1965 Chevrolet Malibu

If we were to write a book on the early, classic Chevelle we’d have to devote a chapter of the book to the ultra-rare L79-optioned Chevelle. Available from 1965 through 1968 in the Nova, Chevelle and Corvette, this engine option code indicated a 327 V8 rated at a muscular 350 horsepower. To put that impressive output into proper perspective, consider that in 1965 that was more power than you got in a base Chevelle SS’ 396, a base GTO’s 400, a base 442’s 400…you get the idea. It was no surprise that a Nova or Chevelle equipped with an L79 could often outgun its larger-engine cousins on the boulevard and at the quarter mile track. On offer here is one of these Holy Grail small- block-equipped Chevelles. This gorgeous 1965 Malibu L79 was originally a California car and presently has only 49,148 actual miles. It was the recipient of a high-quality restoration back in 2001 and has been a sparingly driven and pampered show car since. As such, it still looks fresh and runs and drives as well as it looks. After it was taken down to bare metal, the rock-solid body was resprayed in the factory correct and subdued Willow Green hue. No bright red or sinister black here, this Malibu looks like something your grandmother would’ve driven back in the day with a straight six under the hood. These so-called “plain brown wrapper” muscle cars were called “sleepers” for good reason. Decades before the restoration, the Malibu had been slightly customized in the ‘70s style with aluminum slotted wheels and a custom interior. Thankfully, these mild modifications did not involve cutting any metal nor replacing the seats, as such, the car was easily brought back to stock when it was restored. Underneath it’s as clean and dry as you’d expect a low-mileage, pampered California car to be. At some point in the car’s life, the seats and door panels were covered with brown diamond-quilted vinyl, a customizing touch that was very popular in the ’70s and ‘80s. Fortunately, the original seat upholstery and door panels underneath were in very good condition, requiring only a thorough steam cleaning to bring them back after the custom covers were pulled off. The star of this show, that 327/350-horse small block looks as correct and crisp as the rest of the Malibu. It’s nearly all original from the replated dual snorkel air cleaner down to the oil pan. It has had a Lunati camshaft and a Pertronix ignition installed while the original radiator was re-cored. The dual exhaust system was also replaced. The Muncie 4-speed transmission and 3.31-geared, 12-bolt Positraction rear end are original. Fire it up and it settles into a rumpety-rump idle. Underway, the L79 pulls clean and hard, sounding fantastic while doing so. The Chevelle also handles and brakes well, as those systems were also refurbished as needed during the restoration, it even retains the original GM “spiral” shocks as they were in fine shape, making for an all-around great drive. A photo album of the restoration that includes pictures of the stripped then painted body, as well as various engine and powertrain numbers, accompanies the car. The decoded numbers help to show that this is indeed a real-deal L79 Malibu, For more information or to schedule time to see this iconic muscle car, just give us a call at 603-627-5595. Financing is offered through our approved lender, interesting trades are welcome and enclosed shipping can be arranged.