1965 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu

Description

You don't see many 1965 Chevrolet Malibus this straight and clean. Better yet, this one comes complete with a 350, deep black paint, and a gorgeous black 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 Mist Blue, nobody will complain about the gorgeous black paint this Malibu wears today. But as you know, when you decide to paint your car black 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 laser-straight panels, a deep, uniform shine without the usual swirl marks, and doors that open and close with precision. The low-profile looks of the Malibu have aged well, and this one has a timeless grace that somehow escapes the cars that get oversized wheels, lowered suspensions, and thumping stereos. Instead, this one exudes class and dignity, and with a muted 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 SS badges on the quarters.

The black vinyl interior is the right choice with the black bodywork, presenting a clean, almost sinister overall look. A bench seat makes this a big, comfortable car with room for everyone, and the seat upholstery is expertly restored with correct materials and patterns. New black 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 there are auxiliary gauges under the dash. The original AM radio is gone, replaced by a later AM/FM setup and the massive trunk is quite tidy and in what appears to be original condition.

As a code 36 V8 Malibu, the 350 under the hood is a natural, although the original engine was probably a 283. Rebuilt and dressed like a late-model factory piece, there are no surprises here, just a great-running Chevy small block. The chrome air cleaner lives atop a Rochester 4-barrel carburetor and a Holley intake manifold. A newer alternator, fresh plug wires, and long-tube headers ensure plenty of power without sacrificing its ability to be driven every day, and with power steering, it's easy to handle. A PowerGlide automatic transmission shifts seamlessly and delivers bulletproof reliability, while a heavy-duty 12-bolt rear end doesn't mind the horsepower. A new dual exhaust system with turn-downs ahead of 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 16-inch Cragar mags are a period look with a modern twist, and the 225/60/16 blackwall radials offer vastly improved handling.

Just a tidy, no-nonsense 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!