For Sale: 1978 Chevrolet Malibu Classic in Morgantown, Pennsylvania

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.

With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!