While some classics require plenty of work to present at their best, I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting this 1967 Chevrolet Malibu Convertible. This gem needs nothing, and could rightfully take its place at any car show. It isn’t just a pretty face, with its mechanical configuration guaranteed to provide excellent performance and a rapid wind-in-the-hair motoring experience. The seller has listed the Malibu here on Craigslist in Belmar, New Jersey. They set their price at $58,000 for a car that comes close to motoring perfection.
Chevrolet’s First Generation Chevelle range underwent a major restyle in 1966, receiving only minor cosmetic changes from then until its replacement emerged for the 1968 model year. The Malibu remained the top trim level, and the pick of that range was undoubtedly the Convertible. Our feature car rolled off the line during the final production year, finished in subtle and classy Ermine White. The listing states that this Convertible underwent a restoration before its appraisal in 2014, and its presentation is virtually impossible to fault. The paint holds an exceptional depth of shine, while the tight and consistent panel gaps suggest that any work performed was completed to a high standard. The matching White soft-top is tight and free from issues, and there is no mention of existing or previous rust problems. Rounding out the exterior is spotless trim, clear glass, and Rally wheels that appear perfect.
Lifting the hood reveals a second string to this Malibu’s bow beyond the spotless exterior. The engine bay houses a 327ci V8, teamed with a four-speed manual transmission. The company’s sales brochure quotes power and torque figures of 275hp and 355 ft/lbs, and with the car tipping the scales at under 3,400 lbs, its performance should be pretty impressive by the standards of the day. It should also sound pretty nice as its V8 exhales through a Flowmaster dual exhaust. The seller is short on relevant information, not indicating whether the Malibu is numbers-matching. They do state that it is extensively documented, with a folder full of paperwork and receipts for work performed on this classic throughout its life. It appears that potential buyers can consider it a turnkey proposition where they could fly in and drive this drop-top home.
The final piece of the puzzle with this Malibu is its interior. One of the greatest challenges with any classic Convertible is hiding a substandard interior with the top down. The new owner faces no such issues because this interior is in as-new condition. The Blue vinyl trim is free from wear and distress, with the same true of the matching carpet. The dash looks beautiful, and the pad is crack-free. It is largely as it left the factory, although the original radio has made way for a retro-style stereo with iPod connectivity.
Some classics can effortlessly blend into the background, while others possess a “wow” factor guaranteeing that will never happen. This 1967 Malibu Convertible comfortably fits into the second category, and its mechanical specifications guarantee that it could really move if the driver pokes it with a sharp stick. The seller’s asking price is well above the appraisal performed in 2014 and is higher than the figures quoted by Hagerty and NADA. However, this gem is a cut above the ordinary and has only been on the market for a week. Do you think the seller will taste success at $58,000, or do you believe they may need to compromise? Whatever the outcome is, someone could drive away in a classic that should provide total classic motoring pleasure this summer. That sounds almost too tempting to ignore.
Beautiful Chevy. Another version of the 327 dubbed the “special” had 50 extra hp… Is this the “rock crusher “4 speed? Love to take this beauty for a rip through the gears. đ
Definitely not a ârock crusherâ, M22, it might not even be a Muncie. There is probably a reason there is no picture of the trim tag or mention of which 4 speed is in the car. Sellers realize potential buyers often fill in unspecified information in a positive light, a Saginaw is less desirable, thus less valuable, by not stating which transmission is in the car many people will assume it a Muncie. Thatâs probably why no mention was made of the brakes either, 4 wheel manual drums is not a big selling point either.
Steve R
And how much would a set of rubber pedal covers go for ?
Stillrunners, not much. That was something Iâd always replace when I bought a car, replace the clutch and brake pedal pads and get the stainless trim whenever possible. This was in the early to mid-1980âs, the local restoration supplier stocked genuine GM, they were inexpensive and only took a couple of minutes to replace. Not sure why the owner didnât do that with this car, they show up for $8.99 free shipping.
Steve R
Maybe someone with more knowledge can post about the 4 speed, but the stick looks like its very close to the bench seat, unless the front seat is pulled way up forward.
Really beautiful car, in looks, like, to be perfect condition, For the price, I need air conditioning, is that too much to ask?
Absolutely stunning. Nothing to fault for sure. Well except for no air. Or power disk brakes. Or power windows. lol. The perfect summertime cruiser. Who wants to sit around a car show when you can chase the open road.
I had the 66 version of this car. Same 327 275 hp 4 speed muncie bench seat 10 bolt posi convertible. Mine was Aztec Bronze, and would pay this asking price to duplicate the car.
Mine had a high rear gear, so it would do 50 mph in 1st gear easily. There were no creature comforts at all. No power steering or brakes, with a single cylinder master cylinder. I did have an AM radio. It had a solid lifter cam, and loved the rattle. I’m not sure if the cam was factory or not… I don’t think so.
I made one pass at the local drag strip. Spun the tires mercilessly in first and second gear, and missed 3rd gear when the engine twisted with a broken motor mount. Ran a 15.07 which I think is pretty good considering the way it went, I’m confident it would have been a low 14 second car, doubt it would run 13’s… maybe… Such a great memory I trophied on that one pass, still have the trophy on my desk
This is an absolutely beautiful car and when I first began reading the article and saw the price, I immediately assumed that it would be an L-79. The asking price is WAY too high for a 275 horse 327, and probably even too high for a perfect L-79. It is too bad that the seller is so optimistic because for a decent price, this would be a joy to own. Also, Steve R. is correct about the gearbox, both the Saginaw as well as the Muncie were available behind this motor, but I doubt that a Saginaw would have lasted 50 plus years.
275 hp came w /Saginaw, 325 hp had Muncie, from factory, under the hood if the speedometer cable is on passenger side firewall it’s Muncie, Saginaw cable is on driver’s side wall as per location on tail shaft housing , if original.
The Muncie was available as an option behind the 275 motor.
Good eye Stillrunner. My eye immediately went to that also. Nothing like a wet shoe trying to make a quick tap on the brake pedal and it slipping off. On another note, my mom had a 68 Camaro with the 327 2bbl but the air cleaner stated 210 hp. That is a lot less than this 275. Wonder why?
It was because a ’68 327 with 2 bbl. carburetor had an 8.5 to 1 compression ratio and 210 HP while the 327 275-horse motor had a 10 to 1 CR and a Rochester 4 bbl. carburetor.