327 Powered: 1964 Chevrolet Chevelle Convertible
OK, this one’s a conundrum. It’s a highly desirable non-SS, 1964 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu convertible, but it could also win an ugly car award. It has also undergone some mechanical changes so let’s see if we can figure out if there’s a pony under this pile. This Chevy is located in El Cajon, California and is available, here on craigslist for $9,750.
The ’64 Chevelle was a big hit with 370K copies being produced (including the El Camino) – it was the first year for GM’s esteemed A-body, shared by all GM’s divisions except for Cadillac. The Chevelle came in three trim levels, base 300, Malibu, and Malibu SS. The SS was not a big-engined model, however, as any motor was available, including an in-line six. The renowned SS396 was still two model years away.
This Malibu convertible was born with a 230 CI, in-line six but now boasts a 327 CI V8 of unknown provenance. The 327 engine, in both 250 and 300 HP flavors was available in the ’64 Chevelle but not until the mid-model year. This running example’s powerplant looks like a 250 HP variant, but that’s just an observation and not confirmed. The gearbox is referenced as an automatic which makes me think it’s a Powerglide. The comment made, “Driveshaft is included as well as some other loose parts” has me scratching my head – why would the driveshaft not be included?
The exterior looks like someone went after it with paint remover, an orbital sander, and a putty knife. It’s basically straight through the driver’s side corner of the hood, at the intersection of the fender, appears to have a boo-boo and the lower fender piece is separating from the upper portion. There is obvious surface rust and plenty of Bondo that has been used to plug up trim attachment holes – and of course, the trim is missing. It’s difficult to tell if the obvious rust is rust-through but that wouldn’t be a surprise as A-bodies are notorious for sprouting it in the fender legs and quarters. Being a convertible just adds to the potential and the seller plainly states, “This vehicle does have rust“. Speaking of being a convertible, there is a top and frame in place but no description of its condition is provided. Note the wheels, ’80s Camaro perhaps?
The interior is downright scary, I’d be reluctant to plant my behind on what passes for a front seat. The interior panels are missing or are trashed and the passenger side floor/footwell looks holey. The instrument panel, however, appears to be in reasonable shape.
Being sold by “Affordable Classics” the asking price is probably considered to be affordable and reasonable. Observing this Malibu’s condition, the price seems high to me, but based on what it is, a Malibu convertible, I’d wager the seller will get his price, or close to it, wouldn’t you agree?
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Comments
It’s hideous so why do I want it lol. It looks like something a burned out cop or private eye would drive in some cheesy eighties movie. I’d throw a blanket over the seat and get it safe to drive and use it as is for a summer just for a laugh. It can’t smell too bad in there if you never put the top up.
“Well kids, I think you can see what happens when the disc grinder switch gets stuck”. Always remember to unplug the grinder before leaving shop class.”
I only laughed because I’ve done that
I have a 64 Malibu 230 six convertible.
Three on tree where this started.
I can 100% guarantee that the comment manual top means its hydraulic pump is missing.
I had to put a new pump on mine and put my top up sans motor. It was bulky and a b*tch to get up. Think about a 100-150 pounds of bulk thats wide and clunky. I required another person to assist as one side would go up and start to spring the other side in a bad way. I put a pump on for 200 dollars.
My older 1967 Mustang convertible had a manual top and a 110 year old grandma 👵 could still lift this feather top with one arm. 😉
Good luck on sale and I hope it sells at this price. It makes me feel my dads old 64 Malibu vert he bought new and in great shape might be desirable and semi valuable 😉
If I remember correctly, the power top on the Malibu was an option. On the non-power top, it had a spring assist to raise and lower the top.
When you were trying to raise the top, you had 2 hydraulic cylinders that made it difficult to raise and lower the top. If the cylinders were also disconnected, it was still a heavy lift without the springs helping.
Looks like something they could have used on Beverly Hills Cop movie! Eddie Murphy’s co star would have driven that. Forget his name.
There was also a 300 deluxe in 64. The Z16 came late in 65. It was a 396/375HP.
A little linseed oil and Bob’s your uncle
Overall it looks pretty solid and straight. I’d rather have this for $9750 than the GTO for $125K. Someone should take the sander away from the previous owner before he does any more damage.
Back in the 90’s I had a 65 Malibu SS convertible, 327 4-speed. It was the 300 hp 327. I drove the wheels off that car and it was sold to someone that did a ground up restoration. I loved that car !
It is interesting but I need to crawl underneath and look at what may be lurking there. Imagine what this could look like fully restored with a fully dressed out engine. Hubba hubba.
A true topless restomod candidate