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.
WHY???!!!?!
Why are you guys doing this??!?!
You’re teasing us the last couple weeks with the run of 1st gen Chevelles, IMO one of the two best gen of Chevelles the second being the ‘69 series. It’s like standing outside the kitchen window when your buddies mom is making one of her awesome apple pies and knowing you won’t be having a slice..
The ‘64-‘65’s were lighter smaller and easy to come by for building go-fst machines, and here you tease us AGAIN with this beauty, Adam! Shame on you! 😆
Very nice car for the price. Modified in the way we would’ve done given the time and wherewithal in younger days. This one would especially be a joy to own, though the Powerglide was never a favorite-but it wouldn’t have stopped me from signing my name on the title if it were ever a possibility to happen.
And Curvette you’re just a much to blame!
You both should go to the BF garage and ask forgiveness, then be anointed with a dab of STP and have a beer.
Great find!
This is one sharp looking Malibu!!! The Powerglide will hold up just fine to the 400, Don’t forget, Chevy put them behind 409s too. I totally agree with Nevadahalfrack on this one. It’s just beautifully done and would have been something we would have done when younger. If we had the funds that is….. I’m also going to second what Nevadahalfrack said, Curvette, you’re great at finding vehicles we all like and Adam, we always enjoy your write ups too!!!
-Dave
I had a 1967 Corvette coupe with a 427 and a factory power glide.
I love everything about it except the automatic.
If it was a 4spd it would be the perfect Chevelle.
Plus console, buckets, and clean carpets.
Lovely looking car. My favourite Chevelle has always been the 1964-65 model years. This one looks like it’s been restored to like new condition.
Take it for test drive to make sure 400 motor does not over heat. I had a 63 Nova with a 400 and it would get hot. Turn it off ,go in store then starter would bake and not turn over motor. Yes I had a big radiator on it . It was just a problem. Tried various different fixes for years.
A tuba style fan shroud from a 70-72 Monte or Chevelle and a “Gates” 187 degree thermostat would’ve fixed the overheating and a starter shield from a late 60’s early 70’s Cadillac would’ve fixed the headers heating up the starter issues. You could’ve got both pieces from a junkyard back in the day for under $10 dollars and the new stat was around $5 bucks, now it would be a couple hundred dollars just for the shroud and just cut it to fit. I had a 72 Caprice w/a 400 that had all the above in it and never had an issue with heating up till I put the engine in 71 Nova without the shroud and it overheated on the first trip outta the garage, after I did all the above it was fine, fast, and cool. I forgot to mention the 7 blade clutch fan also lol.
Paul X, I have a ‘76 Avanti II that was made during a 4 year stretch ‘72-‘76 that the company used the 400. I had cooling issues with it for 6 years before getting the issue settled. Aluminum heads, a re-cored radiator, and a colder 165 thermostat all helped to bring the overheating under control. The motor has been modernized with roller cam and lifters, new rods,pistons, intake manifold and MSD EFI. It was dyno-ed at 479 hp and 560 torque before going back into the car. The motor has proven itself to be very reliable and trouble free sine the rebuild over 8 years ago. A 400 in a Chevelle was unusual as Chevrolet never did it in production.
I have heard that the 400 small block in the early 1970’s had steam ports and they would run hot.
At first glance a nice mid-size, mid 60’s chevy. But on 2nd look, after you check out the interior, and then lift the hood finding a 2 spd automatic … I’m not seeing the asking price. Nice paint over what looks to be a rust free body but not enough in my book for almost 30k.
400 is the worst SBC built. The Siamese center cylinders with no coolant passages cause the engines to overheat far too easy. Hence the 383. Nice car. Poor engine choice.