Exterior:
During its restoration, the original exterior color was changed to a stunning Mist Blue, applied in base/clear form. While some minor bubbling, runs, and inclusions are noted, the finish remains impressive overall. The grille, in its original horizontal ribbed style, is in excellent condition with a blue bowtie badge at the center. Dual headlights and a shiny bumper add to the front-end appeal. As we move toward the rear, the car features well-aligned gaps and brightwork throughout. Badging includes the Chevrolet crossed flags and Malibu SS badges on the rear quarters. The expansive Mist Blue roof is complemented by chrome trim around the clear glass. The rear end is marked by simple tail lights with chrome embellishments, additional trim, and block “CHEVROLET” lettering across the tail panel. The car sits on 15-inch polished Chevrolet Rally wheels, wrapped in 235/60R15 raised white-letter Cooper Cobra tires. A noteworthy feature is the meticulously finished trunk, which includes a black finish, fire extinguisher, full-size spare tire, and jack assembly.

Interior:
Upon opening the doors, the interior presents classic 1960s styling, with black vinyl panels and a black steel upper section. The panels feature window cranks, black vinyl-covered pull/armrests, and chrome detailing. The black vinyl low-back bucket seats are adorned with chrome accents on the sides and black seat belts, all presenting as nearly new. A thin, stylish center console runs between the seats, housing the chrome T-handle shift lever. Black carpeting surrounds the seats and console and remains in excellent condition. The dashboard is highlighted by a wood-rimmed, three-spoke black steering wheel. The inverted V-style aluminum dash exudes 1960s Bowtie design, with the original center gauge cluster flanked by a speedometer on the left and temp, oil, fuel, and amp gauges within the tachometer on the right. A factory clock is centrally located. The original pull knobs operate flawlessly, and the original AM radio remains in its factory position. The dash is covered with a clean, crack-free light black padded topper, and above, the headliner is tight and in great shape.

Drivetrain:
Beneath the hood rests a freshly rebuilt 355ci V8 engine, featuring an orange/red block and only 500 miles since completion. It’s topped with a Weiand aluminum intake and an Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor. Power is transferred through a Powerglide 2-speed automatic transmission, which may be the original. The rear end is equipped with a correct and original 12-bolt axle, featuring a 3.31 gear ratio and Positraction. Every detail under the hood has been carefully attended to, showcasing a beautifully restored engine bay.

Undercarriage:
The car’s strong black frame serves as the foundation for clean black floor pans and rockers. Only minor surface rust is visible on some areas of the floors and suspension components, but it is not detrimental to the vehicle. The front suspension features a fully rebuilt independent coil spring setup, while the rear utilizes a 4-link system with coil springs. New power disc brakes are installed in the front, while the rear uses power drums. The car is also equipped with power steering, headers, and dual FlowMaster mufflers, ensuring a safe and thrilling driving experience.

Drive-Ability:
This car starts quickly and performs excellently on the test track, offering impressive acceleration and smooth shifting. All functions were operational during the drive, with the exception of the speedometer, odometer, clock, radio, and horn. The experience was so enjoyable that I took an extra three laps around the track just to soak in the muscle car sound and remarkable exhaust note.