Vehicle Description
Vehicle to be offered for Auction sale January 19th - 22nd 2017 at Russo and Steeles 17th Annual Scottsdale Arizona Auction at the Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Please contact us for more information.
From its landmark debut for 1964, Chevrolet's intermediate A-Body Chevelle and upscale Malibu were wildly successful thanks to their attractive styling, extensive options, and sheer value for the dollar. While powered at first by economical inline sixes and reasonably powerful small-block V-8s, higher-performance engines, including the RPO L79 327 high-performance V-8, which was curiously - and likely arbitrarily - rated at 25 fewer ponies than advertised with the Corvette. Nonetheless, savvy buyers opted for the L79, which also delivered a sizable weight advantage versus the heavier big-block engines that were also available. A long hood, short deck restyling for 1968 made these great cars even better.
This 1968 Chevelle Malibu Sport Coupe is a final-year example with the 325-hp RPO L79 engine, which was no longer available after 1968. An original Butternut Yellow and black vinyl roof car now finished in Rally Red with Aztec Silver lower surfaces, it was built in July 1968 in Baltimore. It is also significant as one of the last Chevelles of its kind produced. As offered, it is a numbers correct example; however, some parts were acquired to ensure its correctness and consistent date codes. The transmission is the original Muncie M21 4-speed with a 4.111 rear end. The black bucket-seat interior is equipped with a desirable console. The Consignor advises that he has owned this car for 10 years and have only driven it a total of 1,000 miles during their tenure. Included with the sale of the Chevelle is an extra set of cylinder heads, which are currently installed on the engine. The proper '2.02' heads were redone and still wrapped in plastic. Correct exhaust manifolds are inside the trunk as headers are currently fitted. Induction is via a new Edelbrock manifold and carburetor, with correct intake manifold also included in the Chevelle's trunk.
The odometer currently reads 47,344 miles and in full disclosure, has likely rolled over. New body bushings and new shocks were fitted, and the front end was recently redone. All rubber is new, the interior was completely removed with the body cleaned, prepped, and primed for paint. New insulation was added, the dash was removed and cleaned, and the underside of the car is very clean. Further details were addressed by the Consignor, including removal and repainting of the inner fenders, bumper brackets, and other items as required. New coil springs and new brakes were installed, and the ignition was upgraded with a Pertronix electronic system. Wheels are upgraded to 15 inches in diameter. Very clean throughout, this potent L79-equipped 1968 Chevelle Malibu is simply a great American muscle car.
