1968 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu Convertible Four-Speed
Description
“To say Chevelle is all new is an understatement… it is brilliantly original for ’68!” The 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle debuted a smaller, more compact size that would take it through 1972, and would be America’s mid-sized sales leader the entire time. The updated Chevelle offered a variety of body styles from a two-door Sport Coupe all the way up to a spacious four-door Station Wagon along with an assortment of trim levels that allowed it to appeal to a vast range of buyers. The real fun started with the Malibu series, “traditionally Chevelle’s most popular series,” said Chevrolet. Engines ranged from the 140 horsepower “Turbo-Thrift” 230 six-cylinder up to the SS 396 version with Big Block power. Like all ’68 Chevelles “it features wide front and rear tread, improved Full Coil Suspension and low, sleek styling.”
This 1968 Malibu convertible is powered by the L73 327 cu-in V8 producing 250 horses through a four-speed manual transmission, all as originally specified in the accompanying original sales invoice and both believed factory installed. Add Matador Red paint and a weather-resistant Black vinyl bench seat interior and this beautifully preserved Malibu shows why Chevy called them “the king of the mid-size cars.”
Highlights
Finished as originally specified in Matador Red and a Black convertible
Matching number L73 327 cu-in V8 producing 250 horsepower
Matching number M20 four-speed manual transmission
Black vinyl bench seat interior unique to 1968 Malibu convertibles
Black power convertible top
Original sales invoice and Protect-O-Plate warranty book
The chassis number (136678B177548) decodes as:
1 – Chevrolet
36 – Chevelle Malibu
67 – Convertible
8 – 1968 model year
B – Baltimore, Maryland, final assembly plant
177548 – Sequential production number starting with 100001
The Body by Fisher tag decodes as:
Style: 68 13637 – 1968 Model Year; 1 – Chevrolet / 3667 – Chevelle Malibu Convertible
BAL – Baltimore, Maryland, body plant
02733 – Body unit number
Trim: 765-158 – Black Vinyl Bench Interior Trim
Paint: R2 – Matador Red paint with Black convertible top
03D: 03 – March / D – 4th Week Production
Features
14 inch Rallye Wheels with BFGoodrich Silvertown 215/70/R14 whitewall tires
Updated with Hurst Shifter
Updated with Sports Steering Wheel (reproduction)
Working AM Radio with re-coned speaker
Power steering
Optional clock
Tinted windshield
Dual Outside Rearview Mirrors
Dual horns
Known Imperfections
Hinge on the passenger side of the top is worn
Convertible top inner lining is worn
Minor paint blemishes including small chips in lower fenders
Minor upholstery blemishes
Minor scratches in side glass
One small dent in the lower left front fender
Clock inoperable
Included
Original sales invoice
All service invoices under current ownership
Convertible top boot
Spare tire and jack
Ownership History
The consignor has owned the 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu Convertible since 2015. A conversation with the previous owner revealed the Malibu remained with the original owner for 40 years until 2008 after being treated to a frame-off restoration in 1981. The consignor believes he is the fourth owner and states, “The engine was probably overhauled before I owned the car. I had some paint work done to the rear deck area to correct a flaw from a poorly mounted antenna, which I had moved to the front fender where it originally was. It also has a freshly rechromed rear bumper. I replaced the front springs and had some work done on the front suspension; all of the work was done professionally. Original style Rallye Wheels have been added and the tires are only a few years old.”
