You twist the key and the heavy-duty starter coaxes the big-block V8 to life. A smirk crosses your face as the exhaust settles to a threatening rumble. You depress the solid clutch and engage first gear, knowing anything but a delicate application of fuel will overpower the tires. The special combination of big block power and the sensory feedback of a manual transmission can blur common sense, and this 1970 Chevrolet Malibu SS in Syracuse, New York can bring that magic to your garage, if you’re prepared to manage a comprehensive restoration. Sadly the Chevy’s heart and soul, the motor and transmission, are gone (despite being pictured in the listing on Facebook Marketplace) but the asking price of $6900 registers somewhere shy of “what are they smoking?” Thanks to reader Chuck F. for spotting this once-fearsome Super Sport.
Though apparently gone now, this engine looks more-or-less like 1970’s 402 cid Mark IV big block. Chevy carried on calling it a “396” in the mid-sized Chevelle / Malibu for marketing reasons. Headers, a later GM HEI distributor, and perhaps the intake manifold deviate from stock. It would be especially painful to learn that someone separated an original engine from this car for another project.
Traces of green suggest an original all-green color combination. Though little shown here can be salvaged, most parts should be easy to find on the Internet.
Square tail lights gave way to a more typical Chevy signature of twin circles on each side the next year. The missing trunk lock cylinder indicates either mischief or impatience after losing a key. Buyers will want to see some undercarriage pictures before throwing out seven large on this Empire State classic, but let’s hope this rough ride can be saved. Would you take this SS roller back in time with big block power and a four-speed?
That’s a small block, mid 70s with egr
That looks like a small block in there now to me…and it also looks like an automatic shifter on the column…this is definitely a car you would have to eyeball in person if you had to have it…
I think we can see enough from here.
WTF, It has 3 pedals of the floor, and a automatic column. A small block under the hood. JMHO This might not even be a good parts car. The only thing SS is the bumper and steering wheel.
More like the SS Minnow!!
Now the ’65 Vette above – that’s more like it. Pass.
It sure has a lot of Malibu parts on it. It looks like those parts have been on there a long time. Maybe they were converting it over from an SS into a Malibu back in the day. Sleeper? Hmmmm.
I think the Chevelle model is one of the highest number for vehicles ever listed on Barnfinds. These things are like belly buttons everyone has one.
Yes, the seller is definitely smoking something…
Malibu SS?? How about a Malibu with some SS trim thrown on?
The biggest displacement this particular engine could be is 400, most likely a 350. Either way one glance and we all spot the small block Chevrolet engine. Not a big block Chevy, not even close.
It reminds me of the clapped out wrecking yard Chevelles turned into street stock circle track racers, El Cajon Speedway was loaded with these in the 80’s
Nope just nope
I can say one thing about this car, it’s well ventilated.
Astro or Flo-Thru?