Get behind the wheel of  automotive history

 First and Second generation: 1964-1972   

The Chevrolet Malibu was introduced to American drivers in 1964, and was touted as an “intermediate” car, but it was destined to become much more. Released as an upscale sub-model of the Chevrolet Chevelle, it quickly became clear that the Malibu could be considered a contender in its own right during the muscle car ‘wars’ of the 1960s. In short order, a powerful ‘Super Sport’ (SS) version was produced, representing an official acknowledgement of the Malibu’s street performance. 

Oil shortages and increasingly stringent federal crash standards saw the third generation Malibu grow larger in size, yet gain more efficiency in power. For a brief period of time, the SS version of the Malibu was dropped in favor of a “Laguna” model. The fourth iteration of the Malibu model saw the “Chevelle” name removed, and a distinctly smaller platform was introduced.

Introduced as the top model of the new midsize lineup; sold more than 200,000 in the first year

After the fourth generation of Malibu came to an end in 1983, the model went on hiatus until 1997, where it entered its fifth generation. This Malibu represented a fundamental shift in its design and powertrain. Instead of being a front engine and rear wheel drive car (FR), the Malibu became a front engine and front wheel drive car (FF)—pitting it in direct competition with other FF sedans of its day. The Malibu has continued with this layout ever since.

Some things remain unchanged; the Malibu name conjures images of the beach life upon which it was inspired. Families across America continue to enjoy the Malibu as an affordable sedan that can moonlight as a performance vehicle.

First generation (1964–1967)

The automobile marketplace became highly competitive in the smaller-sized car segments in the early 1960s. The “Big Three” automakers (General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler) responded to the success of American Motors’ compact Rambler that made AMC the leading maker of small cars for several years. Chevrolet responded with the 1964 Chevelle based on a new “A” platform design. The Chevelle was the U.S. auto industry’s only all-new car for 1964 and was positioned to fill the gap between the small Chevy II and the full-sized Chevrolet models. Introduced in August 1963 by “Bunkie” Knudsen, the Chevelle filled the gap for Chevrolet with sales of 338,286 for the year.

Two-door hardtop coupes, and convertibles, four-door sedans, and four-door station wagons were offered throughout the entire run. This also included a coupe utility (El Camino) which was a derivative of the two-door wagon. In line with other Chevrolet series, the two-door hardtops were called Sport coupes. Four-door hardtops, dubbed Sport Sedans, were available (1966 through 1972). A two-door station wagon was available in 1964 and 1965 in the base 300 series.

A complete restyle of the Chevelle on the previous frame in 1966 that included smooth contours, a new grille and bumper treatment, and curved side windows. The new body reflected the “Coke bottle” body shape that became the fad for American cars in the mid-1960s. A 4-door hardtop-styled Sport Sedan joined the Malibu series. It was an attractive car and was offered through 1972, but never achieved the high-production figures as the pillared sedan. Chevelles continued in 300, 300 Deluxe, and Malibu trim. Available engines were a 327-cubic-inch V8 instead of either of the sixes, or the mid-level option, a 220-horsepower 283-cubic-inch V8.

New Body 1966–1967

The 1967 models received a facelift. Large wraparound taillamps went into a new rear end with standard backup lights. Disc brakes up front were available on all models, and a new dual master cylinder brake system. Chevrolet also added 14” wheels and a three speed automatic transmission to their line of transmissions. New safety equipment, including a collapsible steering column. The SS396 continued as its own series with both sport coupe and convertible body styles.

Second generation (1968–1972)

The 1968 Chevelle received an all-new distinctly sculpted body with tapered front fenders and a rounded beltline. The car adopted a long-hood/short-deck profile with a high rear-quarter “kick-up”. While all 1967 Chevelle models rode a 115-inch (2,900 mm) wheelbase, the 1968 coupes and convertibles now rode a 112-inch (2,800 mm) wheelbase. The sedans and wagons turned to a 116-inch (2,900 mm) span. Tread width grew an inch front and rear. Hardtop coupes featured a semi-fastback, flowing roofline. Top-trim models (including the SS 396 and new luxury Concours) featured GM’s new Hide-A-Way wiper system. Lesser Chevelles would get that change later.

1969 Chevelles were billed as “America’s most popular mid-size car.” They showed only minor changes for 1969, led by revised front-end styling. A single chrome bar connected quad headlights with a revised front grille, now cast in ABS plastic, and a slotted bumper held the parking lights. Taillight lenses were larger and more vertical, flowing into the quarter panels. Smaller side marker lighting bezels were phased in. The Chevelle lineup slimmed down to Nomad, 300 Deluxe/Greenbrier, Malibu/Concours, and Concours Estate series. No longer a series of its own, the SS 396 turned into a $347.60 option package for any two-door model. That meant not just a convertible, sport coupe, or pickup, but even the pillared coupe and sport coupe 300 Deluxe series.

1969 Chevelles were billed as “America’s most popular mid-size car.” 

Design Changes 1969–1972

In 1970, Chevelle bodies returned to a more squared-up stance following the coke bottle styling. The interiors were also redesigned. The 1970 Chevelle shared many sheet metal body parts with the 1970 Buick Skylark, both are GM automobiles and have interchangeable sheet metal. They are also the only two muscle cars to share the same roofline. The 1970 Chevelle came in Sport Coupe, Sport Sedan, convertible, four-door sedan, a couple of wagons, and coupé utility (the El Camino) body styles. Only three of these (Malibu sport coupe, Malibu convertible and El Camino pickup) were available with a choice of one of two SS options; RPO Z25 with the SS 396 (402 cid) engine and RPO Z15 with the new 454 cid engine. The 300 Deluxe 2-door sedan was cancelled and replaced by the base Chevelle Sport Coupe, a 2 door pillarless hardtop.

Engine choices ranged from the standard 155 horsepower six-cylinder and 200-horsepower 307-cubic-inch V8, to a pair of 350 V8s and a pair of 402 engines. RPO Z25 SS equipment option included one of these 402 cid engines but was still marketed as a 396. The second 402 cid engine was available under RPO, rated at 330 hp with single exhaust, and was available in any V8 series except an SS optioned Malibu or El Camino. 1970 also saw the introduction of the 454 cid engine and was only available with the RPO Z15 SS Equipment option. The base 454 cu in (7.4 L) engine was rated at 360 bhp, which was also available with cowl induction; and the optional LS6 version equipped with a single 4-barrel 800 CFM Holley carburetor produced 450 bhp at 5600 rpm and 500 lb ft at 3600 rpm of torque. There were 4,475 LS6 Chevelles produced.

The SS 396 Chevelle included a 350 horsepower Turbo-Jet 396 V8, special suspension, “power dome” hood, black-accented grille, resilient rear-bumper insert, and wide-oval tires on sport wheels. Though a 375 horsepower cowl induction version was available, few were sold in favor of the newly introduced 454 engine during late-1969 timeframe. The LS5 454-cubic-inch V8 produced 360 horsepower in standard form and a cowl induction version was also available. The LS6 produced a claimed 450 gross HP in solid-lifter, high-compression guise.

1972 Chevelles featured single-unit parking/side marker lights on their front fenders, outside of a revised twin-bar grille. The SS equipment option requirements remained the same as those in 1971, any optional V8. More than 24,000 Malibu Sport Sedans were built, with a standard 307-cubic-inch V8 rated at 130 horsepower. Powertrain options included the 175-horsepower 350-cubic-inch V8 and 240-horsepower 402-cubic-inch (still known as a 396), as well as a 454 that produced 270 horsepower under the net rating system.

The 1972 Chevelle SS had an engine rated at 270 net hp conforming with GM’s decree that all engines were to be rated at their net engine ratings. All other engines on the SS roster were unchanged from 1971. 1972 was the last year for the cowl induction option for the 454 cid engine and was not even mentioned in the 1972 Chevelle brochure.

The First and Second Generation Chevelles stand apart in their design and performance. The bold styling through the years kept pace with the public’s need for exciting automobiles. They remain some of the most sought-after classics.

The Third Generation Chevelles took on a more hefty silhouette. The Gen3 Chevelle body style was extensively used in NASCAR competition from 1973 to 1977. The 1977 models were the last to bear the Chevelle name; with the all-new 1978 models, Malibu became the basic name for Chevrolet’s midsize cars.

The Malibu nameplate continues today.

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