The Chevelle was one of Chevrolet's most successful nameplates, and the first-generation versions still hold their value for collectors of the iconic A-body platform. The classic lines of the 1966 Chevelle Malibu (the top of the line model) two-door hardtop make it one of the most sought after versions.
This particular Malibu probably isn't one for the purist looking for a concourse restored, numbers-matching specimen. But, if you're looking to have fun with a top-notch street machine that is ready to roll, this is definitely the car for you! From the outside, this car looks stock with a fresh, clean, and glossy-smooth recent repaint in LeMans Blue. Even the interior gives little away as to what fate awaits the guy in the other lane. It's under the hood that matters with this sleeper.
The engine bay appears pretty tame - if you can call a big-block tame. Only a few upgrades are noticeable, including the polished-aluminum valve covers and fat radiator with dual electric fans, Hooker ceramic-coated headers, and the chrome alternator, pulleys, and air cleaner. But, lurking below the surface, the big-block is actually a VortecPro-built 468ci (bored and stroked 454) engine putting down 524hp and 560lb-ft of torque!
All that power breathes through a 770cfm Holley Avenger four-barrel carb mounted on an Edelbrock Performer RPM intake. An MSD ignition keeps the fire lit under acceleration. What is a muscle car if you aren't rowing some gears? This beauty has been upgraded to a Keisler five-speed manual, transferring the power back to a 3.73:1 ratio 12-bolt rearend with a Detroit Locker. To help it stay stable around corners, Hotchkis sway bars have been added front and rear. Power steering and power front disc brakes help the driver maintain control.
As mentioned, the exterior is immaculate - all trim, bumpers, emblems, rockers, glass, and grille are in terrific shape. The black carpet and vinyl interior are just as nice, needing nothing. A tilt-column with an aftermarket three-spoke wheel has been added for a sportier look. A SunPro tach and Autometer water and oil gauges monitor the vitals to the engine. Not that you'd want to listen to anything other than the song of the big-block, but if you do, there is an aftermarket stock-replica cassette player stereo installed in the factory location.
This Chevelle Malibu is an adrenaline rush packaged as a tame classic car. If you're into the sleeper look, this is your pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. And it won't take a pot of gold to buy, either, although just in case, financing is available.
Call Art & Speed at (901) 850-0507 to get the skinny on this face-melting beauty. Bring your helmet.
MECHANICAL
468ci V8 (Bored and Stroked 454 Built by Mark Jones of Vortecpro in Colorado.)524 Horsepower, 560 lb-ft of Torque770 CFM Holley Avenger Four Barrel CarburetorPerformer RPM Aluminum Intake ManifoldHooker Ceramic-Coated HeadersDual Exhaust with X-PipeMSD IgnitionAluminum RadiatorDual Electric FansKiesler Five-Speed Manual TransmissionHurst Shifter3.73:1 Locker 12-Bolt RearendPolished Valve CoversPolished Chrome AlternatorPolished Chrome K&N Air Cleaner CoverCHASSIS
Power SteeringPower Front Disc BrakesHotchkis Front Sway BarHotchkis Rear Sway Bar235/60R15 Front Tires255/60R15 Rear Tires15-Inch Five-Slot Steel Wheels with Chrome Beauty RingsEXTERIOR
Nicely Presented Lemans Blue FinishVery Nice Chrome BumpersVery Nice Trim, Lettering, Lenses, and EmblemsVery Nice GlassVery Nice Grille and Rocker Panel TrimINTERIOR
Immaculate Black Vinyl Front Bucket SeatsImmaculate Black Vinyl Rear Bench SeatExcellent Black CarpetExcellent Black DashExcellent Black Door LinersNew Rear Arm Rests and Ash Tray InsertsAftermarket Three-Spoke Black Steering WheelTilt ColumnOriginal SpeedometerReplaced Gas GaugeAftermarket TachometerAftermarket Water Temperature and Oil Pressure GaugesAmmeter Installed Where Clock WasChevrolet Replica Cassette Player RadioSeat BeltsVery Nice Door Jambs