1967 Chevelle Malibu Convertible L79
This car is listed in the National L79 Registry. It is an older restoration on a very original, all number matching, rust free car. I am currently freshening up the car and keeping it nut and bolt correct. I want to preserve the history of this very rare car. In 1967 Chevrolet only built 4,048 Chevelle's with the Legendry L79 Corvette 350 HP 327 engine. Only about 250 Malibu convertibles were produced. I am very familiar with L79 cars as I have owned three L79s. This car is a time machine. Before I describe the car let me briefly describe my credentials. I started training with GM, AC, Delco Remy, and Rochester in 1969. I was also ASE certified and have a degree in automotive technology. I do know these cars well. I will be honest and answer any questions about this L79 Malibu the best I can.
The Corvette 327 L79 engine was rated at 350 HP at 5,800 RPM. It was built with all the Corvette special high-performance parts, utilizing a big hydraulic camshaft. The only difference between the Corvette L79 and the 1967 passenger car L79 were the exhaust manifolds. When used, the Chevrolet factory ram horn exhaust manifolds with the 2.5 inch outlets may have been worth 10 HP more. The horsepower rating change was for marketing purposes only. Even though the sales brochures listed the L79 at 325 Horse Power I will refer to the L79 at 350 HP. Properly tuned and driven an L79 car could show its taillights to most of the big block muscle cars.
For a car to be listed in The National L79 Registry there must be documentation verifying and supporting its factory assembly. This car has been registered twice in The National L79 Registry. Unfortunately, all the original paperwork has been lost for this Malibu. Having been registered in the The National L79 Registry is proof of its history. Also, I have included many photos showing all the power train numbers and dates to verify all numbers match. If you are familiar with the L79 option you will see in the photos how correct this Malibu is. If you need a better explanation of these numbers and the correctness of this car I will be happy to explain them to you.
Now, let us talk about this very rare Malibu L79. Here is a list of the Regular Production Options. Powertrain: 327 325 HP (350 HP) L79 engine, Muncie M20 4 speed transmission, heavy duty clutch, 12 bolt 3.73 Posi differential, heavy duty cooling, F40 special suspension, Gardner dual exhaust. Power Assists: power steering, power brakes. Interior Features: factory tachometer, factory gauges, factory clock, factory AM/FM radio (converted to modern solid state), factory deluxe seat belts, factory deluxe all vinyl interior (all original), factory GM floor mats. Exterior Features: power convertible top, bumper guards front and rear, left and right outside door mirrors (NOS), door edge guards.
The odometer shows 90,600 miles. Based on my automotive experience and the fact that almost everything is number and date correct, I believe the mileage is very likely accurate. I feel that this car was stored unused in a garage or warehouse for many years. I have had southern and west coast cars before and this Malibu is as rust free as any that I have had. I included a photo of the underside floor pans after the under coating was scraped off to show how clean the under carriage is. Look how clean the differential and frame are. Before 2012 a cosmetic restoration was performed and then the Malibu was first registered in The National L79 Registry. I am freshening up the Malibu with New Old Stock or mint used parts as needed. I do not use reproduction parts unless absolutely necessary. I am not making a number one show car. At local car show the Malibu draws a lot of interest and people enjoy seeing and learning about this legendary L79 327 car. My main goal is to preserve this rare special part of automotive high-performance history.
All Corvette special high-performance engines had the harmonic balancer bolt safety wired. I included a photo that shows the safety wire is still in place. I began to wonder if anyone had been in the block since assembly at the Flint engine plant. As I have been working on the car I noticed new freeze plugs and other things indicating some block work had been performed. The compression is good and the engine does not use any oil. The heads have been off and received a valve job and complete service. Like me, the previous restorer, was very detailed in keeping this Malibu correct. There are a few things that I am doing like the GM 15x6 wheels and electronic ignition conversion to improve the handling and performance. Again, my main goal is to preserve this special car.
Let me point out a few facts about the L79 regular production option. The list price for the L79 option was about $198.00 in the Chevelle. You received the legendary Corvette 327 engine, heavy duty suspension, and heavy-duty drivetrain very similar to the 396 Super Sport package. You may find information on the internet about the L79 but it is not all accurate. I had a L79 in the late 60's and early 70's and was seldom beat. I also restored an all numbers Malibu coupe in early 2000. I was looking for an original/restored 1965 Malibu SS and then I found this rare L79.
If you are into original cars like I am, then this is he car for you. If you like to show and drive cars like they were in the 1960's then this is the car for you. This rare L79 Malibu is a time machine. If you want to take this car to the national shows it will need a little more work. It is a solid, limited production, rust free car for you to continue with the restoration or just drive it and enjoy it. If you are looking for a piece of automotive history, then look no further. Any unused mint parts or NOS parts that I still have for this car will be included in the sale. I will check my email once a day.
