1965 Chevrolet Chevelle

This 1965 Chevrolet Malibu SS Convertible combines the unmistakable styling of Chevrolet’s first generation Chevelle with a selection of upgrades aimed at making it an enjoyable car to drive . More importantly, its VIN and Fisher-Body trim tag confirm that it began life as a genuine V8 Malibu SS convertible.

Power comes from a 283 CI Chevrolet small block carrying casting number 3834810 and a T0712DE engine pad stamping. The Tonawanda built engine was assembled July 12, closely preceding the cars 07C, third week of July Baltimore production. While the available information is not sufficient to represent the engine as numbers matching, its casting, suffix and assembly date are consistent with the cars production period.

The 282 has been upgraded with an Edelbrock Performer EPS Aluminum intake, Edelbrock 4 barrel carburetor and billet distributor. Cooling improvements include an Alumitech Reproductions aluminum radiator and Flex a Lite fan. A glass Optikleen bottle remains under the hood and adds a nice period detail to the otherwise thoughtfully updated engine compartment.

Rather than the original style Powerglide, The car now uses a 700R4 4 speed automatic transmission with overdrive and an auxiliary transmission cooler. The rear axle is believed to carry a 3.36:1 ratio. This combination provides a much more versatile driving experience, offering good response sound town along with relaxed engine speeds during highway cruising.

Power steering and power assisted brakes further contribute to its road manners, while a front disc brake conversion provides improved stopping performance. Polished 5 spoke wheels give the Malibu SS a slightly updated appearance without taking away from its classic lines.

Inside, the blue bucket seat interior retains the character expected of a Malibu SS, including its center console and factory style instrumentation. The blue upholstery coordinates especially well with the blue exterior, while the current white convertible top provides a clean contrast. The odometer shows 53,379 miles.

With its genuine SS convertible pedigree, period consistent 283 V8 and carefully selected drivability upgrades, this Malibu SS offers a desirable balance between 1960s Chevrolet character and the usability enthusiasts appreciate today. It is equally suited to local cruising, shows, or longer drives where the overdrive transmission, power steering, disc brakes, and upgraded cooling can be fully appreciated.

Genuine 1965 Chevrolet Malibu SS Convertible

283ci V8

Correct 3834810 Engine Block Casting

T0712DE Engine Pad Stamp

Engine Assembly Date Consistent with Vehicle Production

Edelbrock 4-Barrel Carburetor

Edelbrock Performer EPS Aluminum Intake

Billet Distributor

700R4 4-Speed Overdrive Automatic Transmission

Believed 3.36:1 Rear Axle Ratio

Power Steering

Power Brakes

Front Disc Brakes

Alumitech Reproductions Aluminum Radiator

Flex-a-lite Cooling Fan

Auxiliary Transmission Cooler

Glass Optikleen Bottle

Blue Bucket Seat Interior

Center Console

White Convertible Top

Polished 5-Spoke Wheels

Odometer Shows 53,379 Miles

VIN and Trim Tag Confirm Genuine Malibu SS V8 Convertible

Baltimore-Built 07C Third-Week-of-July Production

Key details
VIN / chassis: 138675B177960

Offered by MAXmotive, 1105 Pittsburgh Street, Cheswick, PA 15024. Taxes, title and fees not included.

Photos courtesy of MAXmotive.