Anytime a car comes around that seems as entry-level and original as this 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu, the purist side of me hopes it will be restored as it came from the factory. On the other hand, what’s not to like about dropping something more powerful under the hood, or even creating a Restomod? This is one of those cases where the next owner will have plenty of options to consider, and no matter which path is chosen, I’m envisioning a nice late-sixties Chevy cruiser once the work is completed.
The seller calls this one a classic car restoration dream, and from the standpoint of originality, that point is hard to argue with. Some background information we get here is that the Chevelle has been sitting since 1998 and that it came from Connecticut, so there are a few areas with body rust that the future owner will have to deal with. However, the panels themselves appear straight, and if anything is missing outside, I’m sure not spotting what it could be. I kind of like the single mirror and the hubcaps, but it’ll be up to the visionary to decide whether or not to keep this one to factory specs or change courses.
Believe it or not, this 250 cubic-inch inline six is not the base engine for the ’69 Malibu. A slightly smaller 230 wins the minimalist award, but the fact that this one’s not V8-equipped would be a fun conversation starter anytime you raise the hood, along with the lack of A/C and power brakes. The motor is said to have been running fine when the Chevy was parked, and while I understand the temptation to axe the powerplant and put something more exciting in the bay, I’d probably stick with it and just go with a rebuild here. Ditto for the Powerglide automatic.
Inside, things are about as basic as they are elsewhere, with a bench seat and column gear selector. The interior could use a good refreshing and possibly some upgrades such as buckets plus a console, but there’s no right or wrong here, only personal preferences based on original versus custom. If you’ve already got ideas, this 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu is now located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and can be found here on eBay, where bidding has reached $5,800. What direction would you head in if this was your project?
Steeped in the tradition of the infamous Stovebolt!
I am afraid this is a rust bucket! I would pass.
You are right. The piles of rust in the trunk which appear to have fallen off the deck lid aren’t a good sign, I’d hate to see what the metal looks like under the rubberized trunk mat. No matter, the seller warned potential bidders the car has rust and came from Connecticut, it’s up to them to follow through.
Steve R
I am the winner of this auction and I can verify that this is one of the best cars I’ve had the pleasure of working on. The next day after receiving it I converted it to a HEI setup and the engine fired on the first turn. Since then I have built and installed a fully forged Gen V L8T with a 6l90 and a 7685E turbo. As far as rust goes this has had the smallest amount of rust outside of the normal areas. Dropped the frame and reinforced, sand blasted and coated her with no metal work needed. Lower rear passenger quarter, rear windshield, radiator support and battery tray are literally the only areas that needed attention. With only 963 original miles, me being the second owner and costing $10000 total (including transport)…I call this a steal.
How about a warmed up 292 six, painted & trimmed like a 250?
The taller 292 would not clear the hood. Best to change to at least a 3:07 rear if it’s not there already. & a turbo muffler in the area under the back seat.
& a taller air filter for a 1982 camaro v6.
Better tho if the motor was in a lighter Nova or yes, Camaro.
Cimmarron, incredibly tho, i bet u NEVER seen a ’69(of all years) Camaro RS with either 6 cyl. I never have – even back in ’69. There was a ’69 convertible RS 6 cyl at a show in PA, but try to find another one – even just pics on the internet.
Yeah, who doesn’t want a 69 Chevelle with a 250 six under the hood??? Throw in a crappy Powerglide tranny and you’ve got Grndma’s grocery-getter.you should get one of those rare 4 cylinder Novas to keep it company in the driveway.
Yeah, I get you on the Granny bit. However, stop to consider that Granny (and I!) got to reach her (and my) advanced age (89 here) by not being a jackass on the highway!
Despite what is commonly said, buckets of power under the “loud pedal” got more people into the “OOPS!” column than a limited amount “go.”
Restore the body and interior but only adequately then drop a boneyard Ford 5.0 HO in it.
Many many more notable comments when the hood would raise.
Yeah, who doesn’t want a 69 Chevelle with a 250 six under the hood??? Throw in a crappy Powerglide tranny and you’ve got Grndma’s grocery-getter.you should get one of those rare 4 cylinder Novas to keep it company in the driveway.
Classic car restoration dream,,,,,that quickly turns into a nightmare.
Like it did for the seller.
I remember the guys would get some good power out of the straight 6 motors
Who needs a trunk floor? Pro Street or Pro Mod that baby! lol 😝 Leave the Patina as is! Blown and injected! Who needs carbs lol 😝
Gee I think the Nova with the 4 cylinder would be swell!!! Can’t I get the matching tissue holders in that? Do I get a power glide or 3speed standard wit dat? May as well break out my propeller beanie cap I’ve been saving.
Now if I can just find a couple Yugos Or Tree Luger Renaults I can show em
Who’s boss!
Rust bucket. Hard pass.
Sold for $10,000 with 47 bids.
Steve R
I am the winner of this auction and I can verify that this is one of the best cars I’ve had the pleasure of working on. The next day after receiving it I converted it to a HEI setup and the engine fired on the first turn. Since then I have built and installed a fully forged Gen V L8T with a 6l90 and a 7685E turbo. As far as rust goes this has had the smallest amount of rust outside of the normal areas. Dropped the frame and reinforced, sand blasted and coated her with no metal work needed. Lower rear passenger quarter, rear windshield, radiator support and battery tray are literally the only areas that needed attention. With only 963 original miles, me being the second owner and costing $10000 total (including transport)…I call this a steal.