Numbers Matching 1965 Malibu “138” SS California Car
This 1965 Chevrolet Chevelle SS coupe has been restored in its original color of “Cypress Green” and is powered by a numbers matching 327c.i./ 350 hp L79 V8 paired with a four-speed manual transmission and a Posi-traction rear end.
Purchased from the Southern California of over 20 years, the current owner has had the Malibu since 1996. The car underwent a “frame-off” restoration including a trim removed re-spray in the factory color of “Cypress Green” as supported by the firewall trim-tag. The engine number, decoded below, is consistent with the production date of the car and reportedly numbers matching as do the transmission, rear end and other components. Considerable effort was made during the restoration and long-time ownership to replace parts with NOS items and retain the cars stock appearance and configuration.
Extensive maintenance, restoration and historical documentation is included with the sale.
The car is a correct “138” Malibu “SS” with equipment including: power steering, power brakes, power windows, tilt steering wheel, console and in dash tachometer, power convertible top, wheel well moldings, and 5 spoke “REV” wheels with polished outers and contrasting gray spokes. Wheels are wrapped in staggered Optimo HT tires.
This Chevelle SS is now being offered with records from current and previous owners dating back over 20 years and a clean California title in the seller’s name.
The cabin has been reupholstered in black vinyl and features recovered front bucket seats, a padded dashboard, and replacement power convertible top in white with a clear rear window. Additional amenities include a factory AM radio, and speaker, factory upgraded front and rear seatbelts, and a 5 digit odometer reading 23,805. Due to the age of the car, the mileage is being represented as TMU (total mileage unknown).
A wood-rimmed steering wheel is mounted to a rebuilt tilt steering column and frames a horizontal 120-mph speedometer, a 7k-rpm ‘Blinker’ tachometer, and gauges for coolant temperature, fuel level, battery charge, and oil pressure. A refurbished analog clock is mounted in the center console, and the five-digit odometer shows just under 22k miles, approximately 7,500 of which have been added by the seller. Total mileage is unknown.
The numbers-matching 327ci / 350hp L79 V8 features a Quick Fuel 750-cfm carburetor, a four-row radiator, electronic ignition, and a dual 2.5″ exhaust system with Magnaflow mufflers. Additional work performed during the seller’s ownership reportedly included replacing the following parts:
- Fuel tank
- Fuel pump and lines
- Starter and alternator
- Water pump
- Engine and transmission mounts
- Fan clutch
- All wiring harnesses
- Fuse box
The engine # decodes as follows:
F1112EC
V = Flint Michigan
1112 = Produced on Nov. 12th (approximately 3 weeks before build date and correct)
EC = 327c.i / 350 hp L79 Special High Performance / Holley Carburetor mated to Manual 4-Speed
Matched date code and current configuration of this car. Note: 1 of only 6,021 L79 engines produced in 1965 for Malibu installation http://chevellestuff.net/1965/engine_id_codes.htm
The Fisher trim tag decodes as follows:
- 12B – Built during the 2nd week of December
- 65-13867 – 1965 “SS” two-door sport coupe
- Body: BF – Fremont, CA
- Trim: 714 – Black Pattern Imitation Leather
- Paint: JJ – Cypress Green
Options (ACC) shown on the trim tag are:
A49 – Deluxe Seat Belts
B70 – Padded Dash
The Malibu reportedly retains many of its original numbers matching components including the engine that is decoded above. The 4-speed close ratio transmission has been rebuilt and fitted with a new clutch and related parts and the extensive file documents comprehensive repairs performed by the cars long time and current owner.
Further underbody images are available in the gallery below.