45k Mile 1965 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu SS Convertible
Hidden away in this garage is a 1965 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu SS Convertible that has led a sheltered life. It is a one-owner classic with 45,000 genuine miles on the clock. Sadly, its owner has recently passed away, so the Chevelle needs a new home. It is a car that seems to need nothing, and every aspect presents superbly. With summer just around the corner, now could be the time to park a vehicle like this in your garage. Located in Chipley, Florida, you will find the SS listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has already rocketed beyond the reserve to sit at $25,200, and I have to say a big thank you to Barn Finder Larry D for spotting this beautiful Convertible for us.
Taken at face value, there is a lot to like about this Chevelle. Its Regal Red paint holds an incredible depth of color and shine, and the seller indicates that he has found no flaws upon close inspection. It isn’t clear whether the deceased owner treated the car to any restoration work, but if it is original, it rates as one of the most stunning survivors that you will see today. The panels are laser straight, and the seller says that the new power top is as spotless as the rest of the exterior. There is no evidence of external rust or prior repairs, and the underside is said to be equally clean and solid. The exterior trim is spotlessly clean, and even the damage-prone hubcaps appear perfect. The glass is flawless, and it seems that this car needs nothing.
Lifting the hood reveals the moment where this Chevelle becomes a mystery machine. The seller claims that the car is equipped with a 327ci V8 and a three-speed automatic transmission. While the engine is a possibility, the three-speed was not offered by Chevrolet in this model year. If a buyer desired an automatic, they found themselves limited to a two-speed Powerglide until 1967. Adding to the confusion, the cover on the air cleaner indicates that this is a 283ci V8 producing 195hp. For potential buyers, that means that they probably have some questions to ask before they commit to handing over their cash. Regardless of the truth, the engine bay presents extremely well. The overall condition is within keeping for the seller’s claim that the SS has a genuine 45,000 miles on the clock. It is clean and tidy, with no evidence of long-term fluid leaks or other problems. It seems that it does not flatter to deceive, with the Chevelle driving perfectly. Once the question mark over the drivetrain configuration is answered, it sounds like this is a turnkey proposition ready to be enjoyed by our lucky new owner.
Apart from a wrap on the wheel and the fuzzy dice, this Chevelle’s interior appears to be unmolested. One of the drawbacks of owning a Convertible is that it is impossible to hide a tired interior when the top is down. That is not an issue in this case. The original owner ordered it upholstered in black vinyl, and this remains in excellent condition. There is no evidence of wear or physical damage, and once again, its shape is in keeping with the mileage claim. There are no issues with the carpet, while the dash and pad appear flawless. The car isn’t loaded with luxury extras, but bucket seats, a console, and an AM radio should make life pretty pleasant.
The Chevelle SS is a legendary and desirable American classic, and this 1965 Malibu Convertible should still turn heads after more than five decades. However, the seller’s description and the supplied photos seem to be at odds. That makes this a mystery machine. If it has already piqued your interest, you may need to follow up further with the seller to ascertain whether an in-person inspection is possible. That should clear up any lingering doubts about its specifications. If everything checks out okay, this would be a great car to find parked in your garage. Are you tempted to pursue it further?
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Comments
What’s with that steering wheel? Looks like 1975. Am I crazy?
No, you’re not crazy. It looks bad in this car, but that’s an easy swap.
The fender callouts identify this as having a 283. Aside from the poorly applied/weird color wheel wrap on a later model steering wheel, and the fact that the exhaust should be tucked up higher, this is a very nice one! I’d replace the steering wheel, and the non OEM brake pedal as well. GLWTA!! :-)
Aluminum intake and may be a 327 and a turbo 350. That sure isn’t the correct steering wheel. Doubt if that’s just 40K on the car, still looks like a solid car that’s been taken care of.
A red topless beauty
Not my kind of ride but this is great
A few minor issues that can be easily corrected/adjusted to the new owners taste
You don’t know what i would do with it !
Not that it really matters but, no where in the advertisement does it say it’s a “one owner”. Just because he was eldery doesn’t mean he was the original owner. Nice car though.
My late brother had a 67 convertible that is in similar condition, but is the SS big block setup and trim. Waiting for legal transfers and such before looking for an agent to sell through.
145K miles maybe. 45K, no way. 64 decklid (Chevrolet letters above the trim) with transplanted 65 cove trim. 64 rear rocker trim. Likely Color change (I believe I see S-2 on the trim tag, not R-2), and a repaint either way (you can see red on the weatherstrips and hardware in the door jambs). Poor quality repro door panels. Poor quality redone front lower seat covers. And gobs of stuff wrong under the hood. (Even if the car was a 283 originally, that is not a 1965 air cleaner, looks to be at least 1968 or later.)
It is a decent old car, but it is far far from “all original” or a “survivor”.
Wow , great knowledge and thanks for sharing it
Also, those wheel covers are from a 65 IMPALA SS, not a Malibu SS.
Don’t forget the wheelbarrow handle tailpipes…
Don’t forget they’re not the original tires…not even close to an original Chevelle….
“What’s more chickensh– than ****ing with a man’s automobile? I mean, don’t **** with another man’s vehicle.”
I agree with Jeff and other comments above; not even close to an original car, but one that’s been “adjusted” over it’s 57 years…
I’m really astonished at the $$ that this is up to, but I guess auction fever is in full swing.
Looks like a HEI hiding behind the air cleaner.
Lots to be cautious of. Does not have correct grille – should have black paint. No SS stripe around trunk trim. Wrong lettering on trunk. Wrong hubcaps (1965 Impala SS). Valve covers and aluminum intake incorrect for 1965. Wrong Steering wheel. Glove box trim piece should have SS on it (I can’t see if it does). Should be easy to tell if it’s a real SS by looking for filled side trim holes in trunk and fender inners.
This car exhibits years of “maintenance” that was done, long before we were concerned with originality. Pretty much everything has been pointed out, but the one thing I can’t stand is the fake braided hose cover… but it does match the brake pedal when it comes to style! An afternoon’s worth of work could make this a cool little cruiser, correct, no but a fun little driver!
I’m with you! That Nylabraid crap should have been outlawed before it was invented…
Absolutely correct…..we definitely need more laws…..thanks for the suggestion.
@Robert; relax man, it was a joke!
Lighten up a little…
Very Nice. I’d be afraid to mess it up or have some idiot hit it….
Sometimes you look at pictures of a car and it looks pretty decent, but your gut is telling you otherwise. This is one of those cars. My gut is telling me that it doesn’t look anywhere near as nice in person. Could be wrong though…
I had a 1965 Malibu SS convertible with 23.000 orig miles bought it from original owner and enjoyed for a few years but had to sale due to my new business needed funding and I’ll never find another like it and not for what I sold it back in early 90’s I miss that car.
Chuck, I come onto this website to learn about cars and to hear stories about these cars from people that have owned ones like them. Your comment was fine.
This car has had things replaced over the years, not surprising. Painted resale red, which looks good on it. Trim, steering wheel, questions about engine size, all very astute. I have questions about it too.
The seller was wise to sell at this time of year, the buyer? Not nearly as smart, but if they can afford what they pay & enjoy the car, good for them!
Chuck, I prefer to have insight on the car listed, not on personal history of an unrelated car from decades ago. I’m more curious as to why the Ebay listing says it is a 327 when the air cleaner indicates its a 283, that doesn’t seem to have been mentioned in this discussion??
An original SS would have the grille blacked out and blacked out around the outside of the chrome on the trunklid. Lots of other things as pointed out before but probably a nice driver.