Vehicle Description
1980 Chevrolet Malibu Classic Landau 2 Door Hardtop
The fourth generation Malibu was introduced in 1978, replacing the
was the best selling model in Chevrolet's line. Decidedly straight
and conservative in design, the platform was successful enough to
warrant production of nearly 360,000 Malibu's in its first year,
including nearly 100,000 station wagons. While many 4 door sedans
were used as fleet vehicles including police cruisers, the 2 door
notchbacks were a popular choice and serve today as a great
platform for modification, if you can find one.
For consignment, a 1980 Chevrolet Malibu Classic Landau 2 door
hardtop with a title verified 47,064 actual miles. We don't know
how many Landau top versions were made, but this is an unusual
configuration, and this time capsule brings back memories of the
once ubiquitous model that roamed the streets of America in this
period.
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
After the initial cleanliness of the car overall, it's the 14-inch
Chevrolet Sport wheels grab our attention and are depicted on the
Sport Coupe trim in the 1980 sale brochure, but they work here just
as well. The Twilight Blue Metallic body is nicely contrasted by
the Light Blue Landau top which runs from the B-pillar back and
that B-pillar is trimmed in black with the Landau spelled out under
a red bowtie crest. Beyond that, the design is basic and boxy with
square headlights and wide tail lights that flank the license plate
box. Dual chrome tips emerge from under the chrome bumper adding
even more sportiness to this pedestrian car from 1980. We note some
chalkiness to the blue vinyl of the landau top where it meets the
trunk filler panel but the entirety of the car is clean and free of
imperfections.
Interior
Remarkably clean door panels combine shades of blue with cloth,
carpet, and vinyl, attractive, simple, and fully intact. The cloth
bucket seats are also in great shape with some slight wear on the
vinyl sidewalls of the driver's side while the rear bench and its
ribbed patterning is very nice. The two spoke steering wheel might
be missing a thin line of silver trim but is otherwise in good
condition leading to a simple instrument cluster with a horizontal
speedometer and fuel gauge and a row of idiot lights to monitor the
rest. The center stack in a boxed outcropping of the dash, one that
would hold for future G-bodies, houses the A/C panel and AM/FM
radio with a storage bin below it. The very plain faceplate of the
center console houses the T-shifter but the gear indicator remains
near the speedometer. Plush blue carpet below looks good and is
protected by vintage rubber mats and highlighted by an added blue
light. The headliner above is in good shape and the trunk is super
clean and houses a spare and jack.
Drivetrain
Looking very original, the driver quality 4.4 liter V8 pumps out
120 horsepower with fuel through a 2-barrel carburetor. A TH350
3-speed automatic is mounted behind it and sends power to the 10
bolt axle with 2.73 gears. A power booster is also in the crowded
engine bay and assists the discs up front and drums in the
rear.
Undercarriage
Driver quality here with some typical surface rust and oil noted on
the rear differential, the oil pan and components behind it. A
clean exhaust system is singular and enters a FlowMaster muffler in
back, then disperse two tailpipes that exit via straight, chrome
pipes. There is no catalytic converter on board. Suspension is
standard with coil springs and a 4 link with coil springs, front
and rear respectively.
Drive-Ability
We step back to 1980 and join the hundreds of thousands of Malibu
owners. The V8 starts up and while not the fastest car on the
planet, gets us from point A to point B without issue, and that's
what it was all about. This well preserved example runs well and
rides on 70 series tires which help smooth out our test loop
imperfections. Bucket seats are a plus here and outside of the air
conditioning, we find all functional items work as 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.
Forget what we said about modifications, we'd keep this survivor
just as is. In fact, we'd have no problem taking this to car shows,
and not just Radwood. It's a great example of a car you almost
never see. Great color, nice wheels, and a time capsule interior.
Okay McFly, are you ready to head back in this time machine?
1W27JAB459372
1-Chevrolet
W-Malibu Classic
27-2 Door Notchback Coupe
J-4.4 Liter 2bbl 120hp V8
A-1980
B-Baltimore, MD Assy Plant
459372-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
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