Years ago I owned a ’65 Malibu SS with a V8 engine and a four-speed manual transmission. At the time, it was a mostly worn-out, slightly rusty used car that cost, if I recall correctly, about $550. It never looked as nice as this subject ’65 Malibu SS did while I owned it. Of course, it was subjected to a lot of hi-jinx that one would never expose a car like this to today. But it was a lot of fun and the object of day-dreaming, such as modifications to be made, dents to be removed, rust to be repaired, etc. So with that in mind, let’s look at an example of what I wanted mine to be. This Malibu SS is located in Branford, Connecticut and is available, here on craigslist for $35,000. Thanks to Peter R for this tip!
New in ’64, the Chevelle came in three trim levels, the 300, Malibu, and the Malibu SS as it was a separate model with its own designation code of “38”. Model year ’65 brought a minor facelift but that was about it. The Malibu SS was all about appearance and not necessarily a performance car as it came equipped with a standard six-cylinder engine. More powerful options abounded but they had to be specified, and of course, paid for. While Pontiac and Oldsmobile had their big-engined GTO and 442 respectively, Chevrolet had to make do with their smaller, but still impressive, 327 CI V8 that came in three flavors for ’65, 250, 300, and 350 gross HP. Midway through the ’65 model year, the Malibu SS did garner a 375 HP, 396 CI V8 engine but production of what was known as the “Z16” was limited to only 201 copies. Supposedly, John Delorean, Pontiac’s chief, lobbied to get Chevrolet to hold off on full production of the Z16 so that Pontiac could more firmly establish its performance base with the GTO. Whether that’s the real story or not is unknown by me but it makes for good urban legend fodder and can be the topic of a later article.
According to the seller, “This Malibu SS rides and drives so nice anyone would be proud“. He states that it is equipped with a 300 HP version of the 327 but with the “Winters” aluminum intake manifold and chromed, dual inlet air cleaner, it is dressed like the rare 350 HP, RPO L79 variant. This is a factory A/C car, with a four-speed manual transmission, power steering, and an upgrade to power front disc brakes.
The Madiera Maroon exterior of this Chevelle is everything that my Cypress Green Malibu SS wasn’t. The finish is deep and not oxidized, the body panels are laser straight and there is no sign of the ever-present rust that seems to afflict so many ’60s vintage GM A-Body cars. The chrome, trim, and badging all sparkle and appear to be correct for an SS edition. The only outward deviation from stock is the inclusion of American Racing wheels in place of 14X5″ steelies with Malibu SS full wheel covers. This is a great-looking car!
The goodness continues indoors with standard SS black vinyl bucket seats and center console. This Chevelle has the optional in-dash mounted tachometer to complement the standard SS gauges of oil pressure, water temperature, and ammeter. The carpet, instrument panel, and door cards present as new. Interestingly, this Chevelle has a black vinyl dash pad, which I believe was an option. Mine had a standard steel topped dash with no cover of any kind.
The seller suggests, “From what I see online! There are very few of these out there for sale and the prices are astronomical. I think my price is the cheapest you will find“. Whether it is the cheapest that you will find is debatable but based on my research, the price seems reasonable for what this car is. This Chevelle comes across as a fantastic alternative to the way overpriced SS396/454 versions that dominate every internet sale and auction board. I like it, how about you?
The air cleaner and valve covers used on this car have been reproduced for years and are available from every restoration supplier. The L-79 intake manifolds are common to this day at swapmeets and on eBay. It’s very easy to duplicate the look of the L-79 and is popular among those that want to retain an OE look while adding some performance.
Steve R
Really??
It is early am on Tuesday July 6 where I am and I am shocked to see that this posting is still active.
Is there something that I am missing here? Surely someone has scoped her out. What’s the scoop?
I would take a sbc over a big block any day for a anything but drag racing. I like this one.
Someone is going to score a super nice and well equipped little ride here, and the seller is libel to get close to ask.
GLWTS
That’s one good looking ride. I like it a lot.
Bought this same car in 1965, but the plain Malibu,not the SS version. Honduras maroon with a tan interior w/ bench seat. 327/300/4spd. A nice car indeed. Unfortunately my then wife parked it on the street and a drunk totaled it at 5K miles. I still have a photo of it with me standing beside it in Madras plaid shorts !! LOL
Sorry for that loss. I would take any Chevy with a 327, especially a Chevelle. AC is a plus. I had a 64 Malibu SS. White on red but a 283 with a 4 bbl and dual exhaust. While not a serious road performer it was a noticeable stop from the standard 283. Also had a 66 blue El Camino SS with same 283. Someone ran a red light and totaled the front end then drove off burning up his engine to get away. Miss those cars
Gorgeous! A 327, 4 speed and a/c! for $35k Seems like a good price for this beauty.
Had the same spec’d car back in 1967 albeit Cypress Green. The upholstery always felt somewhat thin and not very supple. The console was a disappointing metal affair with no storage that was a place holder between the seats. Always liked the factory shifter with what felt like a two pound ball. After time and abuse the linkage had a habit of staying in reverse and engaging in1st at the same time.
I did like that car…
My favorite Chevelle and my favorite Chev powertrain combination. 327/4speed does not get better. And I’m a Ford guy. This is a great find. Good luck with the sale and congrats to the buyer, this ones a keeper!
Whats not to like about this ’65, seriously. The color alone grasped my attention.
That’s a super wow !
If it’s just as clean underneath it’s well worth 35.
Beautiful my dream car, when I came home from Vietnam in 68. I had a 65 Malibu SS 4 spd 283 Danube blue/ blue interior as some other stories it got T/ boned buy an elderly gentleman. Miss that car. Great price, short on funds or it would be in my possession.
87 Vette
Beautiful car, I had a 65 Malibu SS when I came home from Vietnam in 68. it was a 283 4/ spd Danube blue/ light blue interior loved that car unfortunately it got T/boned by an elderly man in 70. No way could I sell this car. Unless absolutely necessary.
I’m sure glad this chevelle was featured. Been a long time since I’ve seen a chevelle here on BF. Oh wait, guess it’s only been 10 minutes since I read the last chevelle feature. Nice car but as common as a bellybutton. Everyone seems to have one. Decent condition but I will never understand why all these people flock to the same model cars. Where is the variety or uniqueness?
Its a Chevrolet! And everyone knows they’re Gods gift to automotivism…..NOT!
I cant speak for the sixties or even the early seventies but when I pulled up to high school in a ’66 Mustang I got the brunt of Ford this and that. I like Chevys, but I developed a complex with Mr. Chevrolet….ha ha too early for me.