Some people view the 1960s as the muscle car era, while others consider it the decade of the pony car. I prefer to think of it as the era of the horsepower war, as manufacturers slotted ever more powerful motors under the hoods of their existing models. Some added badges, such as GT or SS, to differentiate their vehicles, although others slipped under the radar. Pontiac released the GTO, often considered the father of the muscle car. However, Chevrolet attempted to join the party with the Chevelle Malibu SS. This 1965 model is a restoration project that stalled many years ago. Stripping it to the last nut and bolt would be the best way to achieve a high-end result, but all the puzzle pieces are there to return it to its former glory. The seller has listed the SS here on eBay in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Bidding has raced past the reserve, currently sitting at $8,700.

There’s a bit to unpack with this Chevelle, but the car shows promise as a restoration project. The Trim Tag confirms it wears its original Danube Blue paint, although it has seen better days. A repaint is a no-brainer, but the buyer faces rust repairs first. They aren’t as bad as we’ve seen on other classics of this vintage. However, the seller admits more issues might reveal themselves if the winning bidder has the Chevelle media blasted. There is a patchable hole near the pedals, and more severe rust is visible in the trunk wheel housings and quarter panels. The lower front fenders haven’t escaped the attention of the tin worm, but the frame and inner rockers are solid. This classic isn’t beyond salvation because replacement steel is readily available and affordable. The windshield is cracked, and some trim pieces require restoration or replacement, but this classic is complete.

I have seen these Chevelles with interiors trimmed in White, and they don’t tick the boxes for me. However, I can imagine how stunning this Malibu’s interior must have looked in its prime, finished in Blue vinyl. The radio is missing, but the vital components like the seats, dash, and console are intact. Critically, the correct gauge cluster and factory tach are untouched. A retrim is on the agenda, and with kits containing virtually everything required for under $2,000, this could be the most affordable part of the build.

The engine was out of this SS and dismantled when the seller purchased the vehicle, but he believes the drivetrain is numbers-matching and is only missing the carburetor. The original owner ordered this classic with a 327ci V8, a four-speed manual transmission, a 12-bolt 3.31 Posi rear end, and power steering. The engine put 300hp and 360 ft/lbs of torque under the driver’s right foot, allowing the car to storm the ¼-mile in 14.9 seconds off the showroom floor. The seller faces an engine rebuild as part of the project, although refreshing the transmission and rear end would be wise to ensure no future issues.

The 1965 Chevelle Malibu SS has followed the trend experienced by many classics, with values dropping significantly over the past year. However, they have leveled off, and I won’t be surprised if they climb once again. A high-end restoration could yield a value of $70,000, and if the car sells for around the current bid figure, that leaves plenty of room to move before the viability becomes questionable. Does that thought motivate you to pursue this car further?