1966 Chevrolet Malibu Convertible
Like the Tri-Five Chevys that came before it, the Chevelle/Malibu is one of those cars GM aced right out of the gate and continued to perfect. Eventually, the marque became one of the strongest brands in automotive history, and at one point, with a full list of body styles, options, trim grades, color combinations, and engines which ranged from mild to outrageous, literally embodied the 'custom built' nature that defines the muscle car era.
For consignment, a 1966 Chevrolet Malibu Chevelle showing 4,019 miles which are not verifiable. A recipient of an "older" frame off restoration, it also now has many newer parts, rolls on an air ride system, and is fueled by fuel injection. It's unknown how many convertibles were made in 1966, but what is known is that between Canada and the U.S., there were 17 different configurations available.
Exterior
Light blue flames that border on ghost envelop the entire front clip and flow over the door on their way back. Marina Blue then takes over and covers the rest of the car with the wonderful 60's style of long, lean panels and straight edges. We'll start in the back this time because it's such a good look, the simple, straight tail lights along a horizontal latch panel, trimmed in silver over a contouring chrome bumper and split oval tailpipes. Up front, the fascia dips rearward in the corners, a 1966 field mark, as dual headlights sternly stare forward outside of a metal grille and blue bowtie capping off a flat hood with subtle design lines and it's a great, classic look. The big wheels make it stand out, and stand up, as 18-inch are in front and a full 20-inch in back, both carrying low profile tires, staggered, of course, and adding to the car's raked stance. The white canvas top is in good shape too, with just a touch of discoloration, and its plastic window is fully intact. Imperfections include a paint chip or an edge and some cracking over some filler down low, and that's it! The rest looks great.
Interior
Marina blue headers line up over light blue vinyl door cards with period classic silver trim and a carpeted kick panel, offered in a third shade of blue. White stitched bucket sets with dark blue inserts are in fantastic shape and share a center console that offers an armrest and cupholders and the back bench, other than some patina on the seat belts, appears to have been unused, at least, since the restoration. Faux burl wood dresses the plastic rim of the steering wheel which shares its column with a slim shifter for the automatic, and behind it, a carbon fiber-like insert for the dash panel, housing lots of white faced AutoMeter gauges in a straight line. Beyond it and to the right, a black painted mid dash houses an AM/FM radio and the vent panel. Blue loop carpet covers the floor nicely and is protected with matching mats while the trunk remains mostly barren save for a small vinyl mat, a blue steel wheel spare, and the tank for the air ride system.
Drivetrain
A clean engine bay is home to a shiny 350ci V8 fueled by an MSO Atomic EFI and wear headers for routing the spent gas. A TH350 3-speed automatic transmission is onboard and sends power to a 10 bolt rear with new axles and 3.73 gears and Auburn Pro limited slip. Power disc brakes are found front and rear.
Undercarriage
Generally clean and dry underneath with only residual oil noted on the transmission pan, but all else looks good. The dual exhaust comes off the headers and heads back to a pair of FlowMaster mufflers before looping over the rear axle and out the back. Suspension includes airbags up front and a 4 link with air bags out back, all part of an EZ Air Ride system.
Drive-Ability
The clean interior is a nice setting for our test ride and we roll the long Malibu onto the loop for a little go round. The engine runs well and sounds great and the car tracks well and handles road imperfections with ease, with the airbags in the current position. Some things that will need attention include non working items such as the horn, the heater blower, the reverse lights, and the tail lights. The power roof stops halfway down, and the low beam lights work intermittently. Beyond that, all functions get a passing grade. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
A convertible '66 that's rust free, fitted with a 350, a clean interior and even subtle flames. What more could you want? This is one cool car and its restoration has held up, evidenced by a super clean undercarriage, usually the first area to patina quickly. Beach cruiser or top down in a small town, this is a desirable classic Chevy with some nice touches and plenty of room for your own interpretation. Get some of this top down fun and bring the family along for the ride home!
136676B144700
1-Chevrolet
36-Malibu V8
67-Convertible
6-1966
B-Baltimore, MD Assy Plant
144700-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
02C-3rd Week February
ST 66 13667-1966 Malibu Convertible
BODY BAL 3466-Baltimore Body #
TR 709-Medium Fawn Imitation Leather Bench
PAINT Illegible 6-Beige Top
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.
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