Joe W’s 1970 Chevelle Malibu

Built From The Ground Up

Joe W’s 1970 Chevelle Malibu

Joe spent many years scouring the market for his Unicorn car: a 1970 Chevelle Malibu that would be as identical as possible to the one he owned 40 years ago before enlisting in the US Air Force. His search came to an end in 2015 when he stumbled upon a numbers-matching, fully documented, one owner survivor in 2015.

In a cruel twist of fate two days after purchasing the Chevelle, it was involved in an accident that ripped open the entire passenger side of the car. It was time to not only repair the damage but also to perform a full frame-off restoration. Joe opted to split the work between three shops, each taking on certain aspects of the restoration that they specialized in.

One shop replaced the damaged sheetmetal with NOS and OEM pieces, bringing this 1970 Chevelle Malibu back from the grave. A second shop upgraded the chassis and suspension, while a third shop built up a modest 350 small block to replace the original 307 engine, which Joe has stored in his garage to maintain the numbers-matching pedigree of this Malibu. Perhaps a blessing in disguise, within 6 months Joe was driving around a fully restored 1970 Chevelle Malibu that was better than new.

Since it is almost identical to the Malibu I owned and sold upon entry into the US Air Force… it brings me back to that simpler time after high school. I enjoy every minute that I drive her. My little grandkids like going for rides around the block in her too and ask for those rides by saying Grandpa’s car, Rum, Rum!

Shop our huge selection of Chevelle Parts!

1964-1977 Chevelle & Malibu Parts

We want to see your Built From The Ground Up Ride!

Submit your car to be featured here!

More Articles From Ground Up SS396.com

1969 Chevelle
1969 Chevelle

Steven G’s 1969 Chevelle

Steven was living in Marion, NC in 1978 when he turned 16. By then he was already working and decided to go car hunting. He drove by Marion Chevrolet and

Read More »
1970 Chevelle

Rick O’s 1970 Chevelle SS396

Rick O. purchased this Shadow Gray 1970 Chevelle SS396 back in 2018, fresh off the recently completed restoration from 2016. It has been a dream of Ricks to own another

Read More »
1972 Chevelle
1972 Chevelle

Mikey P’S 1972 Chevelle

Mike bought this 1972 Chevelle in 2011, after wanting a Chevelle since he was in high school. This was the first car he ever put in a new engine in,

Read More »
petes 1969 chevelle
1969 Chevelle

Pete’s 1969 Chevelle

Pete H picked up this 1969 Chevelle located in Ohio through eBay in 2010. The 1969 Chevelle was partially restored and needed a little extra push to get it driving worthy.

Read More »

Follow Us On Social

Now Hiring in Florida!

Looking to get into the Automotive Industry? Here's your chance, click below to see what positions are opening soon!

Parts Catalog

Chevelle & El Camino, Camaro, & Nova
Free

We Want To See Your Car!

Submit your car to be featured today!