1965 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu SS with a 454 swap, bidding at $10,250

Why we picked it

Why we picked it: this 1965 Chevelle has a big-block 454 swap with dual Holley carbs, headers, MSD ignition, an aluminum radiator, a cowl-induction hood and redone red paint and interior. It has a clean South Carolina title in the seller's name and 101 photos in the gallery.

The bid is $10,250 with 11 days to go, which is roughly a third of what comparable modified Chevelle drivers have sold for. Auction bids usually climb near the end, so treat this as a car to watch rather than a sure bargain. Whether reserve applies is not stated.

The value check

The current bid is $13,000. Comparable cars in the same condition have sold for $21,000–$44,000, so the middle of the market is about $32,500. That put this car 60% under. Bids usually climb in the final hours, so the discount will likely shrink.

Modified small-body Chevelle drivers (Malibu and Malibu SS) sold between $21,000 and $44,000 in mid-2026 at BaT, GAA and Mecum. The current bid is about 68% under that midpoint, with 11 days left.

Where the numbers come from:

• 1965 Chevelle Malibu, modified, GAA Jul 2026, $28,000
• 1966 Chevelle Malibu, modified, Mecum Aug 2026, $44,000
• 1964 Chevelle Malibu SS, custom, BaT Jul 2026, $21,000

What to check

• The listing calls it a 1964 in one place; confirm the year and whether the VIN starts with 138 (true SS) before paying SS money
• Check rear frame rails, trunk floor, lower quarters and the cowl/windshield channel for rust under the newer paint
• Mileage is TMU (true mileage unknown); the seller says the 454 was installed before they bought it, so ask for any build records
• A 454 in a small-block chassis needs good motor mounts, cooling and brakes; check the brake setup is upgraded
• Reserve status is not stated on the page

Making it drive like new

Start with brakes and suspension to match the big-block: front disc conversion if not fitted, new bushings, boxed lower rear control arms, and a rear sway bar. An overdrive automatic (4L80E) would make the 454 far more livable on the highway.

7 builders make a complete chassis for the 1964–67 Chevelle, GTO & GM A-body. Compare them side by side, along with what it takes to stiffen the factory frame.