Old Cars Reader Wheels: 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu
It took a while, but this owner finally has the ride of his youth. Old Cars spotlights a reader’s 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu.
Joe Wolske hit pay-dirt with his Chevy unicorn. As in life, it wasn't an easy road. This is what Joe had to say about his stunning Malibu...
"I spent many years scouring the market for this unicorn car: a 1970 Chevelle Malibu that would be as identical as possible to the one I owned 40 years ago before enlisting in the US Air Force. My search came to an end in 2015 when I stumbled upon a numbers-matching, fully documented, one owner survivor.
In a cruel twist of fate, two days after purchasing the Chevelle, it was involved in an accident that ripped open the entire passenger side of the car. It was time to not only repair the damage but also to perform a full frame-off restoration. I opted to split the work between three shops, each taking on certain aspects of the restoration that they specialized in.
One shop replaced the damaged sheetmetal with NOS and OEM pieces, bringing this 1970 Chevelle Malibu back from the grave. A second shop upgraded the chassis and suspension, while a third shop built up a modest 350 small block that is putting out close to 370 horse to replace the original 307 engine, which I have stored in my garage to maintain the numbers-matching pedigree of this Malibu. Perhaps a blessing in disguise, within 6 months I was driving around a fully restored 1970 Chevelle Malibu that was better than new.
Since it is almost identical to the Malibu I owned and sold upon entry into the US Air Force… it brings me back to that simpler time after high school. I enjoy every minute that I drive her. My little grandkids like going for rides around the block in her too, and ask for those rides by saying Grandpa’s car, Rum, Rum!"
If you would like your car featured in Reader Wheels click on the link below and tell us a little bit about your ride.
*As an Amazon Associate, Old Cars earns from qualifying purchases.
