I bought my first Malibu SS in 1977, when it was just an old car in Panama’s Canal Zone. I had it shipped back to the States and drove it for a while, but unfortunately the New England winters took their toll. I bought my second Malibu SS in California in 1986, and I still have it today. My love for the first-gen Chevelle has lasted almost 50 years. They are great cars, easy to work on, and reproduction parts are plentiful. This 1964 Malibu SS is a great rendition of the model and has been restomodded in a very classic way. It is available for bidding here on Hemmings.com and is in Denton County, Texas. No bids have been placed yet, and with 5 days left as of this writing, 47 people are watching to see who will begin at the $18,500 starting bid. Thanks to PRA4SNW for the Super Sport tip!
The original engine has been replaced with a crate 350 cubic-inch V8. Based on the VIN plate pictured, I can confirm it was definitely a Malibu V8 when new and would have been a 283 or a 327 for that year. The crate motor was installed with an aluminum intake, a 4-barrel carburetor, and full-length headers feeding a custom dual exhaust. There is an automatic transmission, although the original post on Hemmings does not specify the type. There is a 12-bolt rear end, and the suspension has been upgraded with Hotchkis stabilizer bars, control arms, and more. Brakes are Baer discs all around, and the wheels are newer Cragar S/S.
The interior is pretty much a classic 1964 Malibu, and the black bucket seats and rear seat upholstery are in great shape with little to no wear. The two things that stand out as out of place are the aftermarket armrest and cup holder (so very needed in 60s muscle cars) and the aftermarket air conditioning. That said, the air conditioning vents at the bottom of the dash aren’t terribly conspicuous. The seller has all receipts and invoices for the restoration, which is a big plus.
All in all, I would say this is a clean-looking vehicle with a decent level of modifications and originality. Based on today’s Hagerty valuation for a 327-equipped ’64 Malibu SS, I see a high of $38,167 and a low of $31,200. This is down almost 20% over the last 3 years. Looking at Hemmings.com, where the car is currently listed, I see 3 other 1964 Malibu’s in the mid to very high $40s. At any rate, this silver beauty would look great in any garage with a Bowtie passion! Check it out for yourself!
Pretty cool that you get to write about something like a car you own already, Kevin. After highlighting the website address (didn’t have a link show up when I opened this feature) I saw this and another heartstopper, the ‘64 2dr wagon of which there were extremely few of.
My folks bought one new in Bahama Green when we got to the U.S. in New Jersey-I6, 3 on the tree. Dad drove us to Sacramento then back to Reno with our stuff without an issue. Years later in our garage he transplanted a used but clean 283 that he found at the wrecking yard.
You were a heck of a McGyver before there was a McGyver, Dad.
Thanks for the flashback, Kevin, and if you ever need a dry rural garage to store yours I’ll send you the directions..