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
slick restoration, a powerful 350 small 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 blue, specifically Code K Artesian Turquoise. That's
good, because this awesome blue-green 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 looking slick, 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 black 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 vinyl 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
auxiliary gauges and tachometer that complement the stock units,
providing the driver with a keen eye toward the engine's vitals. A
chrome-handled T-shifter is a welcome sight in any old car, and it
juts out from the highly desirable center console that splits the
seats. There's a retro-style AM/FM/AUX radio in the dash that
handles the tunes through upgraded speakers, seatbelts up front,
and a full blown R134a A/C system, although it looks like it needs
a little service to blow cold again. The rear seat hardly looks
used, and one glance in the trunk tells you all you need to know
about how solid this car really is.
Performance got a big upgrade as well, thanks to a strong 350 V8
cubic inch small block under the hood. Go-fast goodies include an
aluminum intake and a Demon 4-barrel carburetor up top, long-tube
headers at the flanks, and a front-runner belt system that runs all
the accessories. Thanks to an HEI ignition and modern alternator it
fires with ease and idles with enough of a lope to let folks know
it's no pushover, and a big aluminum radiator keeps the whole show
nice and cool. Tough-looking polished valve covers and a matching
open-element air cleaner look slick against the satin black engine
bay. Underneath, the small block spins a TH350 3-speed automatic
transmission and a robust 12-bolt rear, and long tube headers
exhale through a new set of Flowmaster 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 American Racing Torque
Thrusts wrapped around 235/45/17 front and 255/45/17 rear radials,
it looks fast just sitting still.
Fast, fun, and handsome, this pretty teal 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!