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Chevrolet Malibu
In 1964, a gallon of gas cost 30 cents and a movie ticket cost $1.25. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the year at 874 and The Beatles
made their historic appearance on the Ed Sullivan show. It was also the year Chevrolet introduced the Malibu.
Stylish for its day, Malibu made its mid-1960s debut as Chevrolet's first "intermediate" car – and one of the first midsize cars in America. Before then,
Chevrolet's passenger car lineup consisted of a range of full-size models, headlined by Impala, along with the compact Chevy II (Nova), Corvair and Corvette.
Named for the Los Angeles-area enclave that was center of the beach culture in the 1960s, the Malibu was the top trim line for the intermediate
platform, which also included the Chevelle as an entry-level model, and the El Camino truck. It was lauded for its robust, body-on-frame construction and responsive coil-spring front suspension.
Generation 1 – 1964-1967
Although originally launched as premium sedan for families, the first Malibu was quickly caught up in the muscle car wars of the 1960s and soon after
its introduction, the sporty Malibu SS was born. The Chevelle SS took the lead for Chevrolet's muscle cars in 1966 and the Malibu continued as the
premium model, tailored for the growing number of suburban customers who sought roominess yet efficiency for their long commutes everyday.
- 1964 Malibu
Construction:.............body-on-frame
Drivetrain layout:........rear-wheel drive
Wheelbase:...............115 in.
Overall length:...........193.9 in.
Overall width:............74.6 in.
Curb weight:..............2870 lbs.
Standard engine:........3.2L inline-six
Valvetrain:................cam-in-block with pushrods
Fuel delivery:.............one single-barrel carburetor
Horsepower:..............120
Transmission:.............3-speed manual (std.); 2-speed automatic (opt.)
Brakes:.....................four-wheel drum
Steering:...................recirculating ball (non-assisted); power-assist (opt.)
Wheel size:...............14 x 6.5-in. (std.)
Air conditioning:.........optional
Infotainment:.............AM radio
Safety:.....................optional safety belts
Generation 2 – 1968-1972
Based on the original intermediate platform, the 1968-72 models' dimensions shifted with a slightly shorter 112-inch wheelbase for coupes and
convertibles and a longer, 116-inch wheelbase for sedans and wagons. Like the 1964-67 models, each model year in the second generation had distinctive year-over-year styling differences.
Generation 3 – 1973-1977
The 1973 introduction of the third-generation Malibu brought a new frame that retained the previous 112-/116-inch wheelbases, but to accommodate
new federal crash standards, the bodies grew about five inches in length and one inch in width. A European-inspired Laguna model briefly dethroned the Malibu from its perch atop the midsize hierarchy.
Generation 4 – 1978-1983
Chevrolet discontinued the Chevelle line after 1977 and the next generation of downsized midsize cars would stick strictly with the Malibu name from
1978 onward. They were a foot shorter and more than 500 pounds lighter, offering V-6 and V-8 engines. There was even a dedicated police car package.
Generation 5 – 1997-2003
After a five-year run with the fourth generation, the sun set on Malibu from 1984 until 1997, when it was reborn as an all-new, front-wheel-drive
sedan, offering four- and six-cylinder engines. It was named Motor Trend Car of the Year for 1997.
Generation 6 – 2004-2007
Generation 7 – 2008-2012
Generation 8 – 2013-2014
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