Vehicle Description
1978 Chevrolet Malibu Classic
1978 would be the first model year of the fourth generation Malibu
and in that same year, it replaced the Chevelle name as Malibu and
was the best selling model in Chevy's line. Decidedly straight and
conservative in design, the platform was successful enough to
warrant production of nearly 360,000 Malibu's for 1978, including
nearly 100,000 station wagons. While many 4 door sedans were used
as fleet vehicles including police cruisers, the notchback coupe
was a popular choice and serves today as a great platform for
modification.
For consignment, a 1978 Chevrolet Malibu Classic. This clean green
machine has been modified with some go fast goodness, lots of new
parts, and a tall stance with dual exhaust that hints of some
power. It's no sleeper but this is what can happen when you hotrod
a basic passenger car from the 70's!
Note: Due to modifications of the emissions control devices
installed by the manufacturer, please check your local, state, and
federal laws to determine if this vehicle is applicable for use on
public highways in your area
Exterior
Two stage Green Metallic paint coats the car with near flawless
coverage. A cowl hood rises behind the simple front fascia, a flat
nosed basic layout of single headlights, a rectangle grille filled
with smaller rectangles, and a hefty chrome bumper. Other than the
slight rise of the cowl, all horizontal surfaces are flat and
square and the car has great proportions. Long tail lights hover
over a large chrome rear bumper below which we see two tailpipes
that may have been borrowed from the Alaskan pipeline. 15-inch
rally wheels hold staggered 60 series tires that give the car a
slightly aggressive stance. For comparison, the rear tires are 3
inches taller and 3 � inches wider than what would have been on the
car in 1978. Some slight bubbling on a lower panel is the only flaw
we noted.
Interior
Varying shades of green and materials make up the door panels with
manual window cranks and locks and the integrated door handle and
armrest seemingly used by GM for decades. Tall green front bucket
seats have a velour texture, and the sides are vinyl. The same
pattern for the back bench which is straight and clean and in front
of two speakers on the rear shelf. The standard steering wheel is
covered with an aftermarket vinyl cover while the hard plastic
bezel of the gauge cluster houses a Dakota digital gauge package.
GM's center stack box contains the climate controls and an AM/FM/CD
radio with aux capability. The horseshoe shifter is in the center
console which shows some age but is intact, and melds into a
center, plastic topped storage bin. Green loop carpet covers the
floor while the soft headliner shows some dimpling but is in
otherwise good condition.
Drivetrain
A very clean crate engine is under the cowl hood which our
consignor states is a 383ci stroker V8, and it says so on the
bright orange valve covers. The polished engine also includes a
Holley Sniper electronic fuel injection system, aluminum heads, and
a 3-core aluminum radiator and fan, while headers begin the exhaust
process. A TH350 3-speed automatic transmission backs the engine
and sends power to the Ford 9" rear. Power disc brakes are assigned
to the front while power drums get the job in the back. Our
consignor states that the engine and transmission were installed in
2023.
Undercarriage
Nice and clean underneath and those headers lead into a 3-inch
Pypes stainless steel exhaust system that meet at an X, then travel
in tandem to a pair of mufflers, finally escaping out the back
through those massive tips. We note the lack of catalytic
converters. A G-force transmission crossmember supports the
transmission which has a polished pan. The oil pan is polished too
and there's no sign of wayward oil save for some oil slung onto the
passenger's muffler from a leaky pinion seal. Our consignor states
the driveshaft is new. Meanwhile, coil springs are on the front and
a 4-link with coil springs are in back.
Drive-Ability
The familiar car family interior gives way to a raucous roar when
you turn the key. Fuel injection is instant and the bellowing
exhaust follows us onto the test loop as throttle response is good
and there's power on tap. Handling, braking, and all gauges,
lights, and other electronics work as intended.
Goodbye future Malibu's, hello past Malibu's! Yes, Chevrolet did
away with future production of the Malibu name, but who cares when
you have such great old cars like this 1978 around to carry on the
legend. I'll refrain from Hulk references, but it's easy to be
green in the well sorted remnant of the good old days of basic
transportation in a handsome midsized package. And this one
hauls.
1W27U8B539103
1-Chevrolet
W-Malibu Classic
27-2 Door Notchback Coupe
U-305ci 2bbl V8
8-1978
B-Baltimore, MD Assy Plant
539103-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in
person.
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