OUR CARS: Rudy Bishop’s 1958 Chevrolet Biscayne

Rudy Bishop was born in 1958, the same year that Chevrolet launched the Biscayne. That year also happened to have one-year-only styling, just like fun-loving Rudy, so the two were a match made in heaven. An added bonus: the ’58 Biscayne has an automatic transmission, so Rudy’s wife, Rita, can enjoy driving it too. Double bonus: Rita’s mother helped the couple buy it. Thanks, Mom!

Employee: Rudy Bishop

Title: Outbound Licensed Sales Agent

Years at Hagerty: 13

Car: 1958 Chevrolet Biscayne

Why did you choose this car? I first saw a 1958 Chevrolet Biscayne in Greeley, Colo., where my wife, Rita, and I were going to college. I knew it was launched the same year that I was born, and I waved fondly to the car almost daily. After working at Hagerty for about five years, I saw another one for sale here in Traverse City, Mich. The owner had done some restoration and was insured with us. He had others who were interested, but when he learned I worked here and my love for that year, he sold it to us.

Repairs and Modifications: I’ve put some money into repairing the speedometer and some interior work.

Hobby activities: I’ve shown the car at a few local shows, but we use it for ice cream and dinner runs with friends and family. In the eight years we’ve owned it, we’ve averaged less than 500 miles per year.

Interesting Car Stories: Shortly after buying the car I took her to the Cherry Bowl Drive-In about 18-20 miles from here, and on our way home we ran out of gas, even though the gauge showed a quarter tank. I had to walk to buy gas and get us home.

Favorite Drive: Our favorite drive is around Crystal Lake (about a half hour from Traverse City). My wife has driven it the farthest (about an hour) to Petoskey and Bay Harbor for a work conference.