Sharp and Clean! Strong 400 V8, Auto, Pwr Steer/Brks w/ Frt Disc, Nice Drop Top!

Description

When this 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu convertible rolled in, more than one person simply said, "Wow," which we think sums it up brilliantly. Beautifully restored and meticulously maintained ever since, this droptop represents the American muscle car era at its best. With a screaming red paint job, a comfortable bucket-seat interior, and strong 400 V8 under the hood, this impressive sled is sure to keep turning heads for many years to come.

Exceptionally well finished, this Chevelle has all the hallmarks of a car that started out as a solid, high-quality piece and was restored back to greatness through the skillful hands of professional builders. Bodywork is impressive, with a uniform look to the sheetmetal, and good prep under the paint, this is one you can proudly drive to any local car show of your choosing. Gaps show that someone cared when putting it back together, and they made the right choice by keeping things simple, avoiding the obvious temptation of a cowl hood that doesn't belong, or some gaudy stripe kit that takes away from the original styling of this lovely '66. And then there's that paint. Maybe 1966 Chevelle experts will call it Regal Red, but no factory paint ever glowed like this car does, showing off a strong finish that's certainly a head-turner. Stainless trim has been polished, and 'Malibu' badges installed on the rear quarters, because this car isn't trying to be something it's not. It wears a stock grille up front instead of a swapped-in SS unit (how refreshing!) and both bumpers have been straightened and re-chromed to really glitter up against the red-hot finish.

Red buckets are the only way to fly on a car like this, and they present in fantastic condition with very little signs of usage. The original 1966 dash was plain and simple, but elegant and clean, and the factory gauges have been augmented with a trio of auxiliary units underneath the dash that keep a much closer eye on the engine. The center console is an ultra-cool piece with a built-in clock, and the original shifter (which looks like a piece of modern art) controls a capable TH350 3-speed automatic transmission. Like a lot of these early Chevelle Malibus, options are sparse, but you do get a sporty, leather-wrapped steering wheel and a stock AM radio hooked-up to upgraded speakers in the kick panels, although it's in need of some service. The white power convertible top fits so well we were almost afraid to put it down, but it works perfectly with just a touch of the button if the weather happens to turn. And in back, the spacious trunk is neatly finished with spatter paint and carries a full-size spare tire.

The engine bay is a nice combination of original-style parts and quality aftermarket equipment that work together for a beautiful presentation. A smooth-running 400 V8 looks right and makes plenty of power with the help of a set of aluminum heads to make the Chevelle a blast on the street. Cool blacked-out valve covers work with a shiny open-element air cleaner, and the block is fed by a Summit 4-barrel carburetor atop a performance intake. Long tube headers feed a true dual H-pipe exhaust system with chambered mufflers that let the engine speak with that characteristic small block bark under throttle. The chassis is solid and incredibly clean, with a painted frame and pans that frame the TH350 3-speed automatic transmission and heavy-duty rear end suspended on newer shocks. Power front disc brakes and power steering give the droptop great road manners and it rolls on a set of flashy chrome Rev wheels wearing 215/50/17 front and 255/50/17 rear blackwall radials.

Nicely restored and beautifully presented, this is a dialed-in droptop Chevy that likely won't be with us long. Let the other guys worry about investments; you'll be having too much fun behind the wheel. Call today!