The Classic Chevrolet Malibu: Chevelle Trim to G-Body
The classic Malibu has two lives. From 1964 to 1972 it was the upscale trim of the Chevrolet Chevelle, which is where the muscle lives. After the Chevelle name was retired following 1977, the Malibu carried the mid-size line on its own, including the light rear-drive G-body that builders love today.
Chevrolet Malibu — Generation by Generation
1964–1972
Chevelle Malibu
"The muscle years"
The Malibu was the nicely trimmed Chevelle, and a Malibu SS could be ordered with everything up to the 396. The rare 1965 Z16 turned it into a 375 hp 396 car. These are the collector muscle Malibus.
Key Changes
- → Top Chevelle trim
- → Malibu SS, up to 396
- → Rare 1965 Z16 396 (375 hp)
Specs
| Engines | 327/350/396 V8 |
| Hot car | 1965 Z16 SS 396 |
Chevrolet Malibu for Sale — 1964–1972
Dealer
United States
1968 Chevrolet Malibu
$45,995
Dealer
United States
1968 Chevrolet Malibu
$50,995
Dealer
United States
1967 Chevrolet Malibu
$5,495
1973–1977
Colonnade
"Bigger and softer"
The Colonnade Malibu traded hardtops for frameless door glass and federal bumpers, and power fell with emissions rules. These are comfortable, plentiful cruisers; the Laguna is the sporty one.
Key Changes
- → Colonnade body
- → Emissions-era power
- → 350/454 V8
Specs
| Engines | 350/454 V8 |
| Era | Colonnade |
Chevrolet Malibu for Sale — 1973–1977
Dealer
United States
1975 Chevrolet Malibu
$35,995
Dealer
United States
1976 Chevrolet Malibu
$21,895
Dealer
United States
1974 Chevrolet Malibu
$19,995
1978–1983
G-Body
"The builder's favorite"
When the Chevelle name was dropped, the downsized Malibu became the standalone mid-size. The light rear-drive G-body coupe and wagon are a drag and restomod staple because a small-block or LS swaps in easily.
Key Changes
- → Standalone model (1978)
- → Light rear-drive G-body
- → Easy V8 swaps
Specs
| Engines | 305/350 V8 |
| Era | G-body |
Chevrolet Malibu for Sale — 1978–1983
Dealer
United States
1978 Chevrolet Malibu
$15,495
Dealer
United States
1979 Chevrolet Malibu
$15,495
Dealer
United States
1979 Chevrolet Malibu
$7,995
Legacy & Impact
If you want a big-block, you are really shopping for a Chevelle, and a Malibu of those years is one. If you want a cheap, light V8 platform to build, the 1978-1983 G-body Malibu is one of the best deals left. Decide which era you want, then buy the cleanest body.
Frequently Asked Questions
From 1964 to 1972 the Malibu was the top trim of the Chevelle, so a Malibu of those years is a Chevelle. After 1977 the Malibu became its own standalone mid-size model.
In the muscle years the Malibu SS was the Super Sport version of the Chevelle Malibu, available up to the 396 big-block, including the rare 1965 Z16 396 cars.
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Thinking of Buying One?
Read our Chevrolet Malibu Buyer's Guide — pre-purchase checklist, common issues, and pricing.
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