Vehicle Description
1970 Chevrolet Malibu Convertible
"Not many roads entered the Malibu area before 1929, then the state
won a court case which allowed for the construction of the Pacific
Coast Highway. Then in 1926, a small ceramic tile factory opened in
Malibu by Mary K. Rindge. This factory employed over 100 workers
and it kickstarted the Malibu economy because Malibu tile was very
valuable and sought after at the time. This tile factory paved the
way for business and Los Angeles locals to move into the Malibu
area. Wealthy Businessmen such as William Randolph Hearst bought a
large percentage of Malibu real estate and sold it after the Great
Depression, establishing the current Malibu neighborhoods we know
today." Malibu.org
For consignment, a 1970 Chevrolet Malibu convertible with a title
verified 137,599 actual miles, a numbers matching transmission, a
30 year old restoration, and a brand new convertible top. Despite
the extent of recent fire damage to beach front properties, one
can't help imagining cruising this top drop up the Pacific Coast
Highway with the top down and a surfboard hanging out the back!
This car has been garaged for the past 30 years, seeing only 5,000
miles since the rebuild and restoration.
Exterior
A number of newer OEM panels went into the restoration at which
time two stage Garnet Red paint was skillfully applied and it swims
over the smooth panels with wine colored coverage. Quad headlights
flank a two tiered grille, black framed in metal but for many, it's
the rear view that is most attractive, wide split square tail
lights embedded in the chrome bumper at the base of a smooth
decklid and pointed fenders. It looks fast from this angle and
exemplifies 60's muscle. The new canvas top is in great condition,
of course and the 15-inch Chevrolet Rally wheels look right at home
wrapped in 205/75R15's on all four corners which keeps the car
perfectly level. The paint, chrome, and other metalwork are nice
with imperfections noted to include a ding in the metal frame of
the grille, some touched up scratches, a ding, some uneven filler
and sanding scratches, some pimple like bumps in the paint, and
slight cracking in one spot.
Interior
Black vinyl door panels present nicely with a few small dimples in
the driver's door, and the vinyl split bench in front looks great,
with accenting of weave textured bands and vertical stitching, and
the back bench mirrors material and condition. The original
steering wheel shows patina and has a crack in the ring, leading to
the column shifter and a wide horizontal speedometer with a
slightly cloudy plastic shroud. The original looking dash has an
updated radio with AM/FM while the vent panel, knobs, and row of
idiot lights take us right back to 1970. We note a crack in the
dash pad but the black loop carpet covering the floor is in fine
shape and while we're down here, we seespeakers mounted under the
dash. The trunk is clean with a vinyl plaid mat and a spare Rally
wheel and jack.
Drivetrain
Orange colors the block, the heater hoses, and ignition wires on
this rebuilt 305ci V8 from the late 70's with a 2-barrel carburetor
and a numbers matching TH350 3-speed automatic transmission sending
power to the 10 bolt axle with 2.73 gears. Drum brakes are found on
all four corners.
Undercarriage
Driver quality underneath with the rear axle and suspension
components showing some age, but fully intact. There's some
residual oil on the flywheel cover and some redness on a few of the
transmission pan bolts but no invasive rust is noted anywhere. The
single exhaust flows through a stock style muffler and then exits
out back. Suspension is composed of coil springs in front and a 4
link with coil springs out back. Vintage style spiral shocks are
noted in back.
Drive-Ability
More cruiser than bruiser, we're happy to take this classic Malibu
for a quick spin. No shoreline here in landlocked Morgantown, so
we'll just have to use visualization. The 305 provides plenty of
power and the seats are as comfortable as the vinyl benches can
provide while allowing your loved one to sit a bit closer. We note
the reverse lights do not illuminate and the shift indicator is not
working, so count those clicks! All other functions operate as they
should. 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.
Just 7,522 Malibu convertibles were built in 1970 and this one was
born at the Baltimore, Maryland assembly plant, so maybe it's seen
the eastern shore or cruised Atlantic Avenue in southern New
Jersey. Wherever you live, even if there's no water nearby, you're
likely going to enjoy some fantastic top down cruises in this well
sorted Malibu. Its classic design will never cease to be cool.
136670B197334
1-Chevrolet
36-Malibu V8
67-Convertible
0-1970
B-Baltimore, MD Assy Plant
197334-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
ST 70 13667-1970 Malibu Convertible
BDY B295774-Baltimore Body #
TR 755-Black Coated Fabric Bench
PNT 55B-Champagne Gold, Black Top
06A-1st Week June
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
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
