An enthusiast sometimes struggles to decide what path to follow with a classic project. Often, the desire for originality and the concept of a custom build will cause internal conflict, which could be the case with this 1967 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu. It recently emerged from long-term storage, and while it begs for attention, the bones are there to create something genuinely unique. The Malibu is listed here on eBay in College Point, New York. Bidding has raced past the reserve to sit at $8,667, with time remaining on this auction.
Chevrolet introduced its First Generation Chevelle for the 1964 model year. While the “official” Second Generation didn’t hit showroom floors until 1968, a significant styling update performed in 1966 led some historians to consider those cars a more legitimate candidate for Second Generation status. Regardless of your leanings on the subject, this 1967 Chevelle Malibu has much to attract potential buyers. The original owner ordered it in Emerald Turquoise, and it seems to retain most of its original paint. It wears a selection of chips, scratches, and minor panel bumps and bruises, but it also has a pretty impressive shine. One surprising factor with this classic is its lack of significant rust problems. The floors and frame are solid, but the shopping list of new steel will extend to the trunk pan and patches for the lower rear quarter panels and lower front fenders. Most trim pieces should respond to attention with a high-quality product, although a couple of items require replacement. The glass looks acceptable for a driver-grade classic, and the overall impression is that this should be a relatively straightforward restoration.
This Malibu is consistent because its interior possesses both good and bad points. The carpet is worn, the front seatcover requires replacement, the upper driver’s door trims is peeling back, and the armrests on both doors exhibit deterioration. Replacing those items would be the obvious plan of attack, but that might be all the new owner needs to spend inside this classic. The back seat and trims look excellent, the dash is clean, and the pad appears uncracked. Even the faux woodgrain has avoided the typical wear and deterioration. It is essentially unmolested, with the only addition being an aftermarket AM/FM radio/cassette player.
The seller indicates this Malibu has sat in a warehouse since the 1990s, but they had no trouble coaxing its 283ci V8 back to life. They say it sounds excellent and should still send 195hp and 285 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a two-speed Powerglide transmission. This was the least potent V8/transmission combination available in 1967, but buyers still bought them by the thousands. The new owner might be satisfied with the performance potential, but others would consider the solid overall nature of the car as justification for creating an SS 396 clone. That approach is understandable, and if they pursue it, they won’t be the first or last to do so. The parts are available, and I admit it is a tempting option. For those who prefer originality, this Malibu runs and drives. The seller recommends a thorough inspection following over two decades of hibernation. However, that shouldn’t pose many challenges or cost a fortune. It is possible that a few days of tinkering in a home workshop could see this Chevelle return to its rightful place on our roads.
This 1967 Chevelle Malibu demonstrates that there are still excellent classics and promising project candidates hidden in sheds and garages. I am not alone in that sentiment because it took thirty-two bids and under two days for this auction to rocket from its opening of $200 to the current price. People like what they see and are voting with their wallets. Are you tempted to do the same?
Here’s another Malibu begging to be restored to her former lovelyness. Mild mods to enhance the drive and a set of period wheels would turn a lot of heads. Added benefit of drivability and economy.
Same seller on eBay as the ‘70 here earlier.
Must’ve been a great New York warehouse-2 turquoise green Chevy Chevelle’s!
I’d preserve and enjoy it for what it is, an old survivor in pretty good shape. Then again, I’m a stickler for originality, and they’re only original once. We have more than enough ridiculous hotrods with modern chevy engines in what were nice old cars.
I’m with you, Zen. When I go to car shows, these are the cars I admire most; I’ve seen more than my share of SSs, resto-mods, chroming the whole engine compartment, etc. I’d pull the engine, clean & repaint including the air cleaner cover, with new decals. Unless I am blind, add power brakes and restore the whole engine compartment. Fix the rust issues underneath, body, and including replacing trunk floor and repaint the car in what looks like Marina Blue. Narrow whitewall tires and full stock wheel covers. Repair/replace interior components, finding a stock AM-FM radio. Ok, some of will load your guns and aim when I suggest a black vinyl roof! LOL! If I did the last one, I’d have to go with rally wheels.
Personally I like the 66 better but being one of the first cars I owned I am a little bias but this is a great example to start with. Add a little power and bling to the motor. Some buckets and a 4 speed. A set of 60 series craeger wheels and body and paint. Leave the color and the original motor. No reason to go any further.
please! no Cragers on anything. They are the most boring and over used wheel around.
Sorry…Crager
Nope…Cragar.
Yep…..Cragar.
Here’s proof, straight off the website.
LS motor
My high school parking lot was full of these, most of them in Bimini Blue. I can still hear the whine from the Powerglide at idle. The ‘glide behind a little 283 was a long lived, reliable and cheap to operate form of transportation with room for 6 and a bit of style.
No joke and 8 inch ralleys all around it handles good too.
I think I had these hubcaps on a 1974 6 banger Camaro?
’73 Chevelle, 73-4 Camaro and Nova wheel cover
Had a friend who wanted to trade his blue with white convertible top 1967 283 2 speed automatic for my 70 tr6.
No dice.
It was a 2-tone, or more likely a vinyl top car, originally since the moldings are there.
Based on the lack of rust around the rear window, my guess would be two-tone.
I would clean up the interior with new carpet, seat cover and arm rests. Repair the rust and touch up the paint. Find some original poverty hubcaps and install new white walls. Tune up, fluids, belts and hoses. Brakes & shocks. Dual exhaust with quiet glass packs. Roll the windows down, insert Van Morrison and cruise to Brown Eyed Girl.
My 1st car while in High School in ’73 was a ’67 Chevelle Malibu. White with black vinyl top, black interior PLUS the bucket seat & center counsel option. Drove it over 100,000 miles, including as a ski bum in ’76.
My Dad owned a ’73 Malibu SS and today, I drive a 2017 Malibu. Great cars. Always have been.
One Malibu on BF from College Point, NY and another from College Park, NY.
Weird.
I’ve owned a couple of 67 chevelles, one a malibu the other a true (138 car) SS car. Chevrolet hit a home run with the 1967 chevelle. My vote is for a period correct SS clone. Whatever the decision, have fun and drive it!!!