1980 Chevrolet Malibu

Description

This 1980 Chevrolet Malibu is a hammer in search of nails. Purpose-built to be a street/strip threat, it's combat-ready with a strong-running small block, heavy-duty drivetrain, and a minimum of frills to slow things down. If you like rolling off the trailer ready to rock, perhaps this neat little Malibu is for you.

The chiseled good looks of the GM intermediates have aged rather well, and this clean blue 2-door sedan doesn't look like some relic from your parents' garage. Instead, someone spent the time to get the bodywork in order, straightening all the inevitable bumps and bruises it earned over the past 35 years, then covering everything in an attractive medium blue finish. OK, yes, the giant cowl induction hood makes a definite drag race statement, but this car wasn't built to be subtle, it was built to be functional, and that sucker helps keep the engine cool and well-fed. The finish is pretty darned good for a car destined for the track and was painted about two years ago so it still looks fresh with no evidence of major surgery required underneath. There wasn't much chrome on these cars when they were new, but the body side moldings were dumped and the bumpers were polished up so it looks as if someone cared about this car from the very beginning.

The gray upholstery is probably original and while it's showing some age, it does speak volumes about how well-preserved this car must have been when the work started. The wide bench seats aren't particularly supportive, but they work well with the industrial-strength attitude that this car offers and the no-frills vibe is a big part of it. A Grant GT steering wheel with a wooden rim is the most noteworthy upgrade, because the HVAC and radio controls were removed and replaced with a set of water temperature and oil pressure gauges in an aluminum panel. There's also a white-faced Sunpro Super Tach on top of the dash where it's easy to see and the factory speedo and fuel gauge are underneath. The car does have a tilt column, so it's relatively easy to get comfortable behind the wheel and a full back seat means it's actually usable as a car. As a track car, the trunk is empty save for a battery that helps put a bit of weight exactly where you want it.

The engine is a 350 cubic inch crate motor and it came out of the box rated at 375 horsepower. Since then, it's been upgraded with a bigger cam, a 650 CFM Holley double-pumper carburetor, a balanced rotating assembly, and a bunch of chrome. It's obvious to see where the money was spent on this build, and the stout small block cackles and snarls like you'd expect. The inner fenders have been removed, the heater/air-conditioning components were removed, and anything else that didn't help it go faster was removed and tossed into the dumpster. A stout TH350 3-speed automatic was fitted with a shift kit for firmer shifts and the 10-bolt rear features 4.10 gears, an Eaton Posi unit, and Moser 28-spline axles so that reduces your worries about breakage. Upgraded control arms hold it in place and the front brakes were recently serviced so it's safe on the big end. Flashy Centerline wheels are a traditional drag strip look and they wear staggered radials for the perfect stance.

Fast and affordable, this cool little Malibu delivers big in the areas that matter most. You don't need to spend a big pile of cash to have a bunch of fun, and this car is proof. Call today!