Classic cars from the 1960s were famous for many things, including stunning looks and impressive performance. Many were also renowned for dissolving like a soluble aspirin at the merest suggestion of rain. It seems that few manufacturers were immune, which makes finding a vehicle from that era that retains 100% of its original steel a genuine treat. That is what is on offer with this 1966 Chevelle Malibu, but that is only one part of a bigger picture. It presents well, it has the potential to turn heads, and its upgraded drivetrain should make it an accomplished performer when the going becomes serious. If I have tempted you enough that you wish to pursue this Malibu further, you will find it located in Elyria, Ohio, and listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has been pretty frantic and has pushed the price to $25,100. However, that figure remains short of the reserve.

Some cars can’t help but make a positive first impression, and this Malibu is one of those vehicles. Its original Artesian Turquoise paint shines beautifully, with no visible imperfections. It is perfectly complemented by the new Black vinyl top that helps to accentuate the Chevy’s sleek lines. The panels are laser straight, with the gaps looking tight and consistent. Probably the biggest news revolves around the issue of rust. Or, more accurately, the lack of rust. The car appears to be spotlessly clean, and it seems that looks aren’t deceptive. The owner claims that the steel is all original from the day the Chevelle rolled off the production line. When a car from this era manages to accumulate fifty-five years under its belt without developing rust problems, you know that you’re dealing with something special. The chrome is as spotless as the rest of the interior. The glass appears flawless, while the Rally wheels add the perfect muscular finishing touch to this exterior.

Apart from an aftermarket tachometer and some gauges mounted below the dash, this Chevrolet’s interior appears original and unmolested. Its condition is also a long way above average for a car of this age. The Black vinyl upholstery shows no evidence of wear or physical damage, while the carpet appears equally impressive. With the dash and pad looking immaculate and no cracks on the wheel, the buyer won’t need to spend a dime inside this car. It isn’t loaded to the hilt with optional extras, but the AM radio should relieve boredom on longer journeys.

While this Chevelle rolled off the production line in Flint, Michigan, with a V8 under the hood, what we find occupying the space today isn’t the numbers-matching unit. Somebody has updated the entire drivetrain, and while it should deliver impressive performance, it would also be pretty civilized if driven sedately. The original home of the 1968-vintage 327ci V8 is unclear, but the seller quotes a power output of 325hp. The rest of the drivetrain includes a four-speed M21 manual transmission and a 3.31 12-bolt rear end. Quoting accurate performance figures can be difficult in a case like this, but I feel that this Malibu should be capable of producing a sub-15-seconds ¼-mile ET. The owner indicates that he recently rebuilt the M21, and the steering was upgraded with a faster-ratio manual steering box. He says that the Chevelle runs and drives better than new, and when you consider the presentation of the engine bay, it’s easy to believe.

There’s a lot to like about this 1966 Malibu, and the forty bids it has received already stand as a testament to that. It is a turn-key classic that perfectly combines good looks and power. Its cause is helped by its rust-free history, and even though it is no longer numbers-matching, I wouldn’t be surprised if the bidding remains lively until the hammer falls. I feel that the bidding will have to sail beyond $30,000 before it passes the reserve. It could potentially go higher, making this an auction worth watching closely.