1965 Chevrolet Malibu
The storied Malibu is one of those timeless designs that looks good no matter how it's built. Stock, modified, race, pro-touring, whatever; the clean lines and balanced stance on these tough classics create a confident swagger that's universally admired. That means, if you're looking to ride in style, you really can't go wrong with a Chevrolet A-Body. Plus, when you factor in this ride's drivetrain, tasteful modifications and first rate, all-American sheet metal, you get the picturesque profile of an incredible muscle car!
Looking at this interesting version of the 1965 Chevrolet Malibu I have shades of the late 1970's custom car show scene. Heavy metallic paint that almost changes colors before your eyes, chrome Cragar wheels, and a diamond pattern vinyl interior all come together to form this throwback classic. With all the retro going on, I feel the need to dig out my light blue double knit flare bottom slacks, Road Runner navy blue shirt and platform shoes to complete the ensemble.
Exterior
Painted with a heavy metallic red that under certain lighting shifts to a more orange hue and cannot be truly appreciated until seen in natural sunlight and is nothing like the factory ever offered. Some bubbling is noted on the exterior surfaces, and areas of previous repairs are slightly bumpy. A nicely restored horizontal ribbed grille with Chevy badge in the center has dual headlights and a shiny bumper below. As we work our way rearward, good gaps and britework are noted throughout along with more heavy metallic for the silver, gold and gray stripes on the lower body. This car is badged with the Chevrolet crossed flags and 283 designation, along with the Malibu SS badges on the rear quarters and lest we forget the frenched dual power antennas on the rear quarters. 15-inch chrome 5 spoke Cragar wheels are on all 4 corners and are wrapped with almost new 235/60R15's all around.
Interior
A swing of the doors and we greet custom styling with a diamond pleated white vinyl panel with metallic red steel above and smooth white vinyl below. This panel has the door actuators and window cranks as well as a white vinyl covered pull/armrest. Inside we see later model white vinyl high back bucket seats with more diamond tuck and roll pleating and smooth bolsters. Red carpeting surrounds the seats and from the middle of the hump a Hurst shift grows within the driver's reach. In back is a white vinyl bench with front seat matching diamond tuck and roll with some armrests built into the sides. More heavy red metallic steel for the inverted V style aluminum which dash drips of 60' bowtie styling. The original center gauge cluster, which is flanked by the speedo on wheel left, and a temp, oil, fuel and amp cluster to wheel right. An aftermarket tachometer is mounted to the column and shows between the 2 round gauges. Original pull knobs function perfectly, and a more modern styled radio is now replacing the original but appears to be slightly broken. Sitting on the top of the back seat are dual speakers. As I look around this clean red and white interior all I can hear is Bowie on the radio belting out Heros.
Drivetrain
An original fully restored engine in 350ci form is resting nicely within the restored engine bay. Nice orange/red block is now topped with an Edelbrock intake and 4bbl carburetor. Chevrolet badged chrome valve covers and air cleaner assembly have been added on for extra bling. Also, on back a Saginaw 4-speed manual transmission for just a bit more excitement. Putting power to the ground is a CA coded 10-bolt axle with a 3.08 gear ratio. All is very nicely done under this hood.
Undercarriage
Drum brakes front and rear, manual steering, and headers with Cherrybomb glasspack mufflers, can take you down the road safely and loudly. You can be secure in the fact that there is a strong frame which is showing off a mostly original undercarriage with a few prior repairs and some fresh undercoating in areas. Independent coil spring suspension is attached at the front while out back is a 4 link with coil springs.
Drive-Ability
A quick starter and on the test track it performed nicely with great acceleration and smooth shifting. All eyes were on me during my drive and the looks were certainly for the car and not yours truly as the only time people stare at me is when I spill my red wine on myself. The heater blower is inoperable as well as the radio not belting out any tunes were the only disappointments during my drive.
A good example of the '65 Malibu with a wild almost color changing paint job right out of 1977, a few performance upgrades, some body work which can be seen, and nice chrome and brightwork. The interior is very clean and a perfect throwback to match the paint. The engine is looking great and performs as such. Add this retro machine to your garage and you'll be a hero for more than one day!
VIN DECODE
135375B168590
1-Chevrolet
35-Malibu 6 Cylinder
37-2 Door Hardtop Sport Coupe
5-1965
B-Baltimore, MD Assy Plant
168590-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
06D-4th Week June Build
ST 65 13637-1965 Malibu 2 Door Hardtop Sport Coupe
BDY BAL12296-Baltimore Body #
TR 739-Blue Ramada Cloth & Imitation Vinyl
PNT EE-Danube Blue
