1964 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu SS Convertible

All new for '64 was the midsize Chevelle model from Chevrolet. Riding on a 115" wheelbase that split the difference between the compact Chevy II and the full-size Chevys, it was mostly aimed at younger buyers who didn't want the stigma of a "penalty box" frugal compact but wanted fresh styling and better handling than the big cars.

Just like the full-size Chevrolets, they came in three basic tiers: The stripped-down Chevelle 300, the better-optioned Chevelle Malibu, and for the super sporty buyer, the Chevelle Malibu Super Sport.

With distinctive "Malibu SS" badging on the rear fenders, the SS was only available as a hardtop coupe or convertible. The base engine was the 283 Turbo-Fire small block V-8 with a 2-barrel carb, rated at 195 SAE gross horsepower. A buyer could upgrade to the 4-barrel 283 with dual exhausts and get 220 horses. The Hi-Thrift 194cid and Turbo-Thrift 230cid inline sixes were also available as credit delete options for buyers who wanted to look baller on a budget.

All Super Sport Malibus had a floor shifter for the the 2-speed PowerGlide, or buyers of V-8 cars could opt for an all-synchromesh four-on-the-floor.

Motor Trend tested a Malibu SS hardtop with the 220-horse 283 and 4-speed combo and managed a 9.7 zero-to-sixty time and a 17.4 quarter at 80mph through the traps. Base price on the Tuxedo Black convertible in the photo would have been $2,857.

It was photographed in May of 2022 using a Canon EOS 7D and EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS zoom lens.