Vehicle Description
Sometimes cars are so sweet, it's hard to know where to begin
describing them. This 1965 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu SS features a
nice frame-off restoration, a big block under the hood, and a list
of upgrades and options that make it just the way you'd want it if
you'd built it yourself.
According to the cowl tag and VIN, this is a real code 138 SS, and
that same cowl tag also gives away the fact that this one was
originally red, albeit a slightly darker Regal Red. That's good,
because the lighter shade of red on the car now shines up great and
has a great impact on the Chevelle's classic lines. The bodywork is
nicely done, even on those big quarter panels which are notoriously
difficult to get this straight. Note the subtle crease that runs
from nose to tail; if the body isn't straight, that's where it will
show up first, and on this car, it's good-to-go. Looking at the
reflections in our photo studio, you can see that someone spent a
lot of time getting this car straight, and that same level of
detail is found throughout, so the car makes a very good first
impression from a few feet away. It's a very fresh paint job but
certainly not done to anything higher than a driver-grade standard,
If you want to take it up a notch, you could have a good detailer
do a simple cut and buff. You'll also note correct "Malibu SS"
badges used on the quarters, a proper SS tail panel, and a super
clean Bowtie grille up front. They didn't overlook anything on this
one.
The mid-1960s were all about simplicity in design, and like the
exterior, the black bucket seat interior is a study in careful
restraint. Forget faux wood, this Chevy uses bright metal trim to
contrast with the black interior, giving the red dashboard a
jeweled look that's like a fine clock or vintage stereo gear. The
upholstery was likely replaced when the car was restored, and has a
very inviting look with no major damage, wear, or other defects.
Instead, all you want to do is slide behind the original-style
wheel, listening to the comfortable groan of the seat as you settle
in, and grab that wonderfully textured steering wheel. The padded
dash is a welcome option and contains a set of three white-face
auxiliary gauges that complement the stock units, providing the
driver with a keen eye toward the engine's vitals. A Hurst shifter
for the 4-speed is a welcome sight in any old car, and it juts out
from the floor almost taunting the driver to get a little wild with
the gear changes. There's no radio in the dash so the choice of
head unit is up to the next owner and one glance in the trunk tells
you all you need to know about how well-finished this car really
is.
Performance got a big upgrade as well, thanks to a fresh rebuilt
454 cubic inch big block under the hood. Aside from a Weiand intake
and a Demon 4-barrel carburetor, it's pretty stock, so it starts
easily and idles with enough of a lope to let folks know it's no
pushover. Tough-looking Chevrolet finned valve covers and an
open-element air cleaner look slick against the Chevy Orange engine
enamel on the block and satin black engine bay. Underneath, the big
block spins a 4-speed manual transmission and a robust 12-bolt
rear, and long tube headers exhale through a new set of chambered
mufflers on an exhaust that dumps out underneath the rear bumper
for just the right sound. The stance is exactly right, not too low
but not like mom's grocery-getter, either, and with Corvette Rallys
and 205/75/15 redline radials at all four corners, it looks fast
just sitting still.
Fast, fun, and handsome, this pretty red SS will make a fabulous
cruiser that will knock the crowds dead at the next local
cruise-in, and you can drive it with confidence knowing that
someone already sweated all the details. Call today!
