Nice Upgrades: 1965 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu V8
In response to the 1962 shrinking of the Ford Fairlane, Chevrolet fielded a mid-size car for the first time in 1964. Dubbed the Chevelle, the car had similar proportions to the Tri-Five Chevies as full-size automobiles had gone through a growth spurt. This addition would give Chevy no less than five types of automobiles to attract customers to their dealerships. Little changed over the ’64 model, this ’65 Malibu Sport Coupe has had only one repaint and still sports its original 283 V8 with a Powerglide automatic. Located in Dixon, California, this Chevy is looking for a new home here on eBay where it will take more than $8,755 to crack the seller’s reserve.
After the successful launch of the Chevelle in ‘64, the car was little changed in ‘65. And that may have been why sales only increased by 2% in the sophomore year. IMO the ’65 was a cleaner-looking product, especially the Malibu Sport Coupe which saw 80,000 copies roll off the assembly line (that excludes the Super Sport which accounted for another 72,000 units). The seller’s car has the smallest V8 engine you could buy in ’65 and the 2-speed automatic brought a popular pairing.
The seller has owned this auto for at least two years and has driven it to shows in Reno, Nevada without any mechanical issues. We don’t know if the 55,000 claimed mileage is original, but may be likely. More recent work done on the car includes new shock absorbers, a rebuilt steering box (manual), and a conversion to disc brakes fore and aft (from a C5 Corvette). The seller has a 12-bolt rear end with posi-traction in a box that will go with the sale.
This Chevy has had one redo of the blue finish and some of the photos (hood) suggest that it may be ready for another round if perfection is your goal. The interior may be original and look okay, but not spectacular, and the vinyl covering on the front bench seat is a bit stretched. All-in-all this looks like a fine Malibu, especially with the 17” aluminum Rally wheels that have been mounted.
Comments
Looks like a great car, needs some freshening up but definitely could build on it. Only thing that bothers me is the master cylinder pushing enough brake fluid for the calibers. It does have the disc conversion but have to wonder about the stopping power, why not run some brake lines and put a bigger master cylinder? Other than that great starting point. I like shoebox GM Intermediates!
Needs a 350 horsepower 327!
Yeah a dual circuit Masters cyl would be wise upgrade ,no power assist needed though.
Nice catch on the master cylinder! I agree, not enough fluid for 4 wheel disc brakes. Beautiful car though!
It’s not about amount of fluid, single line MC if you get leak anywhere in system you lose all brakes,ask me how I know.
You are correct. Once the calipers are full more fluid does nothing for stopping power. Power assist would be the most help and the dual master cyl. For the reason you mentioned.
Nothing runs better than a stock 283!
Except a 30 over 283 with a nice cam..
I remember back in the day 283 bored with an AFB & twin peak heads was the way to go, go as in get to the other end of the 1/4 mile first. AH, the good old days!!
Oh yeah? How about a 327??
Exactly like the Malibu I had while in the US Army in the early 1970’s. Except for the brakes upgraded to 4-wheel disks. A 283 with a glide and power nothing!
Had a ’65 Malibu wagon way back as my first car. 283 with the slushglide, it was a fantastic car. Rarer than hen’s teeth now though.
Since it isn’t stock, HEI, PS and PB would be nice. I like her.
Knowing the brake lines and the master cylinder can be changed out in a weekend,
I can’t understand why anyone would even worry about that.
This solid Malibu is a perfect car to fulfill anyones wishes.
Beautiful car. I’ve always loved the 1964-66 Chevelle Malibu. They’re my favourite years for the Chevelle until the 1970-71 model years.
Where is car located, Illinois or California?
When My wife and I met in August 1965, my Father in Law had a new 65 Malibu just like this one but his had 3 speed with overdrive. I wish I could have this one for my wife but have too many unfinished projects to handle it. He drove it forever.
I’d like mine with a 327 and 4-speed thank you
I really like these. I had a blue one with the 283 back in the day and the guy I bought it from had put an overdrive in it. I didn’t know it could even be done but I used it on a trip from Denver to Dallas for a 3 day rock concert the next summer after Woodstock and it got over just 30mpg on the highway doing 70 most of the time.
Look in the dictionary under “musclecar light ” ! Perfect entry level muscle, but I think she’s halfway there ,with 4 days to get there .I see high teens for a delightful driver.
My dad bought one new in 65, a 250-6cyl with 3 on the tree. He taught me to drive a manual shift on that car. I later destroyed the linkage trying to 1-2 speed shift it showing off on the street. Embarrassing lesson learned.
Nice car. A stick would makebit perfect for me but always nice to see one in great shape. 65’s are my favorite until the 71-72’s
I love it it reminds me my cousin..we called him James bond..we had alot fun in that car ..