Chevrolet added a mid-size model in 1964 called the Chevelle. It was sandwiched between the compact Chevy II and the full-size Impala et al. It was a huge success, and the first generation ran through 1967. The Malibu was the top-line model, which included this ’67 Sport Coupe. It has a period-correct, non-working 396 cubic inch V8 under the hood, but this was not an SS 396 car from the factory. This automobile is strictly a project and comes with a lot of new sheet metal to replace stuff that has rusted out over the years. Located in Hollister, Missouri, the bidding here on eBay has reached $5,200, but the reserve is still unmet.

This was not a rare car when new as 141,161 V8-equipped Malibu Sport Coupes were built in 1967. Had this car been a SS 396, it would have still been part of a large pool of autos (59,685 units). This Chevy likely had a 283 or 327 under the hood when new, but we don’t with what transmission. The seller checks the box for “manual” but there is no hole in the hump for a shifter and there is no transmission in the car now. The buyer will have to source that method of changing gears.

As a project, if you wanted to stay original (except for the drivetrain), you’d repaint the Malibu in Marina Blue and redo the interior in the matching color. It looks as though most of the sheet metal will have to be replaced or patched, but the selling price includes a bunch of new OEM pieces. The front clip and the doors may be the only areas your body shop man won’t have to spend a lot of time on. Except for door wing glass, none of that stuff is in the car or provided.

The big block motor was rebuilt before the seller acquired the car, but we don’t know how much time has elapsed or if ever ran in the interim. Some upgrades from stock were made in the process, such as over-size pistons and a solid lifter camshaft. Out back resides a 12-bolt rear end with posi-traction. A gasket kit for the 396 is thrown in, but no mention is made if it needs installing or is simply a spare like a lot of other parts the seller is adding to the mix. The wheels and tires are in decent shape, so the car should roll on and off your trailer without unnecessary fanfare.

At this point, it looks as though the seller must decide whether to restore this as a Malibu with a big motor or turn the Chevelle into another SS 396 clone. Since plenty of the latter are already out there, why not keep it as a Malibu but one with extra oomph?