1965 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu

Description

You don't see many 1965 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibus this straight and clean. Better yet, this one comes complete with a strong 327, a quick-shifting 4-speed, slick blue paint, and a gorgeous period-correct interior. Chevy positioned these as the cars that could do anything, and even today this handsome hardtop will draw a lot of admirers everywhere it goes.

Originally Code D Mist Blue, the restorers did the right thing and didn't go against the factory trim tag, applying a correct respray that looks great today. But as you know, when you decide to paint your car a light shade it means a big investment in bodywork and finishing and cutting corners is virtually impossible. Fortunately for you, the new owner, the quality shows in straight panels, a deep, uniform shine without a lot of imperfections, and doors that open and close with precision. Perfect it is not, but this is a very presentable Chevy nonetheless. The low-profile looks of the Malibu have aged well, and this one has a timeless grace that somehow escapes the cars that get ridiculous wheels, slammed suspensions, and thumping stereos. Instead, this one exudes class and dignity along with just enough flash, and with a low rumble from its exhaust, looks every bit the part of a gentleman's express. There's minimal trim, although what is in place is in excellent condition, with nice chrome bumpers, a straight grille, and correct Malibu Chevelle badges on the quarters.

The two-tone blue vinyl interior is the right choice with the blue bodywork, presenting a clean and period-correct overall look. Beautiful bench seats make this a big, comfortable car with room for everyone, and the seat upholstery is expertly restored with correct materials and patterns. New blue carpets and fresh door panels look fantastic, giving the interior a bright, airy feel that makes this car very easy to live with. The original gauges are in very good shape, surrounded by a bright instrument panel that shows none of the usual fading or discoloration, and the chrome shifter for the 4-speed manual is topped by a cue ball shift knob, beckoning the driver to slam some gears. The original AM radio is gone, replaced by a modern retro-style AM/FM/AUX setup and the massive trunk is quite tidy, finished with correct spatter-paint and housing a full-size spare.

As a code 36 V8 Malibu, the 327 under the hood is a natural. Detailed and dressed like a factory piece, there are no surprises here, just a great-running Chevy small block. The block and valve covers were neatly coated with Chevy orange engine enamel, and the black snorkel air cleaner lives atop a stock-style 4-barrel carburetor and intake manifold. A newer alternator, fresh plug wires, and stock exhaust manifolds ensure plenty of power without sacrificing its ability to be driven every day, and with power steering, it's easy to handle. A 4-speed manual transmission shifts seamlessly and delivers bulletproof reliability, while a heavy-duty 12-bolt rear end doesn't mind the horsepower. A newer dual exhaust system with turn-downs behind the rear axle gives it a great V8 voice but doesn't betray this car's low-key demeanor. Handling is crisp, as Chevelles have always featured coil springs all around, and braking is confident despite the lack of power assist. Four 17-inch American Racing Torque Thrust wheels are an old-school look with a modern twist, and the 245/45/17 blackwall Hankook radials offer vastly improved handling.

Just a tidy, no-nonsense Chevelle Malibu, albeit one with a great look. Forget the later A-bodies, this one has the right look and plenty of performance for the price. Call today!