Numbers Matching 283ci V8/Muncie 4-Speed Manual/Rust Free Undercarriage

1965 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu SS

The storied Chevelle 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, tastefully restored interior 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 SS I have shades of the Pacific Coast Highway, driving across the Bixby Bridge, heading to point Lobos to do some Ansel Adams-esque image capturing. Windows down, tickling the accelerator, headed north from Big Sur, does life get any better? I give you the inspiration for this memory the Chevy Malibu, right here on the east coast at Classic Auto Mall

Exterior
Paint code P denotes Evening Orchid paint, and this respray is much like the factory color. Some bubbling is noted on the exterior surfaces, and areas of previous repairs are slightly bumpy. There is plenty of body filler in the bottoms of the doors and quarter panels. 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. This car is badged with the Chevrolet crossed flags and 283 designation, along with the Malibu SS badges on the rear quarters. 14-inch knockoff style center caps adorn the Chevrolet rally wheels on all 4 corners and are wrapped with 225/60R14's all around.

Interior
A swing of the doors and we greet 1960s styling with a white vinyl panel between an upper and lower black strip. This panel has the door actuators and window cranks as well as a white vinyl covered pull/armrest. Inside we see the original white vinyl low back bucket seats with some chrome trimmings on the sides and black seat belts. A stylish thin center console runs through the buckets and houses the chromed shift lever. Black carpeting surrounds the seats and console and is very clean. In back is a white vinyl bench with some armrests built into the sides. An inverted V style aluminum 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. A clock is in the center. Original pull knobs function perfectly, and a more modern retro styled radio is now replacing the original. Sitting on the top of the back seat are dual speakers. As I look around this clean black and white interior, I'm dreaming about Michelle Phillip's cute little overbite belting out “Dedicated to the One I Love”.

Drivetrain
An original fully restored engine in 283ci form is resting nicely within the restored engine bay. Nice orange/red block is now topped with an Edelbrock intake and carburetor. Also, on back a Muncie 4-speed transmission that replaces the original 3-speed for just a bit more excitement. Putting power to the ground is a 10-bolt axle with a 3.36 gear ratio. All is very nicely done under this hood.

Undercarriage
Power drum brakes front and rear, power steering, and dual exhaust with Flowmaster, 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 as a rust-free environment.

Drive-Ability
A quick starter and on the test track it performed nicely with great acceleration and smooth shifting. I did note that the speedometer is a bit jumpy, and the odometer is not clocking miles. The heater blower is in op as well as the reverse lights.

A good example of the '65 Malibu SS with a few upgrades, some body work which can be seen, and nice chrome and brightwork. The original front seats are very clean as is the overall interior. Engine is looking great and performs as such. I'm California Dreamin'.

VIN DECODE
138375K101069
1-Chevrolet
38-Malibu Super Sport V8
37-2 Door Sport Coupe
5-1965
K-Kansas City, MO Assy Plant
101069-Sequential Unit Number

TRIM TAG
ST 65 13837-1965 Malibu V8 Super Sport 2 Door Sport Coupe
BDY K361-Kansas City Body #
TR 792-White Vinyl
PNT P-Evening Orchid
E-All Tinted Windows