While it isn’t perfect, this 1978 Chevrolet Malibu Station Wagon could provide its new owner with a world of possibilities. It runs and drives well, although its paint is tired, and there are developing rust issues. However, all of that could be offset by the upgraded V8 under the hood, which should provide noticeable performance improvements. It has no immediate needs, meaning the buyer could tackle any restoration work as time and finances allow. The Wagon is listed here on Craigslist in Arpin, Wisconsin. It could be yours for $6,000, but the seller may consider trades. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Pat L. for spotting this beauty.
This Malibu would have been a classy Wagon in its prime, but time has exacted a toll on its presentation. Its two-tone Blue and Silver paint is tired, having attained a typical “matte” appearance. There is also rust developing around the side windows and in one lower quarter panel. The rust isn’t severe, although tackling it sooner rather than later could be wise to prevent a relatively small job from turning into a monster. This Malibu would certainly turn heads with the rust repaired and a fresh coat of paint. The exterior trim looks acceptable for a driver-grade classic, and there are no visible glass problems.
If the Wagon’s exterior carries the hallmarks of long-term UV exposure, the interior continues that theme. The dash top is badly cracked, as is the wheel. The front and back seats wear different upholstery, while the carpet is stained and faded. If the new owner wanted to make it presentable on a budget, they could deep clean everything, add slipcovers to the seats, mats on the floors, a cover over the dash, and bolt on an aftermarket wheel. That would lighten their wallet by around $500 and make it serviceable and presentable. Otherwise, a complete interior retrim is on the cards, and unless they can strike gold via the usual online auction sites, there will be no change from $2,000.
It is unclear which motor eventually called this Malibu’s engine bay home, but even the most potent 350ci small-block only sent 160hp to the rear wheels via a three-speed manual transmission. I have never heard an owner say they wish their classic had less power, which is why I’m unsurprised that this seller performed an upgrade to improve performance. The original engine went bye-bye, and its spot is now occupied by a 283ci unit from a 1965 or 1966 Chevelle. While bolting in the new powerplant, the seller fitted a new clutch, tires, and other components. They don’t indicate whether the motor features any performance upgrades, but it should produce at least 195hp in standard form. That won’t make it a muscle Wagon, but it will make a noticeable difference from behind the wheel. The seller says the Malibu runs and drives well, and it appears it has no obvious mechanical needs.
Placing a potential value on a vehicle like this 1978 Malibu Station Wagon is difficult due to the engine upgrade. Classics of this nature become worth whatever someone is willing to pay, which raises the question of whether any restoration is financially viable. That will depend, in part, on how much of the required work a new owner is willing or able to perform themself. Is it a project you would consider tackling, or will you sit out this dance?
A little research shows that the 3 speed manual was only paired with the weezy 3.3L V6. I can see why the V8 swap was made. The factory rear gear ratio is 2.73. Wonder if that was changed? 2.73, by the way, was the lowest gear available on any powertrain in the downsized Malibu, in the beginning of ’78. 2.29 and 2.41 were standard with the factory V8. No wonder it was called the Malaise era….
Thank you so much for your feedback and the information, Big_Fun. I always appreciate input from our readers, and I’m never too old to learn something new! I hope that you continue to enjoy our articles, and I look forward to receiving more feedback.
When I worked for a Chev dealer in the 70’s, we had 1 with v-8 and 4speed. quick car.
Don’t remember when I haven’t seen one of these dash pads that wasn’t cracked. They were decent utility vehicles. Had one with the V6, went down the road and stopped when you pushed the whoa pedal. Chassis parts are cheap and available.
I heard that these wagons had rear windows that didn’t roll down. Kinda flummoxed by that one.
4 door sedans were the same way. It’s weird- GM nailed the 77-90 full-size cars ..and then went into cost cutting mode…Rear windows that don’t roll down, smaller automatic transmissions, etc…
They had those wing windows beside the fixed windows. I remember hearing it was meant for law enforcement purposes?
It was meant to get a wider rear elbow room dimension, never mind the “extra width” was just a breadbox-sized cutout in the doors.
On these mid size GMs you also had Cheesy frames that rotted , and plastic interiors that disintegrated in the sun, even in the Northeast , where we dont see as much sun as other places
Just be careful when you are quoting net horsepower numbers for the 350 and gross horsepower numbers for the 283.
want the same set up on the 3rd gen (this 4th I think). Smaller WB.
Just needs rear window wiper, smooth the bumpers frnt/rear w/a camero or sompin, probably already discs up frnt, may B some cheb (dont no ’em) 5 speed?
The 1978 Malibu 350 was rated at 160HP SAE net, which is as-installed, with accessories. The Chevelle 283 was rated at 195HP SAE gross, which is more of a raw rating, with no accessories or emissions equipment installed. For comparison purposes, Chevy published both figures in 1971, and a 307 (replacement for the 283) was rated at 200HP gross, 140HP net. The ’78 350 would definitely be stronger than a stock 283, but that’s moot, since the 3-speed couldn’t be had behind a 350.
LS +6speed+ tuck in the bumpers , tint the windows and enjoy !
I really think the old “drop an LS in it”
has fast become cliche at this point.
Here is a 1978 Malibu Wagon with a 4 speed for $31,900.
https://www.classicautomall.com/vehicles/4502/1978-chevrolet-malibu-station-wagon
Ahahaha the lying salesman from the stealership calls it a MUSCLE CAR !
Look it over good. I had a 79 that I put a 300 hp 350 in one of the best cars I ever owned and a super tow vehicle. Frame rotted out in the rear and I couldnt tow with mine so off it went. Check the frame real good. There are places around that sell good solid frames if u want to do the work. Good luck.
Cheers
GPC
My dad bought one when I was in 3rd grade I believe.. I hated that chunk of crap. Rear windows would t go all the way down.. no AC.. V6 gutless junk. I learned to drive in it and was glad when I bought my own car..
I purchased a new 1979 Malibu Classic back in the day with the 305 4-barrel and the factory 4-speed. IIRC, it had a 3.08 rear axle.
Dad ordered a new 78 Malibu Classic Wagon in Camel Metallic with a matching plaid like cloth interior. Had a 305 V8 and automatic. The cam went flat at about 50k miles. I remember thinking that was ridiculous, but apparently that was a common problem with the 305 in that time period. I saw a factory V8 4 speed 78 Malibu wagon at Mecum Kansas City car auction a few years ago. He had the build sheet to prove it. Pretty neat and rare car.
305 or even the 292. Either’d B fine. May B a 5 speed or whatever cheb’s a 4 OD auto? If the auto then done. If the 5, some handling goodies and speedy bits… perfect daily w/sport’n utility. Got the ford fox waggy ta match.
those G body cars had bad frames, I had more than one that rusted really bad toward the rear, strange part was the bodies had no rust at all, if it’s a Wisconsin car the odds are the frame is shot.
The 305 I had in a 77 Ventura (think Chevy Nova body style) hatchback did the same thing. But that Ventura could corner like it was on rails. got decent gas mileage, too. I’m thinking 77-81 was a bad time for the 305 camshafts, seems like just about everybody I knew that had one had the same problem, that and the plastic timing gear.
Might this have been an “Iraqi Malibu”?
They were all wagons with 3 speed sticks, ordered, then refused, by the Iraqis, then kind of flooded our market for a bit til they were all sold off at fire sale prices….?
I’m wrong! All the “Iraqi Taxis” were sedans, not wagons!
Imagine! I’ve never been wrong before….!
Wow that’s cool, talk about the ultimate work/sleeper car, put a built small block with the 4sp and put 3:73 gears in it and go.eat up.some 5.0 fox bodies with.it!!!!! That my friends is American hot.rodding.at.its finest!!!!!
I just noticed this car never had factory air conditioning…look at the dashboard. The vent on the far left and far right sides have block off plates. This really is an oddball. Originally a 6 cylinder manual transmission and what looks to be a factory AM/FM radio. Wonder who ordered this car??? LOL.
My parents bought a new light blue ’78 Malibu Classic sedan in the fall of ’77 with no AC, cloth split bench seat, power locks, AM radio, V6, and the floor shifted 3-speed manual, which the dealer had told them would be a column shift.
Our neighbors bought a new light blue ’78 Malibu Classic with AC and automatic shortly afterwards. The first time I rode in their wagon, I marveled at the extra vents in their dashboard and wondered how such cold air was coming out of them. I also noticed that there wasn’t a long-throw shifter that the middle front passenger (usually me, as the smallest and youngest in the family) had to splay their legs around.
I spy a 4 bbl under that breather. Thats good for an extra 25 hp over the 2 bbl.
Is this vehicle still available? I would like to buy.
I am guessing that you don’t understand how barnfind works !