Powerful 1970 Chevelle Malibu with 5-Speed

Powerful 1970 Chevelle Malibu with 5-Speed

The Roaring 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu

Let’s take a stroll down memory lane with this classic 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu sport coupe. Under its skin, there’s a 502ci V8 crate engine that’s been dropped in by a previous owner, paired with a five-speed manual transmission that just begs to be taken for a spin. The good folks over at the selling dealership grabbed this beauty in 2024, and they’ve been busy making it better. Items like new spark plugs, snazzy exhaust headers, and an electric fan controller have been thrown into the mix, along with a brand-new McLeod clutch and a Holley four-barrel carburetor. Now, isn’t that something? This Malibu is sporting a clean California title—perfect for cruising along the Pacific Coast Highway.

Body and Finish

Originally a rather forgettable beige, this Chevelle has seen a transformation into a striking blue adorned with white stripes, punctuated by a chic black vinyl roof. Look closely, and you’ll find performance details like a cowl induction hood, SS badging, and those eye-catching dual oval exhaust outlets. Sure, it’s got some paint chips and runs, and the seller openly mentions a bit of corrosion in the left-rear quarter panel and under the vinyl top, but hey, what’s a classic without a few quirks?

Wheel and Suspension Upgrades

Let’s talk stance. This Chevelle rolls on U.S. Mags 18” wheels dressed with 275/35 Atlas Force UHP tires at the front and a beefier 285/35 Lionhart LH-Five shoes at the back. It’s not just about looks, though—tubular control arms and lowering springs have been put in to ensure it hugs the road with finesse. And, let’s not forget those four-wheel disc brakes, featuring a Wilwood master cylinder and front calipers. Stop on a dime? You better believe it.

Interior Insights

Peek inside, and you’ll find seats covered in sleek black vinyl—both the front bucket and rear bench. The interior spices things up with a center console, a Muncie shifter that feels just right in the hand, and a Custom Autosound digital stereo. But here’s a heads-up: the speakers have earned a reputation for being a bit moody and work intermittently. Should you crank up the tunes or enjoy the engine’s roar? A tough call, but we’ll leave that up to you.

Gauging it Right

Grasping that three-spoke steering wheel gives you a real sense of control. It frames a 120-mph speedometer, a tachometer, and assorted gauges for amperage, coolant temperature, and fuel. But wait, there’s more! AutoMeter gauges for boost pressure and oil pressure are mounted elegantly on the windshield pillar. The five-digit odometer shows 7k miles—a little under 200 of those were racked up by the current owner. Talk about a collector’s dream!

Under the Hood

Now, let’s get to the good stuff. That 502ci V8 crate engine doesn’t just thump; it roars. Previous owners saw fit to include an aluminum intake manifold, shiny aluminum cylinder heads, and an HEI distributor. Under the hood, you’ll also spot an aluminum radiator joined by dual electric fans. The coated Doug’s headers ensure that exhaust flows smoothly through a dual exhaust system rigged with an X-pipe and electric cutouts. All of this was lovingly serviced in October 2024 with a brand new Holley four-barrel carburetor, plus the usual spark plug and oil changes. You can rest easy knowing this engine is ready to hit the streets.

Transmission Talk

Shifting gears is a delight, courtesy of that five-speed manual transmission sending power straight to the rear wheels. And, of course, the new McLeod clutch installed in October 2024 gives it a feel that makes driving downright addictive.

Production Information Breakdown

Now, for those who are interested in a little history lesson, decoding the data plate reveals the following:

  • Style: 70-13637 – That’s right, folks, it’s a 1970 Malibu Sport Coupe.
  • Body: B135882 – Assembled with care in Baltimore, Maryland.
  • Trim: 790 – Back in the day, they called this ivory vinyl upholstery.
  • Paint: 50 H – Gobi Beige was the original color alongside a Dark Gold vinyl top.
  • Build Date: 05D – Crafted during the fourth week of May.

This 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu isn’t just a car—it’s a piece of art steeped in history. With its symphony of power, design, and quirky details, this beauty is ready for her next chapter. So, who’s ready to take the wheel?