1965 Malibu L79 Convertible

[socalfandabodys]

I have a lead ona 1965 Malibu L79 Convertible, 4 speed,12 Bolt Posi, numbers matching, running and driving project car. My question is, did this car even exist? The owner claims it came from the factory like this. How rare is this car and how much do you think I should pay for it? It has some rust in the quarters and trunk. The car is in primer and needs general restoration. Does anyone have any production numbers or any more info on a car like this? The owner is saying it is a non SS, just a Malibu with the L79 package. Thanks

[MrQuick]

Is that the one in Omaha? I'd run the vin to be sure but If I remember right they did build a handfull of non SS .

Been a while since I was on the 65 kick....a vert Z-16 65 would get me interested.

Vince

[socalfandabodys]

Yeah, I just don't want to pull the trigger on it unless its a factory L79 car because I really don't want another project right now. I wasn't sure either if they made Non SS L79 cars. Hopefully someone has some more info.

[ProdigyCustoms]

TeamChevelle.com

[Scott Parkhurst]

TeamChevelle.com

Yup- or Chevelles.com - contact Rich L-79 there. He can tell you all about it..

[Charley Lillard]

What does he have in the way of documentation ?

[socalfandabodys]

Thanks guys. Put up a post on teamchevelle.com as well. He has no documentation but, he says the partial Vin on the engine and trans match the car and it is followed by an EC code. He also says the rearend is date code correct to the car and as far as he knows it is original as well. I'm thinking I can get it for $8000. Should I do it?

[derekf]

Take a look at the fuel line diameter - if memory serves, it's bigger on L79 cars than on other 327 cars... and would be an item less likely to be faked if someone was trying to clone an L79.

[406 Q-ship]

Yes there were L79's in 65 and they are very rare and convert would be the goose that lays golden eggs. Derek is right the fuel line on the L79 is 3/8" rather than the 5/16" of all the other V8 cars, I would check the line at the frame being it is the hardest to change.

8000 is way too cheap for that car, in condidtion 5 the car is worth that much so I would be very suspicious. GM but a hold on the L79 in the 1965 Chevelles in the year and didn't lift it until 1966 models were out in Sept 65, so the 65 Malibu equiped with a L79 is extremely rare!

[WEAVER]

If it is in Omaha,Nebr.....who owns it? might know who it is

[socalfandabodys]

The car is not in Nebraska. It is located in the midwest though. The guy is getting kind of unreliable on me. Even after I agreed to his asking price. We will see what happens after the weekend.