Original 327/4-Speed: 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu
Originality and documentation are sometimes difficult characteristics to find when searching for a project candidate, but this 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu Sport Coupe ticks those boxes. It retains its numbers-matching drivetrain, while the Dealer Invoice and Protect-O-Plate add to its appeal. It requires work to return to its former glory, although the seller performed a few mechanical tasks to give the new owner a headstart on their build. It is worth a close look if a classic with performance credentials is on your Wish List.
This 1968 Malibu would have been a striking car in its prime. The Dealer Invoice confirms the first owner ordered it in Grecian Green with a vinyl top. It is unclear what color the top was, but it would have been Black if it matched the interior trim. They also selected tinted glass to emphasize this classic’s classy appearance. A lot of water has passed under the bridge since those glory days, and this Malibu is begging for total restoration. The signs are generally positive because the Chevrolet steel hasn’t developed the look of Swiss cheese. That isn’t to say there isn’t rust, but it isn’t as extensive as we have seen on other project candidates. There are the typical areas in the rear quarter panels and other lower extremities, but the back window surround looks solid. The new owner will undoubtedly strip the panels to bare metal to achieve a high-end result, making me wonder how many might take the next step with a nut-and-bolt approach. The seller believes that the rust in the floors is patchable, and that new pans aren’t required. I’m unsure how accurate that is, but I suspect many people would throw caution to the wind to ensure the body is rust-free before grabbing their spray gun.
The best news for potential buyers probably isn’t the documentation, but that this Malibu retains its numbers-matching drivetrain. The Invoice is interesting because the first owner ordered this classic as a wolf in sheep’s clothing. They teamed a 327ci V8 with a four-speed manual transmission and a 3.31 Posi rear end, throwing in the F40 suspension package to give the car handling to match its outright performance. This isn’t any old 327, but the L79 version that churns out 325hp and 355 ft/lbs of torque. The Chevelle might not be an SS, but its ability to cover the ¼-mile in 14.7 seconds means it is a genuine muscle car. The seller recently replaced the clutch, tires, and brakes, admitting the winning bidder must add a new exhaust. The Chevelle runs well, and it seems that returning it to a roadworthy state could be an achievable short-term goal.
Sometimes, condition assessment is subjective. This Malibu’s interior demonstrates that because the seller describes it as “near mint.” It certainly looks pretty good, although flaws like the visible split in the outer driver’s seat backrest require attention. I think the pad may be cracked, and some gauges might benefit from a refresh. That last item is particularly relevant because the first owner splashed $94.80 on the U14 gauge cluster that includes a factory tachometer. The new owner also receives an 8-track player, although it is unclear whether it is operational.
This 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle might not be an SS, but its mechanical combination promises excellent performance that would satisfy most enthusiasts. The seller listed the Malibu here on eBay in Crest Hill, Illinois. Twenty-eight bids have pushed the price to $17,655, and while that figure is below the reserve, the action confirms that there are people who see the potential locked away in this beauty. It will be interesting to gauge reader feedback and to see what you believe will be a fair price for this project. It will then be fascinating to discover whether we have any that might consider pursuing it further. So, it’s over to you.
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Comments
Awesome, this was a local( to me) car. Pewaukee is about 10 miles west of Milwaukee on beautiful,,,,Pewaukee Lake, natch. Closest lake to Milwaukee( besides da’ big lake) and attracted the wealthy for years. The car was bought at Hall Chevrolet. We had about half a dozen Chevy dealers, Hall was medium sized. I find something really disturbing, in 1969 a gal named Ellen would never equip a Chevelle this way. None of the “Ellens” I knew, anyway. Women’s Lib was gaining steam, but not this much. Some lucky kid got one heck of a graduation present and was checking boxes mom( Ellen) knew nothing about.
The 8 track tape player looks like a pretty standard Delco/GM unit, although not on the option list, probably the kid added it later. The tape has got to be Jimi Hendrix. I had friends that lived on Pewaukee Lake. Who knows, I may have seen this car cruising through “The Kiltie” drive in. It was a local Pewaukee( Oconomowoc, actually) drive in out in the sticks, and open headers were the rule! I all but guarantee this car frequented that place and I doubt “Ellen” had a clue.
The car itself is without a doubt, THE most collectible US car today. Small block may hurt it some, everything today is BIG block, even though most buyers have no idea what that means, and it’s a rusty northern car, but 5 figures on an unrestored car, pretty much tells the story. Speaking of which, I always wonder, what was the story on this car?
Sadly, it looks like Ellen passed away in 2014 but she left 4 children behind. I wonder if they have any idea that their mom’s old car is for sale.
Hey Howard, I lived in Germantown for 3 years beginning in 2016 and was VP of Operations for a printing company in Menomonee Falls called Arandell, right off 41. I enjoyed my stay up there and met alotta great people with old cars. I left Florida to go there and the winters were a shock! Slowly began migrating back south and currently in Monroe, Ga. We may stay here, it’s like being trapped in a Norman Rockwell painting. I still have several friends up there I stay in contact with.
Hi Cooter, awesome, I hauled paper to Arandell in Me-no-money Falls. Printing was huge in Wisconsin and many of the smaller printing firms are gone, along with the paper industry. I read, over a dozen paper( or cardboard) plants have closed in the last 30 years. I too “defected” from the Badger after 62 wonderful( cough) years to Colorado, and I like it. It’s busy in the summer, and I didn’t gain much winter-wise, no I don’t ski, but Colorado has a much better plan for retired than Wisconsin. I couldn’t imagine living in the south, we have beautiful cool summers, no humidity so no bugs, and of course the Rocky Mountains outside my window. Room for more if you’re thinking about it.
Nice view Howard, my daughter lives in Republic, WA which has awesome views like yours. We are about an hour from the southern tip of the Appalachians. Also close to the gulf and Atlantic. We built a farmhouse on some acreage. Those Wisconsin winters were a different level of cold than I experienced growing up in Ky! I thought I would be able to handle it. I’m currently GM at Westrock in Lithia Springs and retirement is on the horizon!
The bid price long exceeds my interest in it. One notable thing I just saw was the spool or drum style speedometer. Wonder why such styles were discontinued.
Tachometer
The drum tachometers are hard to see at a glance. There were a lot of awful factory tachometers in the 1960’s, the 1969 tach was probably one of the hardest to see.
Steve R
I bet this car was a real stunner in the day.
One exceptionally rare And desirable ‘68 Chevelle. Last year for excellent and potent L79 325hp 327. This car would easily show taillights to any 325hp 396 (station wagon engine) SS396. There are dozens of unique to L79 incredibly rare small components on this engine that look to be present on this example. Make no mistake, this is a true muscle car and MUCH more desirable than most bread and butter SS cars of the same year. This one is going to bring some $$, midwest rust and all……….
You are 100% right. Under appreciated by nearly everyone except knowledge Chevelle enthusiasts. These are really good cars with a strong small block engine that gave them more balance than the big clock. It was a shame that Chevrolet didn’t carry it on to a 350 across the Chevelle and Nova platform onto 1969 and 1970.
Steve R
High bid was $20,468, did not meet reserve.
Steve R
This was the car to have if you didn’t buy an SS. Most will say that a 4-speed behind the 327 would surprise quite a few cars of the day. This deserves a full restoration.
I’m a mopar guy but had a 68 ss 396 4spd and a 66 396 4spd chevelle. What makes this car very cool is its a oddball cause it was ordered with what the customer wanted. Very cool!!!
Another point too about the very potent 325 horse 327 compared to the 396, is even though theres less torque, these revved better. And less weight on the nose meant better handling too. This is absolutely worth restoring, right down to that sweet 327.
At the 20K+ that it looks like this one is headed, plus another 20K to restore, someone needs to be in love with this car.
I love it when the engine or bay has never been cleaned but they polish up the chrome air cleaner..
Unfortunately, the air cleaner lid is a dime store replacement As is the decal…..
Salt belt car, too bad, it’s going to need lots of metal work, good potential if buyer can do it all, nice options, if sent to resto shop , going to have to have a solid plan on what to restore and leave as is with detailing.
I had a 65 Chevelle with an L-79 , Rock Crusher 4 speed, 12 bolt rear end, and out ran 396 camero’s and 396 Chevelles all the time, wish I still had it.
I’m not a chevy guy but I’ve owned a couple. This is exactly how I might have ordered one of these. I’m sure it’s a blast to drive.
My best friend in high school bought a new Chevelle in 68. A post top, 300 model with the 325 327, 4 spd, posi which as far as I know he still he still has today. It was a low 14 sec street strip car for a couple of years then was only raced. It held several strip and an IHRA class record at one time, running high 12’s with a Racing Head Service engine rebuild. When it was on the street it was a real sleeper with taxi hub caps, no badging etc. These are very unique cars.
I had one of these except it was a 67. Butternut yellow, black bench seat with the deluxe cloth. The original owner replaced the shifter with a hurst and put a set of 3:73 gears in the 12 bolt. Car was a screamer. Unfortunately it was stolen on a date night in the movie theater parking lot never recovered.
That invoice isnt for a special order car , its a sales invoice . Its shows she traded in a 64 Sport Coupe . There is a stock # for the Chevelle , so even though its a high line model with options, its more than likely an off the lot sale – though this particular car could have been sitting on the showroom floor to show off what you could get with your new Chevy !
Ended at $20,468.
Reserve Not Met.
Yep, owner thinks they are sitting on Fort Knox.
1968 Chevelle tachometer was a little horizontal gadget added to the top of the dash. Friend Bernie had one I got to drive it. This was after blowing up the 325 hp 396 and replacing it with a L-88 427. UnrealIwith 3.55 rear gears. That little tach. Was worthless