1 of 200 Z16? Malcolm Durham’s ’65 Malibu SS
Big-block Chevelles rank high on many gear-heads’ Muscle Car Top Ten list. This 1965 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu SS396 in Grasonville, Maryland could be a rare Z16 SS with an interesting connection to drag-racing. Most enthusiasts picture a “396 Chevelle” as the muscular-looking 1966-67 or the second-gen ’68-’72 models. If this one checks out, it could be the road-going companion to driver Malcolm Durham’s drag-racing “Strip-Blazer III,” a 1965 Chevelle Malibu Z16. Bidding on this possible “1 of 200” car has topped $30,000 here on eBay. It’s hard to say what the Durham connection adds to the car’s value, but immaculate Z16 Chevelles have topped $200,000. Thanks to reader Dan O for spotting this captivating classic.
I wrote up what appears to be the same car in this earlier article, from a vague listing asking over $100,000 for what might have been the *actual* Strip-Blazer III. It seemed unlikely that an altered-wheelbase car would be put back to street specifications, and this seller’s story claims that Durham purchased a second Z16 for his wife. I believe the proper response is “Thanks, honey!”
It’s important to note that the seller makes no mention of this being an authentic Z16. One charlatan went to jail for faking a Z16, poorly, I might add. This Chevy wears many Z16 parts including the unique trunk and tail light trim, 160 MPH speedometer, and dash-mounted clock. The prior listing appeared to show the Z16-style boxed convertible frame. Those with a keen knowledge of Z16 history may notice touches of red paint under the blue re-spray. The Z16 option only came in red, black, or yellow (thanks to Hemmings.com for some details). Only the four-speed manual transmission accompanied the Z16.
The killer L37 V8 that made 375 HP from 396 cid (6.5L) bit the dust some time ago, killing the dream of a numbers-matching high-dollar auction that might justify emptying your 401k. Still, with fewer than 80 Z16s extant, each one is precious. With perfection off the table, this car may appeal to someone who wants to drive an enjoy a Z16. What do you think?
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Comments
Todd: Well done, thx!
One other thing that I would add is that all Z16’s were built in Kansas City, which is identifiable via the VIN, none at any of the other four possible assembly plants (Atlanta, Baltimore, Framingham or Fremont).
As an aside, I enjoyed the “Strip Blazer” clip from Cecil County Dragway. I had a ’67 SS 396 Chevelle that I used to run there in stock class. A fuel pump problem knocked me out of competition on Labor Day weekend ’73 and I never returned. (I also owned a ’65 Chevelle SS but it had a 283 and a four-speed manual – an unusual combination.)
Thanks Jim. Those must have been exciting days. When you had your ’65 did you know about the Z16s?
Todd:
I bought the ’65 in 1971 and sold it in 1973; somewhere during that time I found a magazine article that referenced the Z16. What threw me at first was the photograph of the Z16 showed the “Malibu SS” emblem on the front fender and not on the quarter panel which is the usual location on a ’65 SS. As I read further the mystery was explained! Interestingly, I had the same “mag” style wheel covers on my ’65 that came with the Z16. They were an absolute barn find as I bought them from a farmer for $25 but that was before I had seen the Z16 article, just a coincidence.
As other posters have indicated, it wasn’t until the last few years that I realized the engine in the Z16 was a L37 (hydraulic lifter) and not a L78 (solid lifter) 396 CI. I believe it was unique to the Z16.
Yes all were made at Kansas City except a prototype, which was pulled from the Baltimore assembly line and sent to Chevrolet engineering for conversion. This car does not have the convertible frame, and all the special trim on the rear was hand built. That car has been found and restored.
I never knew a L37 was 375hp
The z-16 engine was unique to those cars believe. 375 horses and hydraulic lifters.
Non many matching number engine kind of pulls 80 k off the convertible 🤔
Quote…
”The killer L37 V8 that made 375 HP from 396 cid (6.5L) bit the dust some time ago, killing the dream of a numbers-matching ”
I like it very much ….
I need to get pictures of my dads original owner red 64 chevelle vert listed here soon. Was planning early spring for best price..Drop a 396 put some badging and one is just 60% plus more original all matching numbers.
Except One is over 50,000 less in price 😅
And will also be non matching numbers on a perfect body.
Okay just saying nice cool muscle but….no original engine sadly and never be a 100k car as that train sailed.
I say buy it and race the crap out of it ….have fun….just don’t mortgage the house 🏡
Many of the Z16 cars are sold without the original engine. It is such a special car that it has transcended matching numbers as a requirement. Yes, a matching one would bring more. This car restored would easily approach the $200k mark if not beat it. What it is worth as it is will be probably more than it should, based on what it needs, but this is the nature of buying high end collector cars.
They actually built 201 of the cars and the first one, a prototype was built in Baltimore. I used to have a yellow one and sure wish I had kept it what with the prices now. I did get over $50,000 for it and only had $4000 in it.
Looking through the side window, remote control mirror appears intact. Didn’t these come with the knee knocker tach? Don’t see it.
1966 SS396 Chevelles came with knee knocker tachs. Don’t remember seeing a ’64-’65 with one. I remember seeing this car on Ebay a few yrs ago.
No tach was in dash and clock on top of the dash…
Is this the same one that was here a while ago ?
Anyway to verify Z16 or clone ?
yes……..
Teaser car from Chevrolet, very expensive hand assembled fully loaded with options, with the all new Corvette 396 only using a hydraulic cam instead of the 425 horse solid lifter cam ‘vette mill. Mid to low 14 second car but these were upscale cars, not cheap street machines. Best the average Joe could get was the L79 327 in a ’65 Chevelle..,,I think. Not bad either.
If this is the real deal it will never get used regardless of the blown original engine, these are super rare even more rare than a Boss 429 Mustang or ’69 Trans Am like posted earlier. Nice machine.
Back when these cars were new I knew a guy who had one, his was a theft recovery that he bought off of a salvage yard, his car was missing only the engine, he bolted in a 283″ that was worked to 301″. It turned out to be a pretty quick car, all original except for the engine. It was Red, a real looker.
It appears the seller pulled the ad, only showing the opening $1 bid now.
The VIN and body tag seem to indicate that it’s a “real-deal” Z16, and as long as someone doesn’t try to “re-create” the numbers-matching big-block (and try to pass it off as original to the car) this would make an interesting restoration and Saturday night cruiser.
IIRC, Chevrolet gave Dan Blocker (Hoss on the “Bonanza” Western TV-show) one of the first Z-16’s off the line and he kept it in his collection for many years. As mentioned above, these were all very well optioned, gentleman’s “hot-rods”, not race cars. That would have to wait a few years until the ZL1 Camaro in 1969.
What a prize package this will be for someone!! I’d love to own it but I’m sure it’s going to get way passed my budget!! It’s such a shame the average Joe or Tim can’t afford to own these now!!
I am not sure but I do not think present seller was claiming this to be a real Z16.
But as I recall the price was pretty steep
Yes 201 were built with one of them being a triple black ragtop. Were it is is anybody’s guess. I use to have access to all the Vins for all the Z-16’s but over time I can’t remember how to regain that information again. I’m still looking though…….
Gotta share my Z16 story. I grew up in Seattle. A friend and I took a drive to the Kent/Auburn area when we were in high school. Driving down alleys and side streets looking for cars that might be for sale. Early 1980’s…In a vacant lot between a couple of apartment buildings was a wrecked Z16. Front end damage. The car had big brakes, boxed frame, 160 speedo, dash clock, tach and gauges, SS396 rear trim. Door panels and seats looked like they were out of an Oldsmobile and it had an Oldsmobile big block under the hood. LF damage. 396 flags and MalibuSS on front fenders. I’ve always regretted not pounding on apartment doors to inquire about it. Always wondered if it got salvaged or scrapped and if it could’ve been bought for a decent price…
About 7 years later I saw a red Z16 at Pike Place Market parked on the street below the market. That one was sweet.
Still have my first car. 65 SS but not a Z16. Big block 4 speed though.
Also have a 65 Malibu with a 540/TH400/4.22 9 inch, tubbed. I’d love to have a Z16.