Apart from the moment that these photos were snapped, it is claimed that this 1968 Chevelle Malibu has never seen snow or salt in its life. That’s an intriguing claim and one that deserves some further investigation. The owner purchased the car to tackle as a project, but as is so often the case, the project Vs. available space Vs. available time equation failed to add up, so the Malibu needs to go to a new home. Located in Webster, New York, you will find the Chevelle listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has made its way to $9,099, and the reserve has been met. I have to say a big thank you to Barn Finder Larry D for spotting this classic for us.
When you look at this photo, the claim about the Ermine White Chevelle not seeing snow or salt starts to look slightly shaky. There is rust present in the lower corners of the passenger door and the lower front fender on the same side. That appears to be key because the penetrating rust seems to be confined mainly to one side of the vehicle. That suggests that it has been exposed to something that has caused isolated deterioration. There is surface corrosion across other areas of the car, but this is it for penetrating rust in the body. Before its recent arrival in New York, the Malibu spent its life in sunny Florida, which will have helped its cause. Taking a closer look, the panels look relatively straight, although both front fenders have received a repaint at some point. The trim and chrome appear as though they could be restored, there are no issues with the tinted glass, and the Rally wheels add a great finishing touch to the exterior. I still don’t think that we’ve dug deep enough on the question of rust, so let’s look a bit closer.
The owner supplies this photo of the Malibu’s underside, and it is a joy to behold. There is a small amount of rust in the front floors, but this could be fixed with patches. I don’t see any justification for replacing the floors if the patches are cut and installed correctly. Otherwise, the frame and inner rockers look structurally sound. This photo probably tells the story of this Malibu better than any other, making the “no snow/no salt” claim seem plausible.
With the 1968 Malibu, buyers had plenty of choices to make when it came to engine and transmission configurations once they stepped into their local Chevrolet dealership. The original owner of this one chose to equip it with a 307ci V8, a 2-speed Powerglide transmission, power steering, and power brakes. That combination offered 200hp, and because the Malibu was slightly on the heavy side, it meant that the ¼ mile was dispatched in 17.9 seconds. The owner claims that the Chevelle has a genuine 91,000 miles on the clock. It isn’t clear whether he holds evidence to verify this, but it does seem that this is a classic that is roadworthy and ready to go. It is said to run and drive exceptionally well, so given the car’s sound structural state, the open road is beckoning this beauty.
I have to agree with the owner’s description of the Chevelle’s interior. He describes it as tattered, and while it is a long way from spectacular, it is, at least, serviceable. The slipcover hides whatever sins have befallen the front seat, while the back seat is pretty heavily stained. The dash and pad look like they are okay, while I think that the door trims could be salvaged after some careful cleaning. The same would appear to be true of the headliner. I’ve said this in the past, but I would be cleaning everything thoroughly before compiling a shopping list. You can be pretty sure that seat covers and a carpet set will be on it, but there might not be a huge amount extra to add to that list. There are not many luxury items to be found inside the car, but a life in Florida means that the inclusion of air conditioning is no surprise.
When the owner purchased this 1968 Chevelle Malibu, he had no intention of leaving it as Chevrolet built it. He intended to make some significant changes to the car, including to the drivetrain. That is still an option for the buyer to consider, although they could also choose to complete a faithful restoration. It doesn’t matter which path they choose to follow, it appears that they will be commencing that journey with a structurally sound foundation. I hope that one of our faithful Barn Finds readers decides to bid on this one because I’d love to see the finished product.
Nice reasonably price start fora classic muscle- street machine. When I got home from Vietnam I bought a brand new 69 Malibu Ss 396, Th350, a/c,ps pb. Marina Blue Black vinyl top, black inside,$ 3867.45. A dollar a lb,including tax .First new car I ever bought with cash. It was not fast. It was a nice ride that didin’t handle very good. Steering was vague at best. I sold it in 72 for 2500 $. The hot rod had to go when my daughter was born. Bought a 69 Malibu ( a 136 car, not a SS in 2002 with a blown 307 th 350 , ps ,ac.4 wheel drum, was a fleet car, paid 8500. Put a 327 out of a wrecked 68 Camarillo, 265 hp . Now in th middle of replacing toe boards and torque boxes both sides. Should have back on the Roland buy the end of spring. Keeping this one. SEMPER FI !
Camarillo Brillo??
Did u get it from Frank Zappa?? 😁
Always wondered if I would ever see FZ mentioned on BF. Camarillo Brillo and the likes graced my mobile cassette players often over the years. Loud.
Thank you for your service sir! My oldest brother is a Vietnam vet as well, and I appreciate you all. 🇺🇸
The pictures of the rear quarter panels and trunk floor suggest previous rust repair. It’s hard to believe that it recently came from the south, unless he means southern New York.
I’d keep looking, at its current price a patient and persistent buyer should be able to do much better for not much more money.
Steve R
Also the trunk shows corrosion underneath its black paint/rust converter. My question is why the underside looks spotless while the engine compartment is not so much.
This is the same car that was just listed this past 3 February 2021! So what happened??
The buyer probably saw it in person before handing over the cash.
To be honest, many auction winners on eBay back out, there is little to no downside to them if they do. Look at how many cars are relisted, buyers backing out is more common that most people think.
Steve R
I look at dozens of postings, but if I remember correctly, the winning bidder had zero transactions, feedback, etc. I guessed right when I saw this re-listed.
If this car is from Webster, NY and not Florida, then forget it. Webster is in the middle of the snow belt of upstate NY. Boring car not worth $500.
This car appears to be rusting from the outside in instead of the usual inside out that you see with winter salt corrosion. Looking at the water damage to the back seat and the generalized coating of rust in the engine compartment suggests its been under water, probably salt water at some point or at least lived its Florida life at someone’s beach house. The underside and trunk appears to have been touched up with paint or undercoat. I fear it would come back from the stripper in a box. That said everything it needs is available in the aftermarket so if one wanted to throw enough $ at it it could probably be brought back. Definitely wouldn’t buy this thing without seeing it in person.