1965 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu Convertible

Description

The best resto-mods keep the spirit of the original design and use subtle modifications and superlative craftsmanship to make a statement. This 1965 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu convertible is an outstanding example of doing it right, from the gorgeous color combination to the fresh performance hardware underneath.

If you squint, you can see big brother Impala's shape in the Chevelles bodywork, and the flared quarters give it a very muscular stance hunkered down on the suspension like this one. As is traditional with the best street machines, fit and finish are beyond reproach, and a few custom details like the shaved door handles give it a smooth look without upsetting the vintage vibe. These guys probably sanded the bodywork until their fingers bled, then applied several coats of base and several coats of clear before wet sanding and buffing the Cameo Beige paint to a beautiful shine. The look is both subtle and arresting when you see it up close and realize just how nice the surface really is. All the original chrome was restored to a very high level, too, then reinstalled, fitting it snugly to the body to reinforce the seamless look. That makes this Chevelle look ultra-clean, but you can't quite figure out why. It's a neat effect that complements the sophisticated color quite nicely.

Working with the lovely tan paint, the stunning two-tone leather interior is simply fantastic. Original factory buckets, a slick center console, and brightly trimmed dash all say 1965, but the fresh upholstery has a very clean look indicative of the very best street rods. Factory gauges, a woodgrained steering wheel, and the T-handle shifter in the center console all whisper to you that this is a vintage car, but the finish quality makes it feel brand new. Contrasting dark carpets and matching floor mats anchor the light colored interior, which is especially comfortable in top-down weather. An AM/FM stereo head unit lives in the dash and works in conjunction with a CD changer stashed in the trunk to provide the entertainment...well whatever entertainment you don't get from dropping the custom tan convertible top and hitting the road. Even the trunk was restored and filled with sound-deadening materials, and also includes a spare tire with a matching plaid cover.

The real handiwork can be seen under the hood, where a fresh 350 cubic inch V8 was dropped between the fenders. Dynoing at 313 horsepower, it's no slouch in the performance department, and while it's a lot flashier than the factory intended, it still has an OEM vibe. A massive aluminum radiator with an equally big electric fan keeps it cool, and a polished billet serpentine drive belt system gives it a high-tech look. Underneath, the floors are in good condition and seem to bear out the idea that this has always been a clean, southern car. The automatic transmission and 10-bolt rear end work together to make this an effortless cruiser, although 3.53 gears out back give it a lot of snap at any speed. A dual exhaust system with Flowmaster mufflers gives it a snarky exhaust note and it rides on a set of traditional chrome Torque Thrusts which wear 215/65/15 front and 225/70/15 rear Kumho radials.

It's not often that we can call any muscle car subtle, but this ragtop is the kind of car that people spend hours examining with a big grin on their faces. Call us today!