ON THE WEB KILLERRides Rides CHICAYNE

Words - Paul Beck

Built by Rad Rides by Troy Owner - Glen Grozich

Proclaimed as a “study in understated excellence” by Chevy High Performance magazine, this custom 1962 Chev Biscayne set the standard in 2003.

As President of Billet Specialities, Glen Grozich wanted a promo vehicle that would not only showcase the company’s products but also act as a test mule for some prototype gear that would eventually make its way into the ever expanding Billet Specialties inventory of cool custom parts! To get the ball rolling, Glen sat down with Troy Trepanier at Rad Rides and worked out the plan to build America’s coolest ’62 Biscayne. Knowing just how good the team at Rad Rides are at building custom rides, Glen informed Troy of what he wanted and then let Troy run with it. For both of them, the ultimate goal was to build the most impressive Street Machine the USA has seen. Originally, the Chev’s engine bay wasn’t going to house such an elaborate engine combo, but after Troy finished a similar twin-turbo set-up for a customer’s Corvette, he knew this would set the Biscayne apart from the rest. Glen quickly ditched the idea of a big block. Let’s face it, this was in the early 2000’s and having a true street car that could drive across the country, idle in traffic at under 1000rpm, produce in excess of 1000hp and still get 17mpg on the open road was unheard of. This was ground-breaking in the street machine world at the time! And not only does the engine make lots of power, it looks sensational in the process – a signature of a Rad Rides by Troy build. The twin-turbo small block features the best components money could buy is mated to a 4L80E auto trans that makes highway cruising a breeze.

1962 Chev Biscayne

How about that colour? Troy is well-known for his unique colour choices – some of which don’t seem like they are compatible when spoken about, but when they are laid onto laser-straight panels, there’s no denying that you need to trust Troy when it comes to creating a unique colour combo. Initially, Glen asked Troy is he’d lost his mind in regards to the lower section colour! I guess not, Glen. And when the interior colour samples arrived, the whole package simply came together. Technically the colours are called Medium Cypress on the top and Olive on the lower part of the Biscayne’s subtly modified body. Both are from the PPG catalogue. Speaking of the interior, Chicayne’s insides are anything but 1962. The standard issue dash is long gone, with a gaggle of AutoMeter dials now providing the information, sitting just behind the Billet Specialities steering wheel. The seats are factory items that have been modified to suit the build theme before being covered

Olive, Sage and Beige buffalo suede. There’s a carbon fibre console added to each seat, as well as a four-point harness to keep all passengers secure. There’s a multi-point, chrome-moly roll cage added to not only make the car track legal, but also keep the Chev from twisting itself inside out when that boost comes on song. The “taxi bar” pivots to allow access to the rear seat. Cruising tunes are provided by an impressive Kenwood/ Diamond Audio sound system. Completing the package is a set of 18-inch and 20-inch “Chicayne” Billet Specialties wheels – colour coded of course!

Upon its debut back in 2002, Chicayne was awarded the SEMA GM’s Design Award and the Mothers Shine award followed by the 2003 Goodguys Street Machine of the Year! Twenty years later, the car is still as relevant, proving just how far ahead of its time Chicayne actually was. Glen recently parted company with the Biscayne, sending it to auction at the Scottsdale Barrett-Jackson, surprisingly with No Reserve. Everyone knew this iconic car was going to draw in lots of bids and when the hammer dropped, Chicayne had been sold for $291,500!