It can be said that “A rising tide lifts all boats”. Well, I’m not trying to sound like a motivational poster but I do posit the suggestion from time to time that over-the-top muscle car values inordinately drive up their lesser, non- muscled brethren. That has certainly been the case with the Chevelle SS396/454 vs. a standard Malibu. Let’s confuse the comparison a bit more by adding two more doors to that Malibu, such as is the case with this 1965 four-door Chevelle sedan. It’s located in Medway, Massachusetts and is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $7,200, with twenty-one bids tendered so far. Thanks to Larry D for this tip.

Well, we’re hardly into the stratosphere, price-wise here, but there are still a few days to go with the auction. And it would be hard to compare this sedan to a ’65 SS396 Chevelle because there were only 201 produced and they were a specialty model that carry a real price premium today. Of course there are plenty of later SS models to consider as a measuring stick, clean examples that regularly trade for $60K. Still, what would be a reasonable value for this sedan vs. a value that comes about due to a “guilt by association” relationship? This car’s strength may be in its seemingly fine condition more so than any familial relationship.

OK, it looks good. The seller tells us that its finish is a respray but it has been well preserved. As a sixties vintage GM A-body, cars that were known to rust at the drop of the hat, this sedan is not showing any sign of that all too often mid-sized foible. The seller adds, “Underside is very nice, this car was originally from Pennsylvania and was not subject to New England weather“. That’s an indifferent comparison as Pennsylvania winter weather, and the resulting road salt, can be just as devious as that encountered in New England. Anyway, the fender legs and lower quarters look fine. Ditto the chrome and stainless trim, all is pleasantly preserved.

Power appears to be provided by a 195 gross HP, 283 CI V8 engine that is tethered to a Powerglide automatic transmission – one of the most common powertrain combinations of all time. The seller adds, “Engine is smooth and very quiet, transmission shifts smoothly..” The mileage recording of 95K miles is non-worrisome assuming proper maintenance and lack of abuse.

Nicely optioned, this Malibu has both air-conditioning and a tilt wheel – two items not that commonly found on this generation Chevelle. Those two features certainly help improve upon the attractive, but mundane interior environment. The vinyl and fabric upholstery still shows well though the plastic instrument panel is losing its luster. No worries, it can be replaced or replated. A padded dash was an option and this example has one – unfortunately it’s split. Lots of painted steel comprises the bulk of the lower dash, and as is typically the case, it’s revealing its share of scratches. All-in-all, the interior is entirely useable as is.

I think I’ve answered my question. We’ll have to watch this Malibu through to the end of the no reserve auction but my thought is that the two extra doors will hold back its value. If this were a two-door hardtop, I image it would be a different game and the bid value would be more ascendent. And if that’s the case, that’s a good thing as this Chevelle is a perfectly decent car, very representative of the mid-sixties, and likely to go to a new owner for a reasonable amount, right?