327/4-Speed: 1965 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu SS

This 1965 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu SS successfully combines originality with mechanical upgrades, delivering improved performance. It presents exceptionally well, with no apparent weaknesses. The SS is ideal for someone seeking a “plug-and-play” classic that will provide immediate driving pleasure. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Malibu listed here on Craigslist in Washougal, Washington. The seller set the price for this beauty at $ 49,500.

Chevrolet released the Chevelle for the 1964 model year, positioning it as its mid-size offering in a rapidly evolving market. Smaller imports were achieving sales success, and Detroit focused on new models that offered worthy competition. This Chevelle rolled off the line in 1965, ordered by its first owner as a Malibu SS. I’ve always admired the styling of the First Generation Chevelle, which has aged quite gracefully. This SS presents superbly in Danube Blue, with its appearance accentuated by the American Racing Torq Thrust wheels. The paint holds an impressive depth of color and shine, with no visible cosmetic defects in the listing images. I suspect it may have received a cosmetic refresh at some point, and with no obvious evidence of rust, it appears that this SS is rock-solid. The glass is clear, and the trim is excellent. The seller includes a spotless set of original wheel covers for potential buyers who wish to return the exterior to its factory form.

Many enthusiasts will welcome the news that this Malibu is numbers-matching. Its engine bay houses a 327ci V8 that delivered 250hp and 350 ft/lbs of torque when the car was shiny and new. The power feeds to a 3.31 Posi rear end via a four-speed manual transmission, with the SS also featuring power steering and power front disc brakes. The power and torque figures may now be irrelevant because the seller made changes to the V8 beyond the obvious cosmetic enhancements. They fitted a 30/30 camshaft, solid lifters, a 670cfm Holley carburetor, long-tube headers, and a dual exhaust. An aluminum radiator keeps temperatures under control, while the seller also fitted new steel fuel lines. The engine bay presentation is first-rate, and it appears it doesn’t flatter to deceive, because the SS is ready for action with its new owner behind the wheel.

The listing photos suggest this Chevelle has no genuine weaknesses. Its interior, trimmed in Blue vinyl, looks excellent. Once again, I believe it has recently been retrimmed because there is no upholstery or carpet wear. The dash is spotless, and the pad is crack-free. The seller added a column-mounted tachometer and an underdash gauge cluster to an interior featuring ice-cold air conditioning, bucket seats, a console, and a pushbutton radio.

The changes made to this 1965 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu SS should deliver welcome performance gains, and many enthusiasts will appreciate that. Reversing many of the visible upgrades would be possible to recapture the car’s factory appearance, but at the seller’s asking price, I’m not sure that it would be financially viable. I suspect that whoever gives this classic a new home will leave it as-is, enjoying the driving enjoyment it would undoubtedly provide. Do you agree?