Vehicle Description
Clean summer drivers don't get much better than this 1966 Chevrolet
Chevelle Malibu hardtop. With a 283 cubic inch small block V8, it's
plenty entertaining to drive, while the bright red flanks look
great hammering down the highway.
Freshly reskinned for 1966, Chevy positioned the Chevelle (the
Malibu was a trim option on the Chevelle in '66, not a separate
model) as a car that could do anything. With a wide variety of
engines, transmissions, body styles, and options, it could be
anything from an economical commuter to a scary fast track terror.
This one seems to have landed somewhere in the middle, and if
you're anything like me, you're probably pleased to see that this
one hasn't been over-dressed in fake SS livery. Code R Regal Red
was the car's original, and it was a few shades darker than the
current color, but who can argue with the way this car looks today?
A simple full-width front grille emphasizes the car's basic
integrity, and has been nicely preserved. Chrome on both bumpers is
good, and the stainless sure looks like well-maintained original
stuff. The only notable modification is the cowl-induction hood,
but we'll bet nobody will complain about that little detail because
it looks great.
Like the body, the interior appears to have been restored as
needed, and today combines original and replacement components.
Dressed in classic black, its simple, elegant design shows you what
Chevy was aiming for in '66, with a full-width speedometer, and
simple high-mounted controls for things like the lights and wipers.
The seats are in good shape, with the only significant wear item
being a bit of scuffing on the driver's side where you would climb
in and out of the car. Carpets still look new, thanks to a set of
heavy-duty rubber floor mats, and the console features the shifter
for the PowerGlide automatic transmission and a set of auxiliary
gauges was mounted down low in the traditional fashion. Upgrades
include an AM/FM/cassette stereo and factory A/C to keep things
cool. The very clean trunk has also been upholstered with black
carpets, giving it a very tidy look.
Under the hood there's a 283 cubic inch V8 with all the traditional
hot-rod parts, including an Edelbrock 4-barrel carb and intake
manifold and an HEI ignition system. Bathed in a bright coat of
Chevy Orange, the engine looks very fresh with not much use since
it was finished. Chrome valve covers and air cleaner add some flash
to the otherwise very stock-appearing engine bay. Power steering
and power brakes are part of the package, making this Chevelle a
pleasure to drive. It's backed by the aforementioned PowerGlide and
a 10-bolt rear end. The floors have been undercoated for protection
and sound control, and the exhaust system features mandrel-bent
tubing and a pair of Flowmaster mufflers. It runs and drives quite
well and rides on a set of traditional Chevy Rally wheels and
staggered 215/65/15 front and 255/60/15 rear blackwall radials.
This is a great car for people who like to drive. Get in, turn the
key, and start enjoying it immediately. Don't let this one get by
because nice Chevelles are getting more difficult to find all the
time. Call today!