Lot 646: Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu Two-Door Coupe

Chevrolet had no shortage of models for 1967. At the bottom of the line were the Nova/Chevy II models, which could be equipped with a four-cylinder for basic transportation, a six-cylinder for Grandma or a 327cid V-8 for those who wanted more power. Then, there was the sporty Camaro with engines from a 230cid straight six to a Chevrolet’s smooth and powerful 327cid V-8. At the top were the Biscayne, Bel Air, Impla and Caprice, all of which were considered full-size models. Just below those, came the Chevelle line. In the parlance of the day, the Chevelles and Malibus were considered “mid-size,” but when fitted with a front bench seat they still had plenty of room for six adults. Like most of the models in the Chevy line-up, the Chevelle could be anything from a salesman’s straight-six company car, to the family wagon, or a very potent muscle car.

Engine options started with a straight-six and were augmented by 283, 327 and 396 V-8s. The standard transmission was a three-speed manual on the steering column, with both a four-speed on the floor and a Power-Glide automatic optional. Front suspension was independent, with a live axle out back. Brakes were disc up front, followed by drums.

The 1967 Chevelle Sport Malibu on offer retains its original 283cid V-8 and is fitted with a four-speed manual transmission with a correct bench-seat floor shifter, although it originally used a Power-Glide. This Chevelle’s 283 has been rebuilt and slightly modified. Bored .60 over, it has 9.75:1 compression, a new cam and a fresh four-barrel carburetor on an Edlebrock maniford.

The rear axle has been rebuilt with 3.55 gears, while the car is fitted with oversize GM anti-roll bars and gas shocks. Equipped with power steering, and a column-mounted tachometer, this Chevelle Malibu sports coupe rolls on Cragar SS wheels.

A rust-free car from North Carolina, several years ago the body was stripped and refinished in base/clear coat GM Bolero Red. It is nicely set off by original style seats trimmed in two-tone red and black.

Now that muscle cars are soaring in price, it’s refreshing to find a terrific and very usable example that is still extremely affordable.