If your idea of a drag racer doesn’t need a laptop connected to it between runs, check out this old-school Chevy! The 1965 Chevrolet Malibu SS (a genuine “138” car) is described as a “LIFELONG” California race car that now finds itself in DeKalb, Illinois. As it was being prepped for a return to vintage drag racing at Illinois’ Byron Dragway the seller was sidelined for medical reasons that now force the sale. We hate to hear a story like that but it will honor car and seller alike to let a new owner take the baton and get the project down the quarter-mile. The entry price for that privilege here on eBay is $27,895 using Buy It Now or an acceptable number submitted via Make Offer.
While the engine “TURNS RIGHT OVER,” yes painfully in ALL CAPS, the lack of accessories, hoses, and other nice-to-have parts suggests that means “with a wrench on the crank nut” and not when you twist the key. The listing also states “L79 SS,” a hot 327 cid (5.3L) mill that could take a Malibu down the quarter mile in “high 14s” according to MuscleCars.HowStuffWorks.
The original four-speed manual gearbox and air conditioning are long gone, replaced by an automatic and open windows. Fiberglass dune buggy seats and a department store steering wheel complete the super-’70s vibe. The manual shift brake pedal remains.
Chrome differential covers appeared on many stock vehicles back in the day, but wheelie bars, traction bars, and a fuel cell suggest serious dedicated drag racing.
Cosmetically the car needs absolutely nothing. I might wash and wax it, or maybe not. The rode hard, put away wet look is perfect for this rowdy fight-picker. Tinted windows further support the original AC claim. I’d have to fill up that monster hood scoop with towering induction parts. Otherwise, what’s the point? Other that making it safe and quick, what would you change on this Malibu?
Even if this car has a race history that can be proven, it’s way overpriced. The seller would have a hard time getting its asking price even if it was turn key and track ready. There us no evidence anyone tried to update anything in this car beyond dragging it out if it’s long time resting place to take some pictures. At present, it’s much closer to being returned to the street than something that would pass tech at any track.
Steve R
I’d give maybe 5g for it, put a straight axle under the front, legalize it and drive the snot out of it!!!!
$27k? Yea, a , no.
I believe that you could subtract 20g’s
and it would still be a tough sell.
I’ve got a hell of a lot nicer ’64 that I would sell for $27,894 which is a buck cheaper. LOL
is it really an L-79 327???? 283 emblems on BOTH front fenders, not sure if you could get A/C with the high winding L-79????? Way overpriced!!! In my own opinion, worth no more than $4000 – $6000, and that would be a GIFT to the seller.
He didn’t say it was the original engine , and being a drag car, it more than likely had several engines in its day . The emblems mean nothing ; you could put any one on a car ,but it doesn’t mean thats what’s under the hood .
Must of had a more potent engine than whats there now to need wheelie bars! Judging by the scoop a lot more.
Definite old school vibe.
A lot of dreaming when this car was put together and raced on hopes.