Chevelle Malibu Transformed: A 1966 Convertible with Modern Muscle

Chevelle Malibu Transformed: A 1966 Convertible with Modern Muscle

Full details & bid : bringatrailer.com

The 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu stands as a beloved icon of the mid-1960s, embodying classic American style and powerful performance. This particular 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu convertible takes that iconic foundation and transforms it into a modern restomod, blending vintage aesthetics with contemporary engineering and exhilarating performance. Refurbished and completed in 2024, this vehicle has been meticulously upgraded with a Roadster Shop “Fast Track” Stage III chassis, a potent 6.2-liter LS3 V8 engine, and a precise Tremec T56 six-speed manual transmission. Finished in sleek black over a luxurious black leather interior, this Chevelle Malibu represents the pinnacle of classic car modification, offering a driving experience that rivals modern sports cars while retaining its timeless appeal.

Exceptional Chassis and Suspension Upgrades: This Chevelle Malibu convertible rides on a state-of-the-art Roadster Shop “Fast Track” Stage III chassis, a significant upgrade that forms the backbone of its enhanced performance. This chassis features fully boxed frame rails, providing exceptional rigidity and strength. It incorporates C6 Corvette spindle and hub assemblies, ensuring modern handling geometry and component compatibility. The ride quality and dynamic control are further bolstered by Penske coilovers at all four corners, allowing for precise suspension tuning. A parallel four-bar rear suspension setup enhances traction and stability, providing a confident and predictable ride whether cruising or pushing its limits.

Sleek Exterior and Lighting: The body of this 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu has been expertly refinished in a deep, lustrous black, a color choice that perfectly suits its aggressive yet elegant lines. Complementing the exterior is a new, manually-operated black convertible soft top, offering the versatility of open-air driving. The vehicle has been updated with modern lighting elements, including Dapper headlights for improved visibility and a contemporary look, and Digi-Tails taillights, which provide bright, reliable illumination with a custom touch. The overall exterior presentation is one of understated power and refined craftsmanship, where every detail contributes to its cohesive restomod identity.

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High-Performance Wheels and Braking System: This modified Chevelle Malibu is equipped with stunning Forgeline OE1 staggered-width 19-inch wheels, measuring 19×9.5 inches up front and 19×12 inches out back. These wheels are mounted with high-performance Continental ExtremeContact Sport tires, sized 265/35 at the front and a substantial 325/30 at the rear, ensuring excellent grip and a formidable stance. Stopping power is significantly enhanced by power-assisted Baer four-wheel disc brakes, featuring six-piston calipers at the front and four-piston calipers at the rear. This robust braking system provides exceptional fade resistance and confident stopping capabilities, crucial for a vehicle with such elevated performance.

Luxurious and Modernized Interior: The cabin of this Chevelle Malibu has been meticulously reappointed with a sophisticated black interior, featuring TMI Pro Series low-back bucket seats and a matching rear bench upholstered in premium black leather. The color-coordinated door panels and carpets create a cohesive and upscale environment. For enhanced ambiance, under-dash LED lighting has been added. The center console includes a practical locking storage compartment and an analog clock. Modern comfort is ensured by a Vintage Air climate control system, providing both air conditioning and heat. The entertainment system is a RetroSound Bluetooth head unit, seamlessly linked to a trunk-mounted Kicker subwoofer, delivering rich, high-quality audio.

Driver-Centric Cockpit and Instrumentation: The driver interacts with a three-spoke steering wheel that fronts a comprehensive suite of backlit Dakota Digital instrumentation. This modern digital gauge cluster includes a 120-mph horizontal speedometer, a precise digital speed readout, a clock, and various auxiliary gauges, providing all essential vehicle information clearly and accurately. The replacement digital odometer indicates a mere 583 miles, reflecting the limited use since its extensive refurbishment. Power-assisted steering with a HydraStop hydraulic assist kit makes maneuvering this powerful machine effortless and precise, enhancing the overall driving experience.

Powertrain and Exhilarating Performance: At the heart of this formidable Chevelle Malibu lies a potent 6.2-liter LS3 V8 crate engine, a popular choice for high-performance restomods due to its robust power and reliability. This engine was installed in 2024 and is factory rated at an impressive 525 horsepower, delivering breathtaking acceleration and a thrilling driving experience. It features a Summit Racing intake manifold for optimized airflow, an electronically-controlled throttle body for precise response, and an aluminum radiator ensuring efficient cooling even under demanding conditions. Power is routed to the rear wheels through a robust Tremec T56 six-speed manual transmission, offering direct and engaging gear changes for maximum driver involvement. A 9-inch rear end with a 3.70:1 limited-slip differential ensures efficient power transfer to the pavement. The Borla dual exhaust system provides a deep, aggressive V8 rumble that perfectly complements the car’s performance.

Ownership and Condition: This modified Chevelle Malibu convertible was acquired by its current owner in January 2025 and is now offered on dealer consignment in Illinois with a clean Florida title. The extensive refurbishment was completed in 2024, indicating the vehicle is in a highly sorted and updated condition. The low mileage on the digital odometer reflects the limited use since its comprehensive build, ensuring that the next owner receives a freshly modernized classic ready for enjoyment.

Summary:

  • Refurbished and modified 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu convertible, completed in 2024.
  • Rides on a Roadster Shop “Fast Track” Stage III chassis with C6 Corvette spindle and hub assemblies.
  • Powered by a 6.2-liter LS3 V8 (rated at 525 horsepower) with a Tremec T56 six-speed manual transmission.
  • Features a 9″ axle with a 3.70:1 limited-slip differential and parallel four-bar rear suspension.
  • Repainted black over black leather interior; includes a manually-operated black convertible soft top.
  • Equipped with Forgeline OE1 staggered-width 19″ wheels and Continental ExtremeContact Sport tires.
  • Braking by power-assisted Baer four-wheel disc brakes with six-piston front/four-piston rear calipers.
  • Includes power-assisted steering with HydraStop, Penske coilovers, and a Borla dual exhaust system.
  • Interior features TMI Pro Series low-back bucket seats, Vintage Air climate control, and RetroSound head unit.
  • Dakota Digital instrumentation with digital odometer showing 583 miles.

Disclaimer: Information provided is for general informational purposes only and is based on available details. Potential buyers are advised to conduct their own thorough inspection and verification of any vehicle.

AI Assistance: Gemini

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