Vehicle Description
When this 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu convertible rolled in,
more than one person simply said, "Wow," which we think sums it up
brilliantly. Beautifully restored and meticulously maintained ever
since, this droptop represents the American muscle car era at its
best. With a screaming red paint job, a comfortable bucket-seat
interior, and strong 400 V8 under the hood, this impressive sled is
sure to keep turning heads for many years to come.
Exceptionally well finished, this Chevelle has all the hallmarks of
a car that started out as a solid, high-quality piece and was
restored back to greatness through the skillful hands of
professional builders. Bodywork is impressive, with a uniform look
to the sheetmetal, and good prep under the paint, this is one you
can proudly drive to any local car show of your choosing. Gaps show
that someone cared when putting it back together, and they made the
right choice by keeping things simple, avoiding the obvious
temptation of a cowl hood that doesn't belong, or some gaudy stripe
kit that takes away from the original styling of this lovely '66.
And then there's that paint. Maybe 1966 Chevelle experts will call
it Regal Red, but no factory paint ever glowed like this car does,
showing off a strong finish that's certainly a head-turner.
Stainless trim has been polished, and 'Malibu' badges installed on
the rear quarters, because this car isn't trying to be something
it's not. It wears a stock grille up front instead of a swapped-in
SS unit (how refreshing!) and both bumpers have been straightened
and re-chromed to really glitter up against the red-hot finish.
Red buckets are the only way to fly on a car like this, and they
present in fantastic condition with very little signs of usage. The
original 1966 dash was plain and simple, but elegant and clean, and
the factory gauges have been augmented with a trio of auxiliary
units underneath the dash that keep a much closer eye on the
engine. The center console is an ultra-cool piece with a built-in
clock, and the original shifter (which looks like a piece of modern
art) controls a capable TH350 3-speed automatic transmission. Like
a lot of these early Chevelle Malibus, options are sparse, but you
do get a sporty, leather-wrapped steering wheel and a stock AM
radio hooked-up to upgraded speakers in the kick panels, although
it's in need of some service. The white power convertible top fits
so well we were almost afraid to put it down, but it works
perfectly with just a touch of the button if the weather happens to
turn. And in back, the spacious trunk is neatly finished with
spatter paint and carries a full-size spare tire.
The engine bay is a nice combination of original-style parts and
quality aftermarket equipment that work together for a beautiful
presentation. A smooth-running 400 V8 looks right and makes plenty
of power with the help of a set of aluminum heads to make the
Chevelle a blast on the street. Cool blacked-out valve covers work
with a shiny open-element air cleaner, and the block is fed by a
Summit 4-barrel carburetor atop a performance intake. Long tube
headers feed a true dual H-pipe exhaust system with chambered
mufflers that let the engine speak with that characteristic small
block bark under throttle. The chassis is solid and incredibly
clean, with a painted frame and pans that frame the TH350 3-speed
automatic transmission and heavy-duty rear end suspended on newer
shocks. Power front disc brakes and power steering give the droptop
great road manners and it rolls on a set of flashy chrome Rev
wheels wearing 215/50/17 front and 255/50/17 rear blackwall
radials.
Nicely restored and beautifully presented, this is a dialed-in
droptop Chevy that likely won't be with us long. Let the other guys
worry about investments; you'll be having too much fun behind the
wheel. Call today!
