For Sale: 1978 Chevrolet Malibu in Lithia Springs, Georgia

This 1978 Chevrolet Malibu started as a low-mileage and highly original coupe, but less than 450 miles ago there was a transformation. It was given a 700+ horsepower professionally-built performance motor. It was also given all the right supporting components to make sure this big power gets to the pavement. It makes for an awesome custom that has a hint of sleeper style and plenty of street-dominating performance.

This Malibu's power transformation took place around 2020, but you can see this one keeps a true classic style. It was purchased with only about 20k original miles on it, and they took extra care to keep the time capsule cruiser feeling in all the places that didn't need performance components. The Dark Camel paint shows all the right signs of being the factory application. It continues to have an attractive metallic glow nearly 45 years later. And there's a classic premium cruiser style with big chrome bumpers, well-fitting panels, a golden tan pinstripe, and a recently redone vinyl roof that coordinates. So it's quite a sleeper because they refrained from adding a tall cowl hood or metallic flames. They didn't even give it the kind of exhaust that will set off car alarms. But the Vision 17-inch racing wheels give this an awesome look with the small tire front fat rear drag tires. So its stance will make sure that those who know power immediately pay attention.

The interior has more of that low-mileage classic style with an inviting earth-tone brown that harmonizes with the exterior. It's the kind of old-school bench seat cruiser first impression that's wonderfully preserved, right down to details like the dual-spoke steering wheel and the working dome light. But just like the exterior, this also shows off the right upgrades. The radio is now an AM/FM/CD unit with USB input that connects you to a full Kicker subwoofer speaker system (an over $4,500 investment in the audio system alone.) And the full Dakota Digital gauges and B&M floor shifter remind you this isn't a stock classic.

Under the hood is a Shafiroff Racing engine. There was over $12k invested in 2020 for this performance-built 434 cubic-inch small block. It is a fortified total package that starts with a Dart M block, and then it adds CP Pro Series forged pistons, Scat H-beam rods, Scat stroker crank, SSRE biller roller cam, and AFR aluminum heads. It inhales deeply with a Quick Fuel four-barrel carburetor, and it exhales with power as headers feed the dual exhaust. You'll also spot good supporting components like an MSD ignition, billet pulleys, and an aluminum radiator with dual electric fans. The full package is built for 700+ horsepower! And making sure the power gets to the ground is a Sid Neal Racing TH400 transmission with reverse manual valve body. This feeds into a Moser 9-inch with 3.70 gears and Positraction for confident take-offs. The suspension is fully upgraded with QA1 tubular front A-arms, boxed steel rear arms, UMI performance sway bars, and QA1 adjustable coilovers all around. This is a seriously powerful setup, but it also isn't a pure quarter-mile machine. Four-wheel power discs brakes, power steering, and Gear Vendors overdrive continue the right touch of cruiser feeling that lets this mean Malibu still be a true classic.

Complete with build receipts, this is the custom that has been transformed from a survivor into a predator. Call today!!!