Real 138 SS! Nicely Restored with 454 Big Block, 4 Spd Manual, Red over Black

1965 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu SS Additional Info:

Sometimes cars are so sweet, it's hard to know where to begin describing them. This 1965 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu SS features a nice frame-off restoration, a big block under the hood, and a list of upgrades and options that make it just the way you'd want it if you'd built it yourself. According to the cowl tag and VIN, this is a real code 138 SS, and that same cowl tag also gives away the fact that... this one was originally red, albeit a slightly darker Regal Red. That's good, because the lighter shade of red on the car now shines up great and has a great impact on the Chevelle's classic lines. The bodywork is nicely done, even on those big quarter panels which are notoriously difficult to get this straight. Note the subtle crease that runs from nose to tail; if the body isn't straight, that's where it will show up first, and on this car, it's good-to-go. Looking at the reflections in our photo studio, you can see that someone spent a lot of time getting this car straight, and that same level of detail is found throughout, so the car makes a very good first impression from a few feet away. It's a very fresh paint job but certainly not done to anything higher than a driver-grade standard, If you want to take it up a notch, you could have a good detailer do a simple cut and buff. You'll also note correct "Malibu SS" badges used on the quarters, a proper SS tail panel, and a super clean Bowtie grille up front. They didn't overlook anything on this one. The mid-1960s were all about simplicity in design, and like the exterior, the black bucket seat interior is a study in careful restraint. Forget faux wood, this Chevy uses bright metal trim to contrast with the black interior, giving the red dashboard a jeweled look that's like a fine clock or vintage stereo gear. The upholstery was likely replaced when the car was restored, and has a very inviting look with no major damage, wear, or other defects. Instead, all you want to do is slide behind the original-style wheel, listening to the comfortable groan of the seat as you settle in, and grab that wonderfully textured steering wheel. The padded dash is a welcome option and contains a set of three white-face auxiliary gauges that complement the stock units, providing the driver with a keen eye toward the engine's vitals. A Hurst shifter for the 4-speed is a welcome sight in any old car, and it juts out from the floor almost taunting the driver to get a little wild with the gear changes. There's no radio in the dash so the choice of head unit is up to the next owner and one glance in the trunk tells you all you need to know about how well-finished this car really is. Performance got a big upgrade as well, thanks to a fresh rebuilt 454 cubic inch big block under the hood. Aside from a Weiand intake and a Demon 4-barrel carburetor, it's pretty stock, so it starts easily and idles with enough of a lope to let folks know it's no pushover. Tough-looking Chevrolet finned valve covers and an open-element air cleaner look slick against the Chevy Orange engine enamel on the block and satin black engine bay. Underneath, the big block spins a 4-speed manual transmission and a robust 12-bolt rear, and long tube headers exhale through a new set of chambered mufflers on an exhaust that dumps out underneath the rear bumper for just the right sound. The stance is exactly right, not too low but not like mom's grocery-getter, either, and with Corvette Rallys and 205/75/15 redline radials at all four corners, it looks fast just sitting still. Fast, fun, and handsome, this pretty red SS will make a fabulous cruiser that will knock the crowds dead at the next local cruise-in, and you can drive it with confidence knowing that someone already sweated all the details. Call today!