When the fourth generation of the Chevrolet Malibu was introduced in 1978, the Colonnade styling from the previous year was gone, and the downsized car took on a more modern, completely different appearance. In addition to the platform losing over a foot in length, the car also shed a considerable amount of weight, so I understand why the seller chose this model to drop a 454 engine into! This one looks great on the outside as well, but it’s not cheap, as the owner is seeking $33,000 and says that’s already a reduced price. Reader Tony Primo found this one here on Craigslist in Dallas, Texas, and we’d like to thank him for taking the time to send us the great tip here!
Even before the Malibu was downsized, engines were already shrinking throughout the mid-seventies. A 454 was still available through 1975, with the 400 taking over as the largest available V8 in 1976. By 1977, the 350 reigned as king, but not even that could be had in 1978, with the 305 becoming the optional top dog this year, and a 3.3-liter V6 as the base engine. Somebody here decided this was all nonsense and installed a freshly built 454 under the hood, with a large Holley 1050 CFM double-pumper carb on top. Attached is a Turbo 400 automatic with a 2,800 stall converter, sending power to a 9-inch Ford limited-slip third member.
It’s important that a car producing this sort of performance look good while doing so, and a fine appearance certainly isn’t an issue here, as this Malibu has received a beautiful custom finish courtesy of House of Color products. The lower areas are painted a tranquil silver with the upper sections black, blended together tastefully with metallic purple flames. A fiberglass hood scoop has also been added, and those classic Cragar S/S wheels look right at home here. There’s no word on how much was spent on the exterior, but I’m certain this cool paint scheme wasn’t a low-budget investment.
Much of the interior remains stock, and I’m digging how this one still has a bench seat and column shifter. Some aftermarket items include dash gauges from Autometer and a Pioneer sound system, with everything inside appearing to be in excellent condition overall. It’s noteworthy that the seller also mentions he’ll consider reasonable offers, so there’s a chance this one could be in your driveway for less than the asking price. What’s a fair amount to pay for this high-performance 1978 Chevrolet Malibu?
Holy cow ! …That’s a lot of bucks ! ….This screems a teenagers car that probably went through a lot of back tires.
( if you know what I mean ) … 😂😂😂
NO way is he getting $ 33,000
Nobody likes these.
wwhat a junk
Heater core isn’t even hooked up!
Friend of mine put a big block in g-body regal and he had problems with heat too.
This car took the place of the nova. Not sure I liked a big block
In either of um
I never much cared for the Nova and used to wonder what the appeal was in customizing and hot-rodding them. Now, of course, I realize the appeal was in the formula of hot-rodding itself — take the smallest, lightest RWD model you can afford from your preferred manufacturer, and stuff the largest, most powerful engine you can afford into it.
These G-body coupes were the smallest, lightest GM RWD models available in their time, and the Malibu was cheaper and more plentiful than the Pontiac LeMans version, so as you say, these took the place of the Nova for those interested in tackling a hot-rod project.
This car would have been fine with a tweaked 350. My friend had a similar G-Body Malibu with the factory 305 and it was pretty fun as is. Price is unrealistic for what it is, this will sit for a while.
I don’t even think I remember the downsized Malibu. Maybe I thought it was a Nova. It seems it’s hard to sell a car that’s been heavily modified, no matter how well done, because it’s an expression of the builder and not everyone will agree. By the way, those flames look dumb. Still, a ride in this car would be a lot of fun.
Needs a bigger engine.
These and the Grand Am were good looking coupes. Clean and crisp styling. If done right should be a real hauler.
I always like these as well as the El Camino’s of this vintage. Much better than the Colonnade ones, they were just big, heavy boats. Big block seems a little excessive, but why? Because you can! Doesn’t mean anybody else will wanna pony up for it though…
All this work done and can’t even put the A/C pieces back on. Not worth the time.
I thought they were great cars. When I met my first wife she had a 79. It had the tiny V6 and did fine in the altitudes of Eagle county Colorado, we used to drive it to Florida and back, would cruise at 80 and deliver almost 30 mpg. I agree that the seller is optimistic, all the missing AC components won’t be cheap! At $20k it would be a more realistic entry fee.
Remember working for Sears in their automotive department in Paramus back in the day. Old lady always brought her Malibu (‘78-‘80 I forget exactly) in to Sears for service. Silver/burgandy interior and Landau top. Fully loaded, floor shift auto with I believe was a 267ci V8. Offered to buy it every time she came in for oil changes or whatever service she needed. Always smiled and said it was not for sale. Always wondered whatever happened to her car…
good luck getting that price. total amateur build here for sure. all the did was hack a big motor in there and hack up the dash.