For its third year in 1966, the Chevrolet Chevelle was treated to a styling update. The Malibu remained the top series and the only model offered as a convertible besides the SS 396. This ’66 Malibu drop-top has lived a rough life, which was capped off by a tree or something that came down in a storm. Located in a field in Tallahassee, Florida, this rough ragtop is described as being in “fair condition,” perhaps because it will run off a gas can. It’s available here on Facebook Marketplace for $3,500. Our thanks to Chuck Foster for another wayward tip!
By the mid-1960s, the U.S. automotive landscape was quite diversified. Before 1960, mostly full-size products were offered by the “Big 3”. They were then joined by compacts like the Ford Falcon and Chevy Corvair. Then the mid-sizes or intermediates arrived, and every GM division had one other than Cadillac. The Chevelle was the most successful of the GM quartet, while FOMOCO followed with the Fairlane and Montego (Mercury). Chevy sold more than 14,000 Malibu convertibles in 1966, of which more than 80% were equipped with a V8 engine.
This ’66 Chevelle looks like it was left out in the field to rot many years ago. It’s said to have a 305 cubic inch V8 under the hood, a motor that was more of a product of the 1980s, so an older transplant has no doubt taken place. We’re guessing this Malibu had a 283 or 327 when new. A 4-speed manual transmission is in place, but we don’t know if it’s original or a later addition, too. If you hook up a bottle of gasoline to the engine, we’re told the 305 will come to life (though the photos suggest otherwise).
The body, paint, top, and interior were probably in bad shape before a tree fell across the windshield during a storm (recently or a long time ago?). Lots of pieces are missing and those that are present look mostly unusable. The car does have a title, but at $3,500, this will be an expensive project to restore or use for parts for another Chevelle drop-top.
“Expensive project to restore” wise words from author Dixon.
This is no rag top; it’s a coupe with the roof removed. Buyer beware; tetanus shot recommend before looking at this one..
That’s way I see it too.
100%. Good eye.
Bottom of the barrel, folks. I believe we’ve gotten to the point, this is all that’s left. Their idea of “fair” differs greatly from mine.
Still better than the Forest Pony
That point was reached 3 years ago, when the top end of the bottom of the barrel was reached. Folks they are gone. No more available, people were complaining then about the cost at the top end of the barrel, now you will pay high premium, for what ever exist out their, that has not been fully restored. Good luck.
It sucks to be a younger gen getting into classics like I. All of the 150 dollar car stories makes me so jelous. Now were stuck with heaps like this people think are gold.
This is not even a viable parts car. You might be able to salvage a few parts, if you are lucky it has a Muncie, but I wouldn’t hold my breath. Even if you can get the 305 to run, it’s might be worth $100 to $200, at best. The $3,500 asking price is ridiculous.
Steve R
Zoom in on the picture folks…
It’s not a convertible.
Some of the “B” pillars are visible on the quarter panels.
Scrap valve…$200. ??
Oh, the dreamers and the schemers! This is one of the things that I love about Barnfinds!
$35.00, now the decimal is in the correct place.
From the pictures, the only way you would it is a Malibu is by the badging in the first photo. I’m not sure who would buy this, even if the price was in the hundreds. This car just looks neglected and/or abused. I don’t have a trained eye, but this just looks like scrap to me. And that was before a tree, or whatever, fell on it.
A Chevelle from hell for Halloween 🎃
Its a shame as these early years were nicely designed.
I agree that the parts to remove are minimal (trans, rear end, possibly dash components).
I dare not say vin but… if this was a 396 engine then it would’ve been transferred to another Chevelle.
Judging by whats left of the blue paint and interior, if that’s what it was originally from the factory with, this was a very nice car when it rolled off the showroom floor to it’s first owner. It’s such a shame to see cars get to this point. Not much to save here.
another unrealistic seller. i guess when the tree fell on it the roof came off and the interior vanished as well. what a clown.
I completely agree with Steve R., the price is ridiculous!
Ain’t gonna happen.
I love the home-made throttle linkage 😂
I love the home-made throttle linkage😂
If you buy it you’ll still be walking.
Who said it was a ragtop??? Maybe a piece of canvass covered it after steel roof got cut off be serious please
Not a “drop top”, more like something “dropped on the top”. Make into an El Covertimino.
If a tree falls on a Chevelle in the woods and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?
SAD!
I think he accidentally hit the “0” once too often.
If it had the original small block 283 or 327, it might be worth buying…but with a 305 it’s scrap iron as far as I am concerned.
No offense, but to quote the great John MacEnroe, “you can not be serious!”. There is absolutely no universe where this abomination is even worth the cost of the fuel to haul it off, (and that is assuming that the gearbox is salvageable)
So when the tree fell on it, did it strip all the paint off of it too?
It’s listed in “Fair” condition, “Clean title
This vehicle has no significant damage or problems.” Wow LOL
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!