Chevrolet had a hit on its hands with their new mid-size car in 1964, the Chevelle. The Malibu was the top series and was available with the Super Sport option, providing bucket seats and a console. The 1965 models were little changed except for small adjustments in the grille and taillights. The seller’s car is a convertible and appears to be largely original (except for the wheels). But it needs a full restoration and can be found in Port St. Lucie, Florida. It’s available here on craigslist for $7,500. Our thanks to “Rogue1” for this open-air tip.
The cowl tag on this Chevelle identifies it as being a real SS convertible (body code 13867). Less than 8,000 were produced in 1965, and that was a fraction of the numbers for the sport coupe. This one was finished in Tuxedo Black with a white canvas top and a red interior. We’re told it runs and has a 283 cubic inch V8 with a 2-barrel carburetor. With a 2-speed Powerglide automatic transmission, the horsepower rating was 195. The odometer reads 46,000 miles with no claim of being real (perhaps it’s more like 146,000).
This Chevy has more than its fair share of corrosion, which will make it a busy restoration. Besides the sheet metal, the frame also has rust, and the seller suggests a replacement may be required. However, it could be that the Chevy is all there with parts held in a separate spot. The bucket seats are in rough shape, and much of the canvas top seems to have fallen away.
The second generation of the Chevelle and its SS counterpart seem to attract the most collector attention (1968-72). Followed by the latter half of the first generation (1966-67). The 1964-65 Chevelles appear to pop up less often, and a drop-top in Super Sport trim is kind of rare after more than 60 years. This car is going to need loads of time and money – is that an investment you would make?
I agree that this car is running a 283 but I’m sure that the carb is a Rochester 4-Jet. The intake is off something later as it’s missing the oil filler-breather.
The 283 is a good engine and carries a solid reputation as something that was very difficult to break. In fact one of the car magazines took a base V-8 from all the makes and ran them until their breaking point. The one that scored the highest was the Chevy 283. When I worked for GM I saw lots in light and medium trucks. I saw the odd one spin a rod bearing but never saw one with a hole in the side.
For a Super Sport, a 327 would’ve been nice but not completely necessary.
I’m a much bigger fan of the ’64 models, just because of the grill; the ’65 just didn’t cut it for me.
1966 was good but the ’67 models again, left something to be desired. That’s been my attitude for the entire reign of the Chevelle. 1969 will always be my favorite. Still looking for a ’69 300 2-door…