The Pontiac GTO caught everybody’s consideration in 1964. For 1965, Chevrolet responded by providing the Chevelle with the L79 327, which had the horsepower to compete. Nevertheless, it was a big-block world and Chevrolet would want heavier artillery to compete extra correctly. A type of hustling small-block L79s, a 1965 Chevrolet Malibu SS on the market on ClassicCars.com, is our Choose of the Day. It’s being bought by a dealership in St. Louis. (Click on the hyperlink to view the itemizing)

The Chevelle was launched in 1964, obtainable because the Chevelle 300, 300 Deluxe, Malibu, and Malibu SS. The SS mannequin properly captured the buckets-and-console pattern, however that’s the place “sporty” and “sports activities” diverged as a result of horsepower was considerably missing. Quickly after introduction, a 300-horsepower 327 turned obtainable, nevertheless it was no match for the GTO. A L76 327 mule with 365 horsepower — the highest carbureted engine obtainable on the Corvette — was paraded for the magazines nevertheless it by no means reached manufacturing standing. The next yr, Chevrolet launched a barely detuned model and referred to as it L79.

Rated at 350 horsepower, the L79 327 was principally an L76 with a hydraulic cam, which made it simpler to reside with in comparison with the solid-lifter job that the L76 was utilizing. The 11.0:1-compression L79 was the little engine that would, shocking a number of extra substantial equipment, however contemplating Pontiac, Chrysler, Buick, and Oldsmobile have been providing 6.4 liters and bigger (and even Chevrolet’s solid-lifter 396 for the full-size automobiles), it turned obvious that Chevrolet wanted to plant that big-block within the Chevelle. After a trial run of 201, the 396 Chevelle would grow to be a regular-production providing for 1966.  

The L79 was obtainable for the Chevelle by 1968 (although, unusually, Chevrolet skipped 1966), and the very fact it was quickly overshadowed by the SS 396 is a superb motive why automobiles like this 1965 Chevrolet Malibu SS is such an underrated discover. Solely 6,021 L79s have been constructed amongst all Chevelle fashions together with El Camino, and the dearth of sturdy identification means they’re fairly obscure.

This Mist Blue instance was initially bought at Safety Chevrolet in Mackay, Idaho and, in newer years, has obtained a rotisserie restoration. “The Chevrolet retains its born-with drivetrain together with the matching-numbers 327/350 HP engine, matching-numbers M20 4-speed transmission, and three.31 12-bolt Positraction rear finish,” says the vendor. Options embrace black bucket seat inside, gauges, AM radio, SS wheelcovers, and NCRS delivery information report. Vendor is asking $79,900 OBO.

“This Chevelle is fantastically performed and able to present or drive,” provides the vendor. In case your blood runs Bow Tie blue and also you thirst for a high-winding engine in a automobile that has room for the entire tribe, now’s your probability.

To view this itemizing on ClassicCars.com, see Choose of the Day.