Here is a beautiful showroom condition 1965 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu Super Sport Convertible.
The Chevelle and the Chevelle Malibu
The Chevy Chevelle was one of Chevrolet’s most successful nameplates, with a long production run from 1964 through 1977. Beginning in 1978 the Chevy Malibu became it’s own distinct model and is still being produced. The Chevelle itself continued to be popular during its entire production run. Chevrolet first used the SS badge on the 1961 Impala. Since that tear Chevy put the Super Sport badge on many of it’s muscle cars.
Chevrolet introduced the Chevelle model in 1964 as a mid-sized offering. The Chevy Chevelle was to compete directly against the popular Ford Fairlane. The Chevelle was built on the A-body platform. The Chevrolet Malibu Chevelle introduced in 1964 was the perfect fit between the small Chevy II and the full-size Chevy.
The Chevy Chevelle Malibu SS
The Malibu model was more of a luxury package to the Chevelle that included an upgraded interior, and pieces of trim. The SS was an option package that could be ordered when you ordered the Malibu package.
The Malibu Super Sport returned for it’s second year in 1965 with few changes. The Malibu ranked number one in Chevelle sales. The model had high end tailored fabrics with metallic thread accents. Adding to the Malibu’s popularity were the many available model options which included the sport coupe, convertible, 4-door sedan, and 2-seat wagon. When purchased as a Super Sport, the buyer then owned Chevy’s intermediate entry in the hot muscle car competition.
1965 Chevy Chevelle Malibu Specifications
The 65 Chevy Chevelle was built with a choice of six different engine versions. The basic engine was the 194 cubic inch six The Malibu SS models came with a 283 or 327 cubic inch V-8. The Chevelle Malibu also had four straight six engines available. Later in the year Chevelle came out with a limited edition 396 cubic inch engine known as the Z-16 Package.
Transmissions included an automatic and a four speed manual.
Brakes were four wheel power disc.
Dimensions included a 115.0 inch wheelbase, 196.6 inch overall outside length, 75.7 inch width. Curb weight for the 1965 Chevelle Malibu averaged 3,150 lbs.
The Chevelle Malibu continued with it’s 115 inch wheelbase from the Chevelle’s 1964 introduction, Total vehicle length however grew 2.7 inches because of it’s more pointed nose and front bumper.
Over the thirteen year Chevrolet Chevelle production run, over 5 million models were built. The Chevy Chevelle was one of Chevrolet’s most successful models.
We do know that for the 1965 model year Chevrolet produced a total of 2,588,000 vehicles. There are estimated as to how many Chevelle Malibu SS models were produced. Total Malibu Convertible SS models represented 9,075 units. Total Malibu SS Two Door Sports Coupe represented 71,000 units. These numbers represented a good increase over 64 production.
Related Auto Museum Online articles are on the links below..
Reference material for this article includes..American Muscle Cars by authors William G. Holder and Phillip Kunz….American Cars of the 1960’s: A decade of Diversity by author John Gunnell. The Complete Book of Classic Chevrolet Muscle Cars :1955-1974 by author Mike Mueller.
1965 Chevy Chevelle Malibu Collector Car
The Chevrolet Chevelle is one of Chevrolet’s most successful models of all time. GM had a real winner with the 1964 Chevrolet Chevelle. The Malibu led sales that very first year with the four-door sedan priced at $2,457.
The Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu is a popular collector car and you’ll most likely see one at many car shows and auctions. Chevy’s Malibu is as iconic as the Impala.
Auction selling prices for the 1965 Chevelle Malibu SS in excellent condition are typically found in the $40,000-$70,000 range. Showroom condition examples with originality can be seen in the six figures.
(Article and photos copyright Auto Museum Online)