1955 Chevrolet Biscayne

Origins of the Panoramic Roof

The Chevrolet Biscayne would prove to be one of the most influential of all the Motorama Dream Cars from a design standpoint. Although distinctly compact, the car’s wide stance allowed for a spacious interior, predicting the traits of small cars that would debut in the 1960s. It also had minimal chrome brightwork and a trim silhouette that eschewed the tailfins that were becoming prevalent on production cars at the time. The unique panoramic “Astra-Dome” windshield with a tinted upper third would later be used on 1959 Chevrolets, and a modified version of its rear-end treatment would find its way to the Corvair.

Courtesy of Bortz Auto, Collection of Joseph Bortz Trust

This Vehicle featured in ‘GM’s Marvelous Motorama’ Exhibit