Real code 138 SS. Correct HF-coded L74 327/300 with 4-speed manual transmission. Very well documented, including original order sheet and window sticker. Restoration receipts. A cool Chevelle convertible that gets everything right.

The nomenclature can get confusing, but in 1965, this was a Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu. We know it’s a real Malibu SS because of the 138 in the VIN, which makes things easy. And, of course, there’s a ton of documentation to back it up, so this car has a bulletproof pedigree. Reviewing the order form, we can see that code S Sierra Tan is this car’s original color and we like it a lot. There are so many black and blue and red convertibles out there that this subtle gold ragtop really makes a statement. Thanks to an extensive (and expensive) restoration, the bodywork is in excellent condition and it appears that this was always a straight, clean car that didn’t need major surgery to get back into shape. The doors fit nicely, the hood snugs down evenly, and the subtle crease along the flanks lines up neatly from panel to panel. There’s an appropriate gloss to the paint, which is surely modern urethane, and all the chrome and stainless trim was refinished during the restoration. All the weather seals are new, too, so it closes up snugly and it takes a little bit of a slam to get the doors closed simply because everything is so fresh. Correct Malibu SS emblems were installed as needed to give the car just the right look.

The black bucket seat interior is also how it was ordered new. Like the exterior, most of the soft parts are new, including seat covers, carpets, door panels, and the dash pad, so it looks fantastic. The center console is a nice addition and it appears to in good original condition, and the 4-speed is how the car was ordered when new. The gauges cover only the basics but they all work properly and that big steering wheel makes handling the mid-sized Malibu surprisingly easy, even without power steering. The bright dash fascia is in very good condition and the original AM radio is still in the dash. Overhead there’s a new black convertible top, and while it’s manual, it’s counter-balanced which makes it very easy to fold and erect, and it latches to the windshield easily. The trunk is finished in correct spatter paint with a reproduction mat and is only a spare tire and jack assembly away from being ready to show.

The engine is a correct HF-coded L74 327/300, which is how this car was originally equipped. Rebuilt to stock specs, it runs quite well and delivers sparkling performance in the lightweight Malibu. It’s nicely detailed in Chevy Orange with a few splashes of chrome like the air cleaner lid to make it look well-dressed. There’s a big radiator up front and it’s kind of refreshing to see such easy access to all the major service items—there’s just not much to it. It starts easily with a nice bark from the dual exhaust system, which uses stock-style mufflers for an OEM sound. The 4-speed manual transmission snaps through the gears with authority and it spins what we believe are 3.31 gears in the heavy-duty 12-bolt rear end. Almost everything under the car was replaced during the restoration, so the suspension feels tight, the gas tank is clean, and it rides rather well thanks to new shocks all around. 15-inch Rally wheels weren’t on the option sheet in 1965, but they sure look right on this Malibu and carry recent 225/60/15 BFGoodrich T/A radials all around.

Documentation is extensive. We have the original window sticker, order form, owner’s manual, and advertising brochures from 1965. We also have copies of previous owners’ titles and registration documents. There is also a file about an inch thick full of restoration receipts that add up to something in the six-figure range.

This is a beautiful car, nicely restored, and optioned for fun. The earlier Chevelles have been sitting in their younger siblings’ shadow for too long and they’re starting to see some strong gains in the market and the later cars move out of reach. With a potent small block and the 4-speed, it’s a joy to drive and the documentation package is first rate. Just a wonderful Chevelle ragtop, ready to enjoy. Call today!

Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.