1970 Chevelle Malibu - Love it For What it Is

"Lesser" Chevelle's like this 1970 Malibu convertible get far less attention than their "bigger" SS brethren at car shows. Remember them? In the real world, though, these cars are just as much rock stars as pristine SS396 or SS454 convertible or coupes are and you'd never see one of those parked liked this in a mall parking garage. This is just an old convertible whose owner enjoys it for what it is. And what's better than that?

The Chevrolet Chevelle was a series of mid-size automobiles produced by General Motors Chevrolet division from 1964-1977. It was first intended to be a "companion" brand to Chevrolet like Pontiac was to Oakland and LaSalle was to Cadillac years prior. Understand that back in the 1960's, GM was so big that that such a seemingly odd notion was completely fathomable although GM decided against it instead making Chevelle a sub-brand of Chevrolet. You don't see "CHEVROLET" anywhere on these cars save for, "Chevelle by CHEVROLET" badges.

As GM tended to do back then, they over-complicated things making no less than three different lines of the Chevelle all available in multiple variations. From 1964 through 1969 there was the base "300", upmarket "Malibu" and top-of-the-line "SS" model that, just like on the physically larger Impala, was more of a trim package than anything else that you could order "go-fast" options for. This all of course back in the days of ala carte ordering. It's no wonder it's next to impossible to find two older cars equipped the same.

For 1970, Chevrolet simplified the Chevelle line into "Malibu" and "SS" lines which brings us to our "rental-grade" 1970 here. It's unique in that it's a convertible powered by the humble Chevrolet 307 V-8; well, at least it's not the "250" in line six-cylinder although performance would be all but the same. Gosh, this thing might even have a two-speed Powerglide.

I was tempted to leave a note either on the windshield or just throw it on the seat telling the owner to call me if he was interested in selling. I thought better of it knowing that if he called me the conversation would be awkward to say the least. Besides, I don't know how serious I'd be either in it anyway. I'm not a convertible kind of girl anyway and I've learned the hard way that you give up a lot, I mean a lot, of creature and modern conveniences when it comes to old cars. That's part of the charm of them you say? Absolutely. And they're not for everyone. 

Like I tell my wife about our 1977 Corvette, "don't hate it for what it's not, love it for what it is".