This 1964 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu is far more than a pretty face. Its tidy exterior hides a secret, because the upgraded V8 under the hood should place plenty of power at the driver’s disposal. The buyer can enjoy this classic as-is, or they can improve its appearance if they wish to place their mark on this gem. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Chevelle listed here on Craigslist in Lakebay, Washington. You could drive it home after handing over $28,000.

Although the American new-car market remained the home of full-size vehicles in the early 1960s, demand for smaller vehicles was growing. The Ford Falcon demonstrated this within the compact market, and Chevrolet stepped up to the plate in 1964, releasing the Chevelle as its mid-sized offering. The First Generation remained on sale until 1967, with the SS variant becoming a legend amongst muscle car enthusiasts. The Malibu variant appealed to those seeking a more luxurious motoring experience, offered by Chevrolet in four body styles. This first-year Sport Coupe presents impressively in Red, although I don’t believe that it matches either of the two shades of Red offered on that year’s color palette. However, considering the wealth of changes made below the surface, that is unsurprising. This classic doesn’t just look good; the seller confirms it is rust-free. The paint sparkles in the sun, the trim is equally impressive, and the glass is clear. It sits upon a set of new Rally wheels and tires, giving this car a sense of purpose.

I would describe this Chevelle’s interior as “driver-quality,” and there is scope for the buyer to place their mark inside this classic. The seatcovers look excellent, with no wear or other problems. The door trims are pretty good, with only some edge lifting on the vinyl. A spot of glue would address that shortcoming for mere pennies. Some painted surfaces exhibit defects, there is wheel wear, and the carpet appears stained beneath the driver’s feet. However, tackling those issues would be straightforward for any enthusiast handy with tools. There is no radio or stereo, but the seller recently installed a new front-to-back wire harness and a Dakota Digital Gauge cluster.

Okay, now we reach the point with this Chevelle where life gets serious. Hiding beneath the hood is a 400ci V8, teamed with a two-speed Powerglide transmission and power steering. The V8 wears some pretty obvious upgrades that will make it a force to be reckoned with. I can spot headers, a new dual exhaust, aluminum cylinder heads, A Holley carburetor atop an upgraded intake, an HEI ignition system, and an aluminum radiator to keep things cool. The engine’s power output will be an educated guess, but it should be comfortably north of 300hp. Although not explicitly stated, it appears this Malibu is a turnkey proposition.

This 1964 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu is a case of “purists need not apply.” The mechanical upgrades are significant and, if nothing else, they should provide the buyer with an entertaining driving experience. Placing a potential value on any modified classic is challenging because they are typically worth what someone is willing to pay. However, if you located an extremely tidy, unmodified ’64 Malibu and performed the upgrades to mimic this car, it could cost you more than the seller’s asking price. That is why this gem deserves a closer look.