Vehicle Description
1979 Chevrolet Malibu Hardtop
1979 would be the second model year of the fourth generation Malibu
and a year earlier, it replaced the Chevelle name as Malibu and was
the best selling model in Chevrolet's line. Decidedly straight and
conservative in design, the platform was successful enough to
warrant production of more than 412,000 Malibu's for 1979.
For consignment, a 1979 Chevrolet Malibu showing 98,314 miles which
are non-actual. 127,000 coupes were produced in 1979 and there's no
telling how many of them served as the platform for racy
modification. With its bend on simple design and room in the engine
bay, packing these with a punchy V8 has become common.
Exterior
Black paint coats this boxy sedan, and delineations come in the
form of silver window trim, wheel opening trim, straight chrome
bumpers, hood pins, and B-pillar trim. Its glossy finish is also
augmented by a bright metallic grid grille between chrome bezel
square headlights and a bright red pinstripe that runs down the
side. Veering from what would have been factory, twin exhaust tips
in chrome point downward behind each rear wheel. 14 and 15-inch
Chevy Rally wheels carry staggered tires and have a Chevy bowtie on
the center cap that also boasts "disc brakes". The rear facing hood
scoop rises from the center of the hood and other than the exhaust
tips, present the only hint that perhaps this is not your
pedestrian Malibu. The square, three part tail lights and flat
decklid however, remain as remnants of a ubiquitous commuter car
that were no frills back in the day. Imperfections include bubbling
in the paint, paint chips, cracking paint on the shoulder of the
door and at the drip rails.
Interior
The door panel is dressed up a bit by a red velour insert over
clean black textured plastic and a carpeted liner on the bottom.
Red velour over black vinyl makes up the split bench seat, flat and
simple and copied in style and materials on the back bench, also in
very nice condition. A standard steering wheel shows some patina
and wears an aftermarket cover while sharing its column with the
shifter and a small tachometer. With the recognition of the
A-pillar gauges, we conclude that this is not your grandmother's
Malibu. However, the base instrument cluster and its horizontal
speedometer and prominent clock tell us otherwise. The vent control
panel is situated above a modern AM/FM/CD radio with AUX and USB
capability in the center stack of black molded plastic. Speakers
and cupholders have been added below and the bright red fire
extinguisher would definitely get grandma's attention! Meanwhile,
nice black carpet covers the floor along with Malibu Classic
branded red mats to match the decor. The foam backed headliner has
some dimples but is otherwise intact.
Drivetrain
Under the scooped hood we find a very clean 350ci V8 with an
Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor under the open K&N air filter. A
TH350 3-speed automatic transmission is onboard sending power to
the 10 bolt rear axle and clean headers route spent fuel in the
same direction. Power brakes supply the halt and are front discs
and rear drums.
Undercarriage
Just a bit of surface rust and road patina underneath where it is
generally clean. The pans appear dry and the dual exhaust flows
from headers and through glasspack style mufflers. Suspension
consists of coil springs in front and a 4-link with coil springs in
the back.
Drive-Ability
A wolf in sheep's clothing? Absolutely. The flat backed bench seat
and elementary dashboard does very little to prepare your right
foot for what's on tap. The raucous exhaust hints and the tach
needle bounces as we turn the key and set off on this family car
from 1979. There's plenty of power on tap and the throttle is
responsive. Tracking is great and it's sure footed around turns
with tires surely wider than the showroom version. Other than the
heater blower, all functions work as they're intended. While
Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at
the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions
will be working at the time of your purchase.
Yes, it's a bit of a sleeper but its secret is revealed by the
sound, the hood scoop, and the massive exhaust pipes. Sinister
black paint cap things off and while this build would work just
fine in white or gold, black does the job! You have to appreciate
the handsome simplicity of the design and with the right
ingredients, Malibus make great street cruisers. This one has the
right mix. We'll keep it warm until you get here to take this
little slice of heaven home.
1W27M9B569866
1-Chevrolet
T-Malibu
27-2 Door Sport Coupe
M-3.3L V6 2bbl
9-1979
B-Baltimore, MD Assy Plant
69866-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.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
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
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