Cruising through the social media automotive universe, our engines roared with excitement when we stumbled upon Pieter Thomas and his jaw-dropping 1962 Chevy Biscayne. Little did we know, this low-rider beauty had a history intertwined with a famous rugby player. Buckle up as we dive into the world of Pieter Thomas and his meticulously restored Chevy Biscayne, a testament to the glory days of American muscle.
Photos by: Jan van Der Walt
The Chevy Biscayne Legacy: The Chevy Biscayne, a full-size production marvel from 1958 to 1972, emerged as the epitome of affordable elegance. Born after a show car displayed at the 1955 GM Motorama, it was the stripped-down sibling of the Bel-Air and Impala, boasting a lower price tag. Pieter Thomas, a man accustomed to the thunderous symphony of V8 engines since childhood, felt an irresistible pull when he laid eyes on this particular Biscayne.
From Rugby Fields to the Streets: What set Pieter's Biscayne apart wasn't just its sleek lines but its illustrious past – once belonging to the former Springbok Captain, John Smith. Convincing his wife to embrace this classic over a more modern vehicle proved to be Pieter's first challenge, but the allure of the roaring V8 proved too compelling to resist.
Personal Touches and Restoration: With the Biscayne already 75% restored, Pieter wasted no time infusing his personal touch. Out went the million silencers on the exhaust system, restoring the car's growl. The 350cu V8 heart remained strong, but the engine bay underwent Pieter's meticulous attention. Taking pride in his own hands-on approach, he ensured every detail met his high standards.
Air Ride, Jag Suspension, and Bad-Assery: Already equipped with air ride and Jag front suspension, Pieter embraced the bad-ass look it provided. Describing it as a "high comfortable rider," he reserved the ground-hugging stance for parking or showtime. Original Corvette replacement wheels, shipped in from the USA, coupled with Pieter's custom center caps, added the final touch of perfection.
The Aesthetics: Draped in hearse-black paint that complements the lipstick red leather interior, Pieter's Biscayne is a visual masterpiece. The custom steering wheel, B&M shifter, and air ride control panel meld seamlessly, creating an aesthetic symphony that's impossible to ignore.
Some cars are built to be loud, brash and over the top. Others, like Pieter Thomas’s 1962 Chevrolet Biscayne, are all about presence. This Midvaal-based build doesn’t scream for attention—it rumbles past in Hearse Black, low and menacing, and leaves you turning your head long after it’s gone.
The Biscayne was never the flashy cousin in the Chevy family tree. Back in the day, it was marketed as a no-frills full-size sedan—cheaper than the Impala, stripped of unnecessary extras, a blank canvas for families, cops and even racers who wanted something light and affordable. But in Pieter’s hands, this plain-Jane Chevy became something entirely different.
Under the bonnet sits a tried-and-tested 350 cubic-inch V8, a motor as synonymous with American muscle as the bowtie badge itself. It’s paired with a 3-speed automatic transmission, keeping things simple, reliable, and plenty quick when you need it to be. The exhaust note has just the right balance of burble and bark, a reminder that beneath the understated exterior lies the heart of a true street bruiser.
Stopping power was never a strong point for early ’60s Chevys, so Pieter brought in some Jaguar DNA up front. Ventilated discs and beefy calipers now handle the braking duties, while the rear retains the traditional drums. It’s a blend of modern safety and vintage authenticity, just the way a restomod should be. Sitting on 16-inch wheels wrapped in 255/50 rubber front and back, the Biscayne has a stance that’s both purposeful and classic.
The Hearse Black paintwork is what really sets this car apart. Deep, glossy, and sinister, it gives the big-body Chevy an aura of mystery. It’s not a colour that hides—under streetlights or in sunlight, the Biscayne looks more like it’s gliding than driving, its long, clean lines amplified by the blacked-out finish.
Inside, the story takes a surprising turn. Instead of a stripped, utilitarian cabin, Pieter treated the interior to a full rework in red leather. The bold colour floods the seats, door cards and trim, creating a striking contrast against the dark exterior. Slide behind the wheel and you’re met with comfort, craftsmanship and just enough luxury to make long cruises effortless.
And while the Biscayne may look like an old-school gangster’s ride from the outside, it hides a thoroughly modern indulgence. Tucked neatly between the boot and rear seat is a custom surround sound system, complete with twin 12-inch subs. It’s cleverly hidden, keeping the cabin’s vintage look intact while delivering chest-thumping bass when Pieter wants it.
This ’62 Biscayne is proof that you don’t need wild bodywork or exotic modifications to build something special. With the right blend of subtle style, reliable power and personal touches, Pieter has created a car that speaks softly but carries a big stick. Hearse Black on the outside, red leather within, and a small block V8 that ties it all together—it’s a restomod with attitude, and a reminder that sometimes less really is more.
In the streets of Midvaal, Gauteng, Pieter Thomas has unleashed a beast that not only pays homage to American muscle but stands as a testament to the transformative power of a well-curated classic. His bagged 1962 Chevy Biscayne is more than a head-turner; it's a symphony of roaring elegance, a journey through time where classic meets contemporary in the most harmonious way.
