Sight down its flanks and you see straight bodywork with no signs of patching or low-quality workmanship, and the thing fits together rather well.
Look at the market today, and it would be easy to assume that the only Chevelles Chevrolet was building were big block SS models. In reality, a majority of A-bodies cranked out by Chevy factories were cars that were driven every day by regular people, not guys looking for a street race on a Friday night. Their virtues were many: the right size, good power, great ride, and in case you hadn’t noticed, they’re really good looking. That’s why we like this clean 1967 Malibu Chevelle—it’s not trying to be anything other than what it is. There’s V8 power, a comfortable interior, cold factory A/C, and it’s a Chevelle, so it looks great. Everything that you love, all at a reasonable price.
This attractive Butternut Yellow Chevelle has a traditional look that more correctly represents the cars running around in 1967. The data tag says it was originally Ermine White, but we’re having a hard time believing it simply because there’s no sign of white paint anywhere on the car and it’s hard to imagine that this reasonably-priced car enjoyed a complete disassembly paint job. Either way, it has a clean, no-nonsense look that isn’t trying too hard: no fake SS badges, no stripes, no hood scoops, just clean sheetmetal that doesn’t look like it’s ever spent any time in winter weather. Sight down its flanks and you see straight bodywork with no signs of patching or low-quality workmanship, and the thing fits together rather well. The black vinyl top is likewise in excellent condition with no bubbling or rust evident underneath and all the original stainless trim in place. We’re not sure why GM gave this car so many names, but it wears both Malibu script emblems and a Chevelle badge on the tail panel, so you can call it what you want. We find the taillights on this car to be some of the most attractive of the era, and you might note those little flag emblems on the front fenders, designating the V8 engine living inside.
The interior has always been black, with reproduction seat covers being installed at some point, probably when it was repainted some years ago. Carpets, door panels, and seat covers are all in great shape and we suspect that the headliner is a nice original piece. The three-spoke steering wheel wears a leather wrap, but the plastic rim underneath is in good condition and the simple linear dashboard feels familiar with its wide speedometer and simple woodgrain accents. You’ll spot those round vents in the dash, indicative of factory A/C, which is fully functional in this car. Nice! The original radio is still in its slot but it’s disconnected in favor of a newer Pioneer AM/FM/CD stereo head unit neatly installed under the dash and powering speakers on the rear package shelf. There’s not much wear on the seating surfaces and the bench feels comfortable enough for longer road trips. And speaking of road trips, the trunk is giant, even with a full-sized spare back there. You’ll also note that it’s completely solid and carries what is likely its original mat.
The Chevelle was available with a dizzying array of engines, from a pair of six-cylinder engines, three small blocks, and three big blocks all the way up to an L78 396. This one is carrying the entry-level V8: a 283 cubic inch unit topped by a 2-barrel carburetor rated at 195 horsepower. Don’t scoff, because it’s smooth, torquey, seamless, and makes all the right V8 noises without being annoying. You want big power and lots of noise, we’ve got Chevelles that do that. But if you want one that burbles and hums and pulls itself around with enthusiasm, this yellow car does a great job. We don’t believe this engine has ever been out of the car, but like all small block Chevys, it runs great and asks for little more than gas and oil in exchange for a whole lot of fun. The engine bay is tidy, with Chevy Orange paint on the engine, a correct air cleaner assembly (thankfully not some goofy chrome piece), and plenty of evidence of proper maintenance over the years. It’s completely stock, right down to the exhaust manifolds, although someone has added a dual exhaust system that gives it a bit of a rumble. It starts easily, idles nicely, and as I mentioned, it remains entertaining to drive while always remaining in the background. Believe me, sometimes that’s a relief—get in, turn the key, and just enjoy the drive.
And just check out how clean this one is underneath! Super solid floors, issue-free rockers, and no signs that this car ever spent any time in winter weather. The 2-speed PowerGlide automatic transmission shifts cleanly and with 3.08 gears out back, it’s a superlative highway cruiser. Ride quality is excellent and with both power steering and power brakes, it’s easy for anyone to handle. Rally wheels look right and carry 225/70/15 whitewall radials with lots of life left in them.
This car includes the original owner’s manual and some sales literature.
After all these years of driving high-strung muscle cars, sometimes it’s nice to get into a car that just lets you relax. Sit back, crank up the A/C, and hit the road. Add in the super clean undercarriage and bodywork, and it’s either a great opportunity for a low-cost Chevelle or a great place to start an amazing fresh build. Either way, you won’t find many cleaner unrestored A-bodies than this. Call today!
Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.