1965 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu SS

Description

Sometimes cars are so sweet, it's hard to know where to begin describing them. This 1965 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu SS features a slick restoration, a powerful 350 small block under the hood, and a list of upgrades and options that make it just the way you'd want it if you'd built it yourself.

According to the cowl tag and VIN, this is a real code 138 SS, and that same cowl tag also gives away the fact that this one was originally blue, specifically Code K Artesian Turquoise. That's good, because this awesome blue-green on the car now shines up great and has a great impact on the Chevelle's classic lines. The bodywork is nicely done, even on those big quarter panels which are notoriously difficult to get this straight. Note the subtle crease that runs from nose to tail; if the body isn't straight, that's where it will show up first, and on this car, it's good-to-go. Looking at the reflections in our photo studio, you can see that someone spent a lot of time getting this car looking slick, and that same level of detail is found throughout, so the car makes a very good first impression from a few feet away. It's a very fresh paint job but certainly not done to anything higher than a driver-grade standard, if you want to take it up a notch, you could have a good detailer do a simple cut and buff. You'll also note correct "Malibu SS" badges used on the quarters, a proper SS tail panel, and a super clean Bowtie grille up front. They didn't overlook anything on this one.

The mid-1960s were all about simplicity in design, and like the exterior, the black bucket seat interior is a study in careful restraint. Forget faux wood, this Chevy uses bright metal trim to contrast with the black interior, giving the black dashboard a jeweled look that's like a fine clock or vintage stereo gear. The upholstery was likely replaced when the car was restored, and has a very inviting look with no major damage, wear, or other defects. Instead, all you want to do is slide behind the original-style wheel, listening to the comfortable groan of the vinyl seat as you settle in, and grab that wonderfully textured steering wheel. The padded dash is a welcome option and contains a set of three auxiliary gauges and tachometer that complement the stock units, providing the driver with a keen eye toward the engine's vitals. A chrome-handled T-shifter is a welcome sight in any old car, and it juts out from the highly desirable center console that splits the seats. There's a retro-style AM/FM/AUX radio in the dash that handles the tunes through upgraded speakers, seatbelts up front, and a full blown R134a A/C system, although it looks like it needs a little service to blow cold again. The rear seat hardly looks used, and one glance in the trunk tells you all you need to know about how solid this car really is.

Performance got a big upgrade as well, thanks to a strong 350 V8 cubic inch small block under the hood. Go-fast goodies include an aluminum intake and a Demon 4-barrel carburetor up top, long-tube headers at the flanks, and a front-runner belt system that runs all the accessories. Thanks to an HEI ignition and modern alternator it fires with ease and idles with enough of a lope to let folks know it's no pushover, and a big aluminum radiator keeps the whole show nice and cool. Tough-looking polished valve covers and a matching open-element air cleaner look slick against the satin black engine bay. Underneath, the small block spins a TH350 3-speed automatic transmission and a robust 12-bolt rear, and long tube headers exhale through a new set of Flowmaster chambered mufflers on an exhaust that dumps out underneath the rear bumper for just the right sound. The stance is exactly right, not too low but not like mom's grocery-getter, either, and with American Racing Torque Thrusts wrapped around 235/45/17 front and 255/45/17 rear radials, it looks fast just sitting still.

Fast, fun, and handsome, this pretty teal SS will make a fabulous cruiser that will knock the crowds dead at the next local cruise-in, and you can drive it with confidence knowing that someone already sweated all the details. Call today!