Lifetime Black Plate California 1965 Chevrolet Malibu SS

2 Door Super Sport “SS” Coupe

Leather Seats, Power Windows, P/S, P/B, Tilt Wheel

Fresh 350c.i (Crate) Engine, Rebuilt TH350, Posi-Traction!

__________________________ 

NOTE: Our listings are rather lengthy.  They not only describe this particular car but also some history of the make/model, considerations in buying a classic car and facts about our firm. However, we continually hear from out-of-state / out-of-country buyers (many of our clients) that they prefer the level of detail that we provide.  However, if you are not prepared to read the full listing, please scan the DETAILS below along with viewing the PHOTOGRAPHS at the bottom.  If you’d prefer, please call us at 925-846-1451 and we’ll gladly discuss the Malibu SS and answer any questions over the telephone, including our “Buy it Now” policy. Yes, the Chevy can be purchased prior to the end of the eBay auction.

INTRODUCTION

This car is offered at a realistic price and, unlike bidding on cars in a live auction environment, you will have the benefit of extensive information and history on the car prior to making a buying decision.  Equally important is the fact that Classic Cars Ltd. has been in business for 27+ years and enjoys an excellent national / international relationship with over 1,000+ positive eBay feedback responses. 

Please keep in mind that we will gladly…

1. Answer any questions over the telephone and take the time to guide prospective customers through the buying process (925-846-1451).
2. Assist with locating a quality, suitable transporter at very competitive prices.
3. Provide proof that we are licensed, bonded (for the financial transaction), fully insured, and operate from an established showroom environment.
4. Provide feedback from previous buyers, and specific references for vehicle purchases in your area (we also ask that you view our detailed eBay feedback by clicking on the number to the right of the eBay user name)
5. Offer additional information including specific photographs or clarification of any part of our description of the vehicle

Thank you again, please let me know if I can be of assistance.

Happy “eBaying”!
Tripp White, President
Classic Cars Ltd.
Pleasanton, CA
925-846-1451

OVERVIEW

The included Chevrolet Owner Protection Plan supports that this Chevrolet Malibu “SS” was delivered new to Ms. Betty M. of Modesto, CA. on May, 19, 1965 by Helm Chevrolet in nearby Modesto, California.  The Protect-O-Plate is included as is the original Owner’s manual and the original option brochure from the dealer (“1965 Custom Feature Accessories”).  While the Malibu was in Southern California for a time some time in Southern California, it has spent the large majority of its life in the San Francisco Bay area, within a hundred mile of our location in dry, inland Northern California.  The exterior and interior reflect the lack of rust that we often see on cars that have spent time in inclement weather zones throughout the United States and abroad.

Of particular note are the options/upgrades on this Malibu SS that include:

– Leather seats

– Tilt steering wheel

– Power windows

– Power Steering

– Power brakes

– Factory AM radio (not commented)

The Malibu SS is powered by a fresh 350c.i. crate engine and a rebuilt 350^TH transmission mated to posi-traction, all rebuilt within approximately 1,000 miles.  The car retains its factory correct/produced color of “Crocus Yellow” (Code YY) with leather interior.

The VIN decodes as follows:

1 38 37 5 Z 133995

1 = Chevelle/Malibu Code 3000

38 = Malibu SS (Sport Coupe)

37 = 2 Door Sport Coupe

5 = Year of Production 1965

Z = Production location (Fremont, CA.)

133995 = Sequential Production Number

The Trim Tag decodes as follows:

3C = Production date 3^rd week of March

YY = Crocus Yellow (body & top)

714 = E = Interior & trim in black

BF Body = Fremont, CA production

Within an estimated 5,000 miles and since 2017, the “SS” has undergone an extensive restoration including the following:

MECHANICAL

– New Summit 350c.i. <1,000 miles

– Rebuilt 350^TH transmission <1,000 miles

– Rebuilt rear Posi-Traction <1,000 miles

– New aluminum radiator with dual fans and new hoses <100 miles

– Original Cast Iron 4bbl intake manifold

– New Holley 4bbl carburetor

– New exhaust system & Magnaflow mufflers

– New MSD electronic ignition

– New distributor

– New tubular front suspension by Global West

– New Wilwood front disc brakes

– New master cylinder

– New rear drum brakes completely rebuilt including wheel cylinders

– All new brake lines

– New front rotors

– New shocks, springs, & sway bar

– Recent front-end alignment <1,000 miles

– New rear sway bar

– Period style American Racing wheels / Newer BFG Radial TA’s

– New gas tank

– All new fuel lines

– New electric fuel pump

– New sending unit

– New gas tank straps / hardware

– New battery

INTERIOR

– Leather seats

– New front seat belts

– Tile wheel

– New “SS” steering wheel

– Aftermarket functional gauge panel with Oil Pressure & Temperature

– New ignition switch

– Working emergency flashers

– New headliner

– New visors

– New rear ashtrays

– Factory radio (not hooked up, don’t know if functional)

– New front door panels

– New front kick panels

– New sail panels

– New rear deck panel

– “Knee Knocker” tach under dash

– 2-speed wiper (optional for 1965)

– New door sills

– Hidden ignition cut-off switch

BODY/PAINT

– Factory correct “Crocus Yellow” – High quality, trim removed respray

– New door glass

– New quarter glass

– New front grill

– Re-chromed front & rear bumpers

– Rear bumper over-riders

– New “Chevrolet” letters / hood & trunk

– New hood & trunk stainless trim

– New rubber and soft trim

TRUNK

– New trunk liner

– Fire extinguisher mounted

– Mounted spare

– Jack & handle

MISCELLANEOUS

– Original owner’s manual

– Original 1965 Chevrolet Owner Protection Plan Booklet with Protecto-Plate

– Original “1965 Custom Feature Accessories” Booklet (Date 1964 General Motors Corporation)

CONDITION

The paint and body were professionally done and is shows very well. The body and even the undercarriage reflect the limited use the car has since the restoration was completed and support that the car has never seen inclement weather.  There are no door dings and no noticeable rock chips. Any minor imperfections require a close, critical inspection and do not detract from the appearance of the Malibu.  Perhaps most important is the lack of rust through, rot and even surface rust on the underside of the car and suspension components.

All glass is excellent. The interior is beautiful with upgraded, rare leather seats, tilt wheel and power steering and brakes. The leather seats show a lovely patina but no damage of any kind.  The period style added tachometer and monitoring gauges for temperature and oil pressure are functional and are a nice complement for a ‘60’s muscle car.  All of the gauges and lighting systems are functional.  The steering wheel has been upgraded, the headliner replaced, and the visors are new.

The engine compartment is beautifully detailed as is the entire undercarriage of the car.

DRIVABILITY

Get ready for a lot of looks and plan on spending extra time talking about this one every time you stop! Not only was the ’65 was built at considerable cost, it was constructed by long time enthusiasts and done right.  The car is well-sorted, runs cool even in hot California temperatures and is a pleasure to drive with strong performance, excellent shifting and no noise in the drive-line.

The Malibu starts immediately, drives straight, stops well and has excellent power from the crate 350c.i. with a reported 300+ horsepower.  The investment in ongoing mechanical service / preventative maintenance has kept the car running with no breakdowns or “surprises.” It is a reliable muscle car that has been used on clear California days and to attend the occasional classic car show.  The cars owner stated that “I would drive it anywhere.”

Over the course of over 27 years we have seen a large number of muscle cars, many of which are “garage built” and do not reflect the quality and sorting of a professionally constructed example.  This original California car is a beautiful blend of modern upgrades combined with the charm of a stock body and beautiful cosmetics.  We ask that you carefully review our extensive photographs that support the overall quality of the “build.”

OTHER

• Clear California title with current California registration good through 6/2021 for California buyers

• California smog test not required for vehicles 1975 and older

• Passed the California required safety inspection for working wipers, turn signals, lights, brakes, etc.

CHEVROLET CHEVELLE / MALIBU HISTORY

When introduced for 1964, GM’s redesigned A-body intermediates received rave reviews. The platform was essentially a new design consisting of a full frame with a 115-inch wheelbase. This change eliminated the three-year-old, 112-inch wheelbase B-O-P unit-body chassis while providing Chevrolet a means to supply a “senior compact” model of its own.

To that point, the Chevelle line consisted of three trim levels. In ascending order, they were the Chevelle 300, Chevelle Malibu and Chevelle Malibu Super Sport (aka SS). Their presentation led the contemporary road test media to make comparisons to the 1955 Chevy, praising its clean body lines, well-balanced handling, overall comfort and available powertrain combinations.

For 1965, the Chevelle received only mild visual refinements, the most notable confined to a more angular front end and sportier tail panel.

Available as a two-door hardtop or convertible, the SS was distinguished by subtle yet attractive rocker panels and wheel opening trim, circled SS badges on the tail panel and quarter panels, and a blacked-out grille, bisected by a horizontal strip of bright trim; this was complemented with a black-trimmed tail panel. As mentioned, the SS was available with one of two six-cylinder engines, or, initially, five different V-8s, starting with the base V-8, a 195-hp 283. Since we will be focusing on the V-8 engines, we note that another exterior addition was the famed cross-flag emblem with an engine callout above, both positioned on the front fenders.

Inside, standard SS appointments included vinyl bucket seats, a center console with Powerglide or four-speed, a full complement of gauges set in circular pods, electric clock, padded armrests and electric windshield wipers. A small “SS” badge was set above the glove box door

While bucket seats were standard, a power driver’s seat was offered, along with power brakes, steering and windows. Another convenience option was a choice of radios. Buyers also had–with some limitations–a choice of transmission, along with a tachometer, while the especially savvy among them may have also noticed the availability of metallic brakes. A more popular option was the Posi-traction differential. Simulated wire wheel covers were also available for the SS, along with a vinyl roof.

Although the frame under the hardtop was identical to the convertible dimensionally, the latter required more anti-twist rigidity, thus the primary side rails were fully boxed. The A-body platform made use of a coil-sprung suspension system front and rear, the front spring rates of which varied upon engine selection.

Due to Chevrolet’s system of record keeping, an individual breakout of Malibu SS production is unavailable. A few sources have estimated that roughly 81,000 hardtop and convertible examples of the SS were built.

Thank you,

Classic Cars Ltd.
925-846-1451