightly by body style (2-door vs. 4-door) and certain options or trim changes.
- Wheelbase: 119 inches (3.02 meters)
- Overall length: approximately 208–213 inches (about 5.3–5.4 meters)
- Width: around 77–78 inches (about 1.96–1.98 meters)
- Height: roughly 54–58 inches (about 1.37–1.47 meters)
Together, these figures reflect a typical full-size American sedan of the late 1950s: long, wide, and designed to accommodate families and cargo with a roomy interior and a substantial trunk.
Variants and body styles
2-door sedan
The 2-door Biscayne shared the same basic wheelbase and footprint as the four-door models, but the shorter roofline and door configuration could result in marginally different exterior dimensions by a few inches. Interior space remained generous for rear-seat passengers, typical of the period’s two-door configurations.
4-door sedan
The 4-door Biscayne offered the most common configuration for family use, delivering similar overall length and wheelbase while providing easier rear-seat access and more traditional rear seating space. The trunk and interior volume were designed to maximize practicality within the wide, low-slung full-size chassis.
Practical notes for collectors and restorers
When evaluating or restoring a 1958 Biscayne, consider that body style, trim, and options can influence minor exterior measurements and interior layouts. For authentic restoration, refer to period-source specifications for the exact body style you’re targeting, and be mindful that aftermarket parts catalogs sometimes list slightly different dimensions for the Biscayne’s base trim compared with its Bel Air or Impala siblings.
Summary
The 1958 Chevy Biscayne is a quintessential late-1950s full-size sedan, characterized by a long, spacious footprint suitable for families and long road trips. With a wheelbase of 119 inches and an overall length typically in the 208–213 inch range, it presents a broad, low-slung silhouette for its era. Width hovers around the high 70s inches, and height sits in the mid-to-low 50s inches. Body style—2-door or 4-door—affects only minor dimensional nuances, but the overall size remains that of a classic American full-size sedan well suited to restoration and classic-car embrace.
