James acquired this 1977 Chevelle Malibu Classic when his dad passed away in 2015. The car remained in North Carolina, where his father lived for another two years. Until 2017 when had it shipped to Ohio, where his brother-in-law’s mechanic got it back in working order.
Once it was drivable he flew to Ohio and drove the car back to the Twin City where he kept it in his garage, afraid that even the hint of salt and ice would have a detrimental effect on this car that had spent most of its life in the south.
He was never a car guy until he brought the Chevelle home. It was important for him to honor his father and the trust he placed in him to take care of the car he loved so much.
The Chevelle has a 305 V8/Stock transmission. Aesthetically, he went with new chrome rally wheels and replaced the stock steering wheel with a vintage wooden version.
So far, maintenance has included: a rebuilt carb, new fuel pump, new rear drums, booster, and master cylinder. James gives thanks to the pros at World Auto in Eden Prairie, MN. Who for the last 4 years have provided excellent care).
His Chevelle is not technically a survivor car, since the paint is not original but he is pretty sure (yet to be confirmed) that it is numbers matching.
James wants to reimagine what the 1977 Chevelle would have looked like. Was it not for stringent new safety regulations, emissions standards, and the exploding gas prices that plagued the 70’s, and the style of automobiles that eventually came out of Detroit?
Additionally, he plans a few upgrades that include: a new (full) vinyl top, chrome mirrors (from 72 model yr), new badges, Borla cat back exhaust, swapped-out grill (from 74 model yr), and a reupholstered interior.
James is going for a classic look, but one that is meaner … more sporty, and less luxurious.
