In the early ‘60s, the Chevy II Nova was a welcome addition to the Chevy compact line, especially to folks who didn’t like “climbing down” into a car or were suspect of an engine mounted at the wrong end. By 1966, the Chevelle line was proving to be one of Chevrolet's most popular.

That year, the Chevelle line had its best year to date, with a production run of over 410,000. While it still rode on its original 115" wheel- base, the restyled body grew to 197", mostly at the rear.

The new body shape reflected the “Coke bot- tle” school of design that was becoming near epidemic in Detroit. This "big butt" look was minimized on the Chevelle by the crisp, simple horizontal treatment of both the grille and rear panel.

The Malibu Super Sport sub-series, an option previously available on sport coupes and rag- tops, had allowed buyers the ability to add fancy trim, bucket seats and a console to cars with any powertrain; from the thrifty 194 cube six to a 300 hp 327 V8.

This was replaced in 1966 by: A) adding the sporty looking options to the standard Malibu line and: B) making the Super Sport its own series - and adding the new 396 cube V8 to every one! For the first time, the SS 396 was a REAL muscle car. Even the wimpiest of Super Sports came with a 325-horse engine and disc brakes!

Stewart and Louise Margolis of Los Angeles bought the featured Malibu new from Eagle Rock Chevrolet. They ordered the standard '66 convertible, with a basic 283, 2-barrel V8, Powerglide, and power steering.

It was bought as an everyday car, and had been used as one for over 220,000 miles when it was replaced and garaged a few years ago. The Margolis family used the Malibu for everything from commuting to work and tow- ing their sailboat. Though not for sale (I had my checkbook out!), they do have a family member in line to take it when the time comes.

The Classic Drive

These Chevelles are one of my automotive passions. I've owned two '64s, two '65s, a '66 El Camino, and presently drive a '69 convert- ible. All but the El had powertrain options sim- ilar to the Margolis car.

As I plopped into the seat, that wonderful Chevy atmosphere snuggled in around me. You can just breathe it in. Old Vinyl, carpet mildew, and foam rubber dust blends with the smell of use. People going places, doing things and having fun. The bittersweet smell of life.

A turn of the key produced the all too famil- iar 283 rumble and thump. A recent muffler update made this Malibu much quieter than any of mine had been. I clicked the console- mounted shifter into drive and pulled onto the road.

The Powerglide dutifully shifted into top gear after about four car lengths, and there it stayed until we came to a stop or needed a bit of push to change lanes or enter the freeway. These cars can get over 20 mpg if you keep 'em tuned and don't hurry them too much.

The car ran fine. Steering is predictable and easy, though a little loose at center. The ride is smooth and the manual drum brakes stop the car without excessive foot pressure. Just remember to leave a little more room in front of you on the freeway. Everyone out there (except for the eighteen wheelers and other Chevelle drivers) has better brakes than you.

This car was a bit worn from age. The engine and trans had been rebuilt less than 30,000 miles ago and the car was properly maintained, but some of the suspension felt soft and mushy. Combined with Chevelle's designed-in softness and power steering, it provided a ride that was a bit lean and vague by 1999 stan- dards.

This is all correctable with new springs, bush- ings, ball joints, and tie rod ends, but let's not stop there. How about some gas shocks, sway bars and power disc brakes? It all bolts in nice and easy; a simple update for modern traffic conditions.

That's another really great thing about these Malibus. Outside of the '55 - '57 Chevy, these are probably the easiest cars in the world to find replacement parts and well-engineered upgrades in kit form.

With new car prices rising as fast as the cars are shrinking, maybe one of these is just what YOU need. They're roomy, economical, easy to fix and find parts for, and have that ever-so- popular muscle car look.