Introduced as a mid-size model in 1964, the Chevelle quickly become Chevrolet’s second-best-selling car, next to the Impala/Bel Air/Biscayne assortment. The cars were redesigned in 1968-72 and would continue their upward sales trajectory. The Malibu Sport Coupe, like the seller’s car, would see production topping 300,000 units in 1970, most of them with a V8 engine. This edition has the entry-level 307 cubic-inch eight-cylinder motor which is said to be original to the car at 65,000 miles. It needs some bodywork and new paint but otherwise may be a solid find. Located in Ash Grove, Missouri, this Chevy is available here on craigslist for $25,500. Another tip from Gunter Kramer!
There are no known breakouts as to how many non-SS Chevelles got the 307 vs. 350 engine but the latter is more popular with Chevy followers. This 307 is paired with the TH-350 automatic transmission, but it could easily have been matched to the 2-speed Powerglide which was nearing its run. The seller or a previous owner may have added a 4-barrel carburetor and dual exhaust. We’re told this car runs and drives great, so it could be an acquisition you could use while working on it in stages.
The interior looks mostly new – and some of it is – specifically the carpeting and door panels. The upholstery and dash pad don’t appear to need any attention. If you live in a warm climate, you’ll want to address the non-working factory air conditioning sooner rather than later as Summer is approaching fast. There is a bit of rust in the fenders and the bottoms of the quarter panels, but not enough (we think) to have to replace any of the sheet metal.
We don’t know if the medium green paint is original but is faded on upward facing surfaces so you might as well factor in a new paint job when you fix the rust. The bumpers and trim seem to be in order (which SS rubber on the rear bumper) and we’re told that the floorboards and trunk pan are fine. This Chevy rolls on a set of Super Sport wheels, so we assume the original rims and covers have flown the coop. If your goal is to turn this into am SS clone, it may be a solid car, to begin with, but why do that to any otherwise decent Chevy? On the flip side, if you restore this car to its original condition, you’ll have a lot tied up in an automobile with a basic drivetrain. Decisions, decisions.
I don’t know why but , those SS wheels to me kind of ruin the look of this sweet old car . Caps and beauty rings would fit it better . This car is worthy of a restoration . I’d leave it a Malibu and put whatever drivetrain I wanted in it .
I believe those are the Buick version of the SS wheels.
Back in ’81, I bought my roommate’s 1968 Chevy II Nova. 307/Powerglide. Had wheel covers and whitewalls on it, and a black vinyl roof. To this day, it’s my favorite car that I’ve owned. There’s nothing wrong with a base V8 in a nice car that’s easy to drive. imo, there are enough SS clones/tribute cars out there already.
Regular plain Jane Malibu with rust in quarters and fenders- but rear window package tray area most suspect. And those wheels gotta go to stop all the comments at car shows.
Good luck.
A copy of this was my first car at age 17. I restored it and painted it myself in an autobody tech school class, then sold it 2 years later for $1650 .. I certainly regret that now. Also sold my 68 Firebird a few years after that. Worst mistake I ever made.
Corning soon, another SS454 clone.
This ride looks in sweet condition. However, looking at the wear on that brake pedal, I kinda question the actual mileage of 65K. Anyone else see it that way?
I think what you might possibly be looking at is the sun shining thru the back window…you can see it at the bottom of the steering wheel and also on the carpet behind the parking brake pedal…
That excessive wear on the brake pedal looks a little strange. I also didn’t know they put “open” air cleaners on a 307 and wonder if it is original. I had an air cleaner like this on my 1970 LS5 which had the proper Chevrolet emblem.
I have a 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu with a 307. It is a four-door sedan. How do I know what type of transmission came with the vehicle (I mean, I know how to tell how many “shifts” it does while driving), but was there a standard 2 or 3 speed transmission that came from the factory in these vehicles? I’m asking because, in a worst-case scenario, would a newly installed 350 engine work with the transmission that is currently paired with the 307?
If your gear indicator on the dash has D 2 1it would be a TH350, if it has D L, it will be a Powerglide. Either transmission will bolt up to and function correctly behind a 350 engine