The Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu Ss holds an undeniable place in automotive history, particularly renowned for its later iterations boasting the monstrous SS396 and SS454 engines. These versions cemented the Malibu SS as a true muscle car icon. Even base Chevelle and Malibu coupes became highly sought after, easily customizable with readily available performance parts and engine swaps. However, the Malibu SS story wasn’t one of immediate, roaring muscle. In its debut year of 1964, the top engine choice was a respectable but not earth-shattering 220 horsepower, 4-barrel version of the 283 cubic inch V8. This begs the question: why wasn’t a hotter 327 cubic inch option available right from the start?
Motor Trend put the 220 hp, 4-speed Malibu SS to the test. While they acknowledged its decent speed and overall merits, the initial impression lacked true excitement. Perhaps Chevrolet sensed this lukewarm reception, because they introduced the 327 engine as an option early in 1964.
Looking at the initial 1964 Chevelle engine lineup, the absence of the 327 is indeed puzzling. The Chevy II, also for 1964, offered the same 220-hp 283 as its top engine. This overlap seems like an oversight in Chevrolet’s strategy. Adding to the curiosity was the inclusion of a supposedly “hotter” 155-hp 230 cubic inch six-cylinder engine, complete with chrome valve cover and air cleaner. It’s questionable how much demand there truly was for a dressed-up inline-six in a “Super Sport” model. Considering the Chevy II had the 283 and the full-size Chevrolets boasted the powerful 409, it seemed logical that the mid-size Chevelle would naturally feature the 327 from the outset.
Chevrolet swiftly rectified this perceived gap in their engine offerings. By January of 1964, both 250 and 300 horsepower versions of the 327 V8 were available for the Malibu SS. Rumors even suggest a very limited availability of the high-performance 365 hp L76 327, possibly only for a brief period. However, concrete evidence of original 1964 Malibu SS models equipped with this engine is scarce. Regardless, the beauty of Chevrolet powertrains at the time lay in their modularity. Swapping in a more potent 327, readily available over the parts counter, was a straightforward and popular modification, turning the Malibu SS into a formidable performer capable of challenging Pontiac GTOs and similar rivals.
Despite being paired with a less-than-ideal 3.08:1 rear axle ratio, the eager 283 engine delivered respectable performance figures. Motor Trend‘s testing yielded a 0-60 mph time of 9.7 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 17.4 seconds at 80 mph. While not true muscle car territory by later standards, this performance was considered “reasonably brisk” for the era. Crucially, the 283 V8 possessed significant tuning potential. A vast aftermarket and over-the-counter parts industry meant enthusiasts could easily enhance its output further.
In terms of ride and handling, the 1964 Malibu SS presented a more mixed bag. Chevrolet’s emphasis on their “Jet-Smooth Ride” resulted in noticeable understeer and body roll in corners, along with a tendency to bob over bumps. However, a budget-friendly solution was available: the optional heavy-duty suspension package. For a mere $4.85, buyers could equip their Malibu SS with stiffer springs and shocks, significantly improving handling. Surprisingly, this HD suspension, along with bucket seats, a console, and SS badging, was not standard on the “Super Sport.” The base engine for the SS was actually the 120-hp 194 cubic inch six-cylinder. Initially, the “Super Sport” designation was primarily an appearance and trim package.
The drum brakes were considered adequate for the time, and the power steering, with 3.98 turns lock-to-lock, was slower than ideal for a sporty car. However, the optional plastic wood-grain, two-spoke “sport” steering wheel certainly looked the part, even if it required more turns than preferred in spirited driving.
Motor Trend drew a compelling parallel between the Chevelle and the iconic 1955 Chevrolet. They noted the wheelbases were within an inch of each other, although the ’55 Chevy was slightly longer and heavier. Intriguingly, performance figures were nearly identical. A ’55 Chevy tested by Road & Track with a smaller 180 hp 265 cubic inch V8, a three-speed manual transmission, and a steeper 4.11 rear axle achieved the same 0-60 mph time of 9.7 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 17.4 seconds as the Malibu SS. This remarkable coincidence highlighted the brisk performance of the ’55 Chevy for its time, especially considering it weighed 300 lbs more, had a smaller engine, and a three-speed transmission.
Motor Trend also reported an average fuel economy of 16 mpg, which they deemed respectable for a car with the Malibu SS’s level of performance.
Panel gaps and overall fit and finish were noted to be slightly below Chevrolet’s usual high standards for the period. This was likely attributed to the Chevelle being a completely new model for 1964.
Interestingly, contemporary reports suggested the Chevy II would discontinue its hardtop coupe and convertible versions for 1964 to avoid direct competition with the Chevelle. This proved partially true, as the convertible was indeed dropped in favor of the Malibu convertible. However, the Nova SS coupe remained very much available.
The Chevelle enjoyed a successful launch in 1964, with 338,000 units sold, surpassing its primary competitor, the Ford Fairlane. However, a significant portion of these sales came at the expense of the Chevy II. The Malibu and SS models proved to be the most popular Chevelle variants, accounting for 67% of total Chevelle sales. This trend towards higher-trim, yet still relatively compact cars, pioneered by models like the Corvair Monza, continued to gain momentum and would eventually dominate the automotive market.
The concluding remark from the original road test perfectly encapsulates the public’s initial reaction: “People were constantly asking about the car wherever we stopped. Only time will tell about the future of the Chevelle.” History has definitively answered that question, solidifying the Chevelle Malibu SS as a lasting automotive icon.
Further Reading:
- Chevelle SS or Malibu SS? – An Overview of Chevrolet’s Intermediate Super Sport
- Curbside Classic: 1964 Chevelle Malibu SS Convertible – The Belle Late For The Ball
