Chevelle / Malibu History

The Chevrolet Chevelle was a mid-sized car built by General Motors in response to the increasing demand for smaller more agile cars that were cheaper and, in some cases, sportier than their full-size siblings. These were mid-size cars, sized between the “compact” Chevy II / Nova and “full-size” Chevrolet Impala.

They were built to two main specifications, Chevelle and the top-spec model being the Malibu.

There were three generations from 1964-1967, 1968-1972 and 1973-1977 until they were discontinued and Malibu continued as it’s own distinct model. These cars shared the engineering of the A-body platform with several different models in the GM line-up including Buick, Oldsmobile and an El Camino variant.

Even within each generation, design changes were made every year, so I’ll update this page as better images are available, stay tuned!

Gen 1 Chevelle / Malibu 1964-1967

Build for a younger market, even the very first versions of the Chevelle were marketed with sporty versions including the collectible SS models. Initially offered with straight six and small-block V8 engine options, by 1965 you could order the 396 big-block Chev and the power wars were heating up!

Gen 2 Chevelle / Malibu 1968-1972

This model was in response to the competition sales of smaller cars and a broadening range of vehicles available from GM and Ford made the market choices for buyers in the sixties very wide indeed. Straight six, small block and big-block engines were options with the largest being the mighty 454 cubic inch beast.

Gen 3 Chevelle / Malibu 1973-1977

This was a marked change in direction and even to this day, the styling is somewhat controversial. Unlike many cars of the era, the Gen 3 Chevelle still had a full chassis and this made it a favourite with the drag racing crowd who could put huge engines in there with few modifications.

After 1977 Malibu carried on as its own model and the Chevelle name was discontinued.