Baked Survivor: 1975 Chevrolet Malibu Classic
Buying a classic car can sometimes be a “swings and roundabouts” exercise. Finding a vehicle from a dry location minimizes the chances of rust issues, but the harsh UV rays in those areas often exact a high toll on the paint. That theory perfectly encapsulates this 1975 Chevrolet Malibu Classic. It may look tired and baked, but it is a rock-solid turnkey vehicle that can be enjoyed immediately. A cosmetic refresh would be straightforward, making it an ideal candidate for an enthusiast considering a first project. The Malibu is listed here on Craigslist in Reno, Nevada. The seller set their price at $10,500, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this promising project candidate.
Chevrolet released its Third Generation Chevelle range for the 1973 model year, marking the most significant changes in the badge’s history to that point. The new range shared mechanical components with its predecessor, but the body and frame were new. Our feature car is the range-topping Malibu Classic, which rolled off the line in 1975, with the original owner ordering it in Medium Blue. One look at its exterior confirms this Classic has spent its life in a dry climate because the paint wears the typical baked appearance. However, that is probably the only negative aspect of the vehicle because the panels are straight, and any rust issues are little more than dry surface corrosion. The Malibu would undoubtedly benefit from a cosmetic refresh, although preservation is a viable option for those preferring the “shabby chic” look. The trim and glass look excellent for their age, while the Rally wheels are a classy touch.
Powering this Malibu Classic is the 350ci V8, backed by a three-speed Hydramatic transmission. Variable-ratio power steering was a standard feature on V8-equipped Malibus in 1975, with this car also sporting power front disc brakes. The small-block produces 145hp and 250 ft/lbs of torque. Outright performance wasn’t what buyers had experienced from a similar mechanical package at the decade’s start, but this beauty should cruise effortlessly on the open road at freeway speed. The news with this Malibu remains positive because it is in excellent mechanical health. That V8 should sound wonderful exhaling through its new custom dual exhaust. The seller replaced the tires and fuel tank, recently treating the transmission to a rebuild. They don’t mention verifying evidence for the odometer reading of 107,000 genuine miles, but they confirm this is a turnkey Classic that runs and drives beautifully. Flying in for a Reno vacation before driving this Malibu home is an achievable goal.
The seller supplies several interior shots, leaving us to choose between dark or blurred images! I braced myself when I saw this car’s baked exterior, expecting the interior trim and upholstery to look pretty toasted. However, it springs a surprise by presenting surprisingly well. It is far from perfect, but it is serviceable. The driver’s seat has some rips, and the dash pad has cracked. A new owner could hide those shortcomings under a set of slipcovers and a dash cover, and that might be a wise strategy while they contemplate how much they are willing to invest in this Chevy. The remaining Blue upholstered surfaces are pretty good, and there is no evidence of broken or crumbling plastic. The original owner ordered this Malibu with air conditioning, and while the system is complete, the compressor currently resides in the trunk. Other factory options include a swivel driver’s seat, power locks, remote exterior mirrors, a rear defogger, and a tilt wheel. The buyer will welcome the original documentation, including the Build Sheet, Protect-O-Plate, local dealer manuals, and a selection of receipts and invoices.
This 1975 Chevrolet Malibu Classic is far from perfect, but its dry-climate existence has left it rock-solid and ripe for restoration. A fresh coat of paint would make an enormous difference to its appearance, while the interior shortcomings could be easily and cheaply disguised under a set of slipcovers and a dash cover. Those few changes would help this Malibu to stand out without breaking the bank. Combine that strategy with the asking price, and this appears to be an affordable, turnkey proposition. That makes it worth serious consideration.
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Comments
I like this – the curious mix of options, the slick roof, and the lack of rust.
I don’t think a flipper would add dual exhaust, in fact, it would probably be on old tires…so maybe life changes are in play. It was loved.
Did I mention how I love the lack of a vinyl roof?
Not sure I’d spend 5 figures on a colonnade that needs paint and body and interior. But for sure there’s probably very little if any body rot.
I had a 76 Monte with those great seats. However, cheap GM material started to rip by 1982. By the way, GM Protect-O-Plates ended in 1972.
It appears that you and I are the only ones with doubts about the price. For my thinking MAYBE half the asking price.
Absolutely love this car! I had as one of my early drivers a 73 Malibu and I had a great time with that car and it was nothing like this one. The buckets, the center console, the dual exhaust, the rally wheels. Everything about it. Do the interior, body and paint and get some serious horsepower out of the drive train and go as far as throwing on a set of white letter tires and keep it until I die. In fact. If I end up selling my house then I will be taking a trip to Reno. Could be sweet.
Wow, unusual options, I didn’t know you could get swivel buckets and console in a Malibu! Power locks, but no power windows? Tilt wheel is a bit unusual too. I like it. A paint job, get the A/C back together and working, I really wish I could buy it and use it just like that. He may get that price, simply because there’s so few left, and this one is a diamond in the not-so-rough. My Uncle had a 74 Malibu 4-door, dark blue with black interior and black vinyl top. The A/C was great (none of my parent’s cars had working A/C until well into the 1990s), it was comfortable, it rode nice, and the 350 2bbl was quite peppy. Dual exhaust can only be an improvement on that.
In 1983 I bought a 75 malibu with the motor out of it, it had swivel buckets with the console and tilt column. A 100 dollar rusty 74 monte with a bad tranny from a coworker later I had a fairly nice ride. Paid 50 bucks for a complete set of rallye wheels and it was looking really good. Didn’t have an HEI so I used the point set up from the 74 and that car never ran as good as it looked. Kept changing spark plugs about every month it seemed and it never really changed. Then I decided to switch brands one friday, took the AC’s out and put autolites in, that car ran quite a bit better that night. She could finally spin the tires on gravel. The next day I got to thinking about it and decided to switch out the AC points, I went to Cramers and asked for the best points they had for a chevy, I got Blue Streak points and put them in and that woke that car up, I could smoke the tires on pavement and I was so happy that I finally got the thing running right. The next morning I went with my brother to get a car from a tow lot and I saw my little sister driving my car with our mom in the passenger seat while we were stopped getting gas, I figured they were going to get grandma from Amazonia, no problem I thought. After they picked grandma up she wanted to go to St Joe and see the new 229 offramp they finally opened up. The state made them move in the late 60’s as that ramp was going right thru where the house was and after 15 plus years later it was done and she wanted to see it. It was also the first time my sis had driven in st joe boot and it did not end well. Not her fault but another car made a left turn and they hit head on, everyone in the car was cut and bruised up but no broken bones, thankfully. My car was toast but the other gal had insurance so I ended up with a 1100 dollar insurance check and got to keep the car for parts. Still miss that car. maybe if I never got it running right I wouldn’t miss it so much
In early 75 I entered the Army, shortly after the draft ended. After basic training & school I went home to Michigan from San Antonio. While there, looked at cars at my folks longtime Chevy dealer. Came down to a 75 yellow goldish Malibu equipped like this but no swivel seats or a 75 Camaro. Of course, at 19 I chose the latter. However, I’m not gonna lie. I thought hard about that Malibu Classic. Either car was roughly $4300 back then.
145 hp, so the two barrel.
I almost ended up with a stripper ’75 Malibu the same color, with a 250 inline 6, but my father relented and got me a dark green 350 2 barrel, swivel buckets.
Awesome first car.
Bought a new ’73 Malibu in Alabama fall of ’73, just before the gas crisis hit. Shortly after drove it to Colorado. Great, smooth highway car. Loved it, but with gas hitting 60 cents a gallon I traded it for a new VW. One of many dumb things I’ve done in my life.
Drove this exact car in high school but white. Air shocks, craters with Mickey Thompson wides on there. Thought I had a real hot rod. Wow what good times.
Had the exact care in high school except white. Air shocks, craggers and Mickey Thompson wide tires. Oh I thought I had a real hotrod. What fun times
GM paint never seemed to fare well during this era, but it looks like a great start for a nice driver. Keep it the same color.
Notice the vacuum gauge, pseudo economy monitor? What a hoot! Sign of the times.
My 1977 chevy caprice had a factory vacuum gauge too
My first car I bought in1977 when I was 17 was a 73 SS 350, sounds silly, but the buying point for me was the swivel buckets, In the long run it was one of the best purchases I could have made based on everything from modifying & general Maintenace, sure there were faster cars in the day but mine after time was no slouch.
Has ralley wheels. I agree to put on dual exhaust!
Took my drivers license test in my sister’s 3 year old ‘75 Malibu Classic. Burgundy with burgundy cloth interior, 350 4 barrel. Really nice car, and the girls loved it!