1965 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu

Description

The first Chevelles, like this 1965 ragtop, offered the Malibu as a trim package, not a separate model. Now while that may be confusing to us today, the bottom line is that this ultra-cool convertible is so far beyond what the factory intended, it should have its own name, too.

Just a few years ago, someone spent a fortune on the paint and bodywork on this Chevelle, and the two-stage urethane paint looks like it was worth every penny. More than just medium blue, this one is a wonderfully icy hue that invites you in to have a closer look, then knocks you out with a subtle bit of metallic and a phenomenal shine. All the steel is straight enough to calibrate scientific instruments, and no factory-produced A-body every fit together this well. They also left the clean, uncluttered styling alone, and that's when you also start to notice things like the subtle crease that extends from behind the doors along the rear quarter panels and the blacked-out grille up front. All the stainless has been polished and Malibu badges on the rear flanks indicate a top-of-the-line model with plenty of performance (more on that in a moment).

Complementing the lovely blue paint job, the two-tone interior offers inviting seating for six in a surprisingly roomy passenger compartment. Matching blue carpets (brand new, by the way), door panels, seat covers (also new) and a fresh dash pad make it feel factory fresh inside, and the upgrades make it the ideal Saturday night cruiser. The original gauges are still fitted in the dash, and a newer AM/FM stereo system replaces the original AM radio in the dash and feed speakers in custom kick panel enclosures. A modern A/C system has been artfully integrated into the design, with vents that almost look like they were put there by the factory. The steering wheel looks like it may be original, but it remains in good condition and the back seat looks almost new. A recent black convertible top offers a crystal clear rear window and the trunk is correctly outfitted with a reproduction mat and a full-sized spare tire with jack assembly.

If a car wears Chevelle badges, you know it's got some GM dependability, and the 283 V8 small block in this Chevelle is certainly qualified. Wearing an Edelbrock intake manifold and 4-barrel carburetor and long-tube headers, it makes enough power to be entertaining yet docile enough to drive every day. Dressed up with a ton of chrome and performance equipment, it runs every bit as great as it looks and the Chevy Orange engine enamel gives it a factory look. A dual reservoir master cylinder feeds front disc brakes, and the A/C system uses R134a refrigerant for easy maintenance. For highway cruising, a 700R4 4-speed automatic transmission has been installed behind the hot small block, and drives a rugged 10-bolt rear end. Twin Flowmaster mufflers offer a traditional muscle car sound and everything is framed by satin black hardware and body-colored floors that are in excellent condition. For a slightly custom look, it rides on a set of later Rally wheels with spinners and wearing recent Uniroyal white-letter radials.

Beautiful, fast, and expertly finished, this Malibu convertible is everything that's great about Chevy muscle, all at a very appealing price. Call today!