Description
The Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu Sport Coupe 350 was a standout in the late 1960s and early 1970s muscle car and mid-size cruiser era. As part of Chevrolet’s wildly popular Chevelle lineup, the Malibu trim offered a more refined, better-equipped alternative to the base models, while the Sport Coupe variant added a dose of sporty styling and attitude. The “350” in its name denoted the use of Chevrolet’s respected 350-cubic-inch small-block V8, a versatile and reliable powerplant that became a backbone of GM’s engine offerings.
Visually, the Malibu Sport Coupe 350 featured sleek, clean lines with a pillarless hardtop design that gave it an airy, elegant look when the windows were down. Its long hood, short deck proportions were classic muscle car design language, yet it retained the understated poise of a Malibu. Chrome trim highlighted the contours of the body, with badging subtly indicating the 350 engine option. Available color palettes ranged from subdued earth tones to bright hues like Cranberry Red and Daytona Yellow, adding to the car’s visual appeal.
Under the hood, the 350 V8 delivered between 250 to 300 horsepower depending on the exact year and configuration, including whether it came with a 2-barrel or 4-barrel carburetor. This engine provided smooth torque delivery, good acceleration, and solid cruising capabilities. It was often mated to either a three-speed manual, a four-speed manual, or a Turbo-Hydramatic automatic transmission, catering to a wide range of driver preferences. The small-block 350 was known for its excellent balance of performance and dependability, and its widespread use meant parts and upgrades were readily available.
Inside, the Malibu Sport Coupe blended sporty elements with comfort. Vinyl bench seats were standard, though bucket seats and a center console were available for those opting for a more performance-oriented layout. The dashboard was straightforward and functional, with round gauges and a clean layout, while optional upgrades included air conditioning, AM/FM stereo, power windows, and even tilt steering wheels. The interior, while not overly plush, was well-crafted and spacious, suitable for longer drives or everyday use.
On the road, the Chevelle Malibu Sport Coupe 350 offered a composed ride. It featured a coil spring suspension system at all four corners that delivered a balance of handling and comfort, and power steering and brakes (often optional) made it manageable in a variety of driving conditions. While it didn’t possess the aggressive edge of the Chevelle SS models, the 350-powered Malibu Sport Coupe still had enough performance to satisfy most drivers and deliver a genuinely engaging experience.
Today, the Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu Sport Coupe 350 is a sought-after classic, appreciated for its timeless styling, robust drivetrain, and everyday drivability. It offers the flavor of the muscle car era without the extreme costs or high-strung character of the more performance-focused models. For collectors and enthusiasts, it represents a sweet spot between comfort, style, and power—an enduring symbol of Chevrolet’s golden age.