For Sale: 1978 Chevrolet Malibu in Morgantown, Pennsylvania

1978 Chevrolet Malibu Classic 2 Door Hardtop

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 Chevrolet'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 Malibu Classic 2 door hardtop showing 6,072 miles, but the true miles are unknown. Gone is the 305 two barrel, replaced by a 408ci V8 and four barrel and the looks to back it up!

Exterior
Somewhat old school but forever cool, the two tone configuration of this Malibu is bisected by a black spear stripe on the side that becomes strobe-like in the back, making for a unique and racy presentation as it splits the Orange upper from the Silver body. The pinned matte black hood features a high cowl and offers a menacing clue of what resides underneath. A blacked out grille and smoked tail lights help keep things slightly sinister, while the bumpers are dressed in silver paint. 15-inch Weld ProStar wheels fit nicely into the openings, not overdone or cartoonish in any way and no visible exhaust keeps things clean. Imperfections include chips throughout, loose adhesive around the rear window, drilled holes on the fender bottoms, scuffs, crazing over filler, and some clear coat runs.

Interior
Cloth and vinyl black door panels are intact with some slight patina on the driver's side and a cut out on the other door. Inside, the pedestrian front seats are gone and in their place is a pair of racing seats with harnesses tethered to the roll cage. The rear bench is present and clean. Up front, it's race central with an ergonomic steering wheel facing a custom, faced gauge cluster replete with white faced AutoMeter gauges. The GM center square holds a Delco AM/FM/Cassette radio, remnant A/C panel, and a pull knob for the line lock. B&M is the shifter of choice in the center console over good, black carpet. As you would expect, the trunk is barren and holds the battery in the cove intended for the original space saver spare.

Drivetrain
The impressive looking engine is a 408ci V8, super clean and embellished with bright red highlights. It has Holley 4-barrel carburetor over a Weiand intake and is mated to a TH350 3-speed automatic transmission that routes power to the 12 bolt rear axle with a mini spooled differential. Headers and power brakes are on board.

Undercarriage
Clean conditions are found underneath where solid black serves as the backdrop for a chromed differential cover and dual exhaust that travel through an X-pipe, then FlowMaster mufflers, finally terminating above the frame and pointing to the sides. We have power disc brakes up front and power drums in the back while suspension consists of coil springs at both ends with a 4 link in back.

Drive-Ability
They'll be no sneaking around with this car as it makes its presence known with a hardy exhaust note. Once on the test loop, the purpose built interior provides support and ergonomics for straight ahead driving, and the car tracks true with obvious power underfoot. The heater has been removed and so the blower does not work, but all other functions available to the pilot 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.

Here's a street/strip Malibu that looks good and runs well. 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.

1W27U8B417819

1-Chevrolet
W-Malibu Classic
27-2 Door Notchback Coupe
U-305ci 2bbl V8
8-1978
B-Baltimore, MD Assy Plant
417819-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. All prices are before state, city and county tax, tag, title and license fees. Out of state buyers are responsible for all state, county, city taxes and fees, as well as title/registration fees in the state that the vehicle will be registered. Classic Auto Mall is not responsible for errors and omissions. Please verify listings with dealer. Vehicles may require VIN verification and/or safety and emissions inspections to transfer ownership and register the vehicle in the declared state of residence. Please check with your local DMV office to ensure compliance with your states titling and registration process.

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