While its paint might be looking a little baked today, this 1968 Malibu Convertible is an essentially solid car that is just begging for restoration. Of course, the “distressed” look might be to your personal taste, and if this is the case, then the vehicle could easily be driven and enjoyed as it currently stands. Regardless of which way the next owner chooses to go, there is simply no questioning the popularity of these classics amongst enthusiasts. The Malibu is located in Sarasota, Florida, and has been listed for sale here on eBay. With bidding now sitting at $10,200, the reserve has been met. There are also currently 114 people watching the listing, which gives a fair indication of just how popular the Malibu really is.
The Black paint that graces the flanks of the Malibu is not original, with the car receiving a repaint at some point in the past. It looks pretty tired now, and will definitely benefit from a refresh. As far as rust issues are concerned, they are actually pretty minor. The owner identifies rust in both rear quarter panels as the only rust in the vehicle’s panels. There certainly doesn’t appear to be any visible in the lower body extremities, and the floors are said to be solid and clean. The White top provides a nice contrast to the paint, and this appears to be tight and clean. All of the external trim and chrome is present, and as is the case with the glass, it does seem to be in good condition. The wheels that are fitted to the Malibu aren’t original, but they certainly look tough. I’m pretty sure that if I owned the car, that I would replace them. I actually like their appearance, but I suspect that they would pepper the areas behind the wheel openings with plenty of road grit and small stones. That’s a pretty good way to give those areas an unplanned dose of sandblasting and would be heartbreaking if the car has just received a fresh coat of paint.
The owner refers to this car as being one owner but then goes on to talk about its previous owner. Go figure! It appears as though the seller purchased the car from the original owner. What we do know is that the Malibu had been in storage from 2014 until recently. The fact that he says that the car could be driven as is would seem to suggest that it might now be roadworthy. What we find occupying the engine bay is a very clean and tidy looking 327ci V8, producing 275hp. Also included is a 2-speed Powerglide transmission, and power steering. The Powerglide really tends to sap the performance of the Malibu, but a ¼ mile ET of 16.5 seconds could still be considered to be relatively respectable. However, swap the Powerglide out for either of the available manual transmissions that could be chosen for the vehicle in 1968, and sub-16 second passes are easy to achieve. The owner provides no information about how well the vehicle runs or drives, but if appearances count for anything, then it all looks quite promising.
This is the best of the two interior shots that we receive of the Malibu, so it is hard to draw any solid conclusions regarding the condition. While the rear seat looks to be in good condition, the front does have multiple tears on the driver’s side, and the cover will require replacement. What can be seen of the remaining interior upholstery looks very promising, but we don’t get any information about the condition of the dash and cap. What we do see is the fact that the carpet is heavily faded, and replacement will most definitely be on the agenda.
I really like this car, and if the next owner chose to drive it as it currently stands, I could fully understand it. The current appearance just screams “attitude,” and the Malibu would score plenty of attention wherever it went. However, with the rust addressed, a fresh coat of paint, and more appropriate wheels, it is a car that would still attract plenty of attention, but these would more than likely be admiring glances for what would be a clean and desirable classic. If I was a betting man, I would wager that the next owner will probably follow the latter path. However, given my dismal record when betting on the horses, I could also be very wrong.
I like Chevelles, Corvettes, Mustangs, Camaros, and GTOs just fine. But nowadays, at car shows, I just walk right by them. I definitely walk right by the 2-year-old Mustangs and Camaros and Challengers that the owners just purchased from a dealer.
Today in Brooksville, that original ’65 Thunderbird, the ’40 Chevrolet, the unbelievable original ’79 Lincoln, and the ’59 Impala made the show for me. The Vietnam Vet with the ’40 Chevy did everything himself…welding, paint, mechanicals…that’s what impresses me. Well done, sir.
I’m with you, Rex; I tend to stroll past the rows of pony cars and look for the oddballs, too. I’ve got nothing against Camaros, GTOs, Corvettes, Mustangs and Chevelles but like you, been there, done that. I don’t like seeing new cars either because if I want to, I can go to a dealership to see a new Mustang or Camaro. Plus, I can take one for a test drive! I really wish car shows had a cut off date and at least require cars to be 25 years old or more.
I want to see vintage cars with some sweat equity in them, cars that the owners have brought back to life with their hard work and hard-earned money. I don’t care to view a car fresh off a dealer’s lot and feel they shouldn’t be on the same show field as classic cars.
I’ll bet a lot of Barnfinders feel the same.
There is no question it takes a lot of sweat and money to bring back many of these special cars which we admire at shows. It also took a whole lot of sweat and time trying to keep original unrestored survivors of classic 1960s and 70s in mint condition, too.
I like the Keystone mag wheels. I had the same set up on my 71 Skylark until the chrome finish completely peeled off. Nowadays I prefer stock, but they work on this car.
I don’t think thats a 327….looks more like a 305 out of my 84 c10
No 327 ever came from the factory in GM Corporate Blue.
Nice car , paint her pearl black , add a new white top with pearl white SS stripes .
I wanna go fast!!!
Blue paint on engine? Good god, who does that to a 69 Chevy of any kind? Might as well threw an evap canister and several feet of rubber hose on the wheel well too 😁. Rant over,I do like the car though.
Ricky Bobby!
One owner except for last 3 flippers.
Comes with rare Blue 327. Very low production model.
Yearns to be cloned to SS 🤣
Runs very fast do to original owner making car lighter by discarding the fan and the radiator…
.
Think the radiator is there, but shroud and fan are missing. Hope he isn’t driving it this way. Front bumper, chrome trim above bumper, and hood don’t fit quite right, though not terrible. Also, power steering pump pulley is for two belts, is this normal? Would be interested to know if it is in fact a 327, I don’t have the expertise to determine that. Blue does suck though.
Probably electric fan judging by the plastic bar in center of radiator and the hardware holding water pump pulley. Who knows what’s going on with this thing.😁
nice car for resto jazz the motor up paint it if need be ,one of the best looking chevys from the 60s in my opinion will be interesting to see what it goes for.
Swap Keystones for Cragar SS’s, drop a 4sp in, pair of buckets & exactly what I look for… while I’m building a big block to drop in. Keep the orig badging. Something to drive & beat the hell out of rather than pamper drive & panic every time I park it. Had all these cars when 2-4 yrs old & remember why I sold them. Novelty wears off fast. That said, many other places to drop $50k-$100k & it aint what I drove as a teen to early 20’s lol. I’ll take this under $14k just to release frustration now & then.
The fact that this is a convertible really gets my attention!! I would have to get rid of the power glide though!! It looks rust free and the price isn’t to crazy!!! Yet!!
Anyone know how much it sold for?
“This listing was ended by the seller because the item is no longer available.”
I guess we will never know what it sold for or even it it sold.
I hate when they end that way.
I agree, don’t like the ending