Selling with No Reserve at Barrett-Jackson’s Inaugural Houston Auction, September 16-18, 2021, is this 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu Resto-Mod.

Written by Eric Becker

The Chevelle is one of the most popular iconic muscle cars of the late ’60s and early ’70s, with many collectors choosing to restore and customize them. And who could blame them – especially when the end result looks as good as this 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu? A 20th-century classic dressed in 21st-century couture, the perfect mix of modern muscle powering classic aesthetics; this is a car that puts the pro in Pro-Touring.

Slide behind the wheel of this Chevelle Malibu and you know this is something special. Much more than just the thin skin of a classic Chevelle stretched over modern componentry, this is a sharpening of the original using the best available tools to add a new dimension to the driving experience. From the onset this Chevelle was built with the open road in mind. Professionally crafted and finished to uncompromising quality standards over a 3-year timeframe, this freshly completed street machine is all about the thrill of driving a classic – fast. And it’s coming to Barrett-Jackson’s inaugural Houston Auction this September 16-18, with No Reserve.

In true muscle car fashion, the Chevelle announces its presence with a wicked soundtrack thanks to a set of Borla mufflers and 2.5-inch stainless-steel exhaust system, alerting those nearby that this Chevy means business. Nestled underneath that long hood is a highly modified L86 V8 displacing 6.2 liters (376ci) and upgraded with a Texas Speed cam, as well as ported cylinder heads.

Ready at the right foot’s call is 457 horses ready to be unleashed through a GM 8L90E 8-speed automatic transmission and Ford 9-inch limited-slip rear end with 3.73 gears. Feeding the hearty V8 is a Rick’s Hot Rod Shop fuel tank and keeping temperatures in check is a custom AutoRad aluminum radiator. Stand on the accelerator and this Chevelle is more than happy to pin you to the leather seats.

But all this power doesn’t come without modern control, for at its foundation the Chevelle rides on a Speedtech Performance ExtReme rail full chassis. The CNC laser-cut chassis features hand-fabricated box-style construction as well as internal gusseting for improved strength and rigidity. Additionally, the suspension was heavily reworked, with coilover and custom springs added to the front and rear respectively, and a compression strut thrown in for good measure. The result is a planted yet pliant ride that inspires confidence on the highway or through the sweeping mountain bends.

The Chevelle grips the tarmac thanks to a set of Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires wrapped around custom Forgeline ZX3 wheels measuring 19×10 inches up front and 20×12 at the rear. Tucked behind the wheels are Wilwood disc brakes, ready to provide anchor-like stopping power at all four corners and keeping the healthy power of the L86 engine in check.

Outside, the body is visually stunning, cloaked in Lexus Indigo Ink Pearl exterior paint. The Chevelle’s muscular proportions are beautifully accentuated by the deep metallic finish. Fessler flush-mount glass and door panels ad to the visual flair and the metalwork presents in pristine condition, though not all the body is metal. A quick glance at the stripes running the length of the hood and trunk alludes to a special material hiding in plain sight: carbon fiber. The cowl-induction hood and decklid were supplied by Ultra-Carbon, adding a brilliant and modern flourish to the Chevelle’s exceptionally clean lines.

Speaking of clean lines, check out the interior. A Dashworks custom dashboard and tilt steering column greet the driver, while passenger amenities include Restomod Air climate control, power windows and – if additional entertainment is ever required – a Pioneer stereo with Bluetooth and USB capability pumps the tunes through Kicker audio speakers. The custom Charcoal Gray leather interior is punctuated by TMI front seats trimmed with Medium Gray inserts and blue contrast stitching.

The collector car world may see many custom Chevelle Malibus, but this Pro-Touring-inspired Resto-Mod stands out – not only as a recent Starbird Street Machine Top Choice award-winner, but also as an exciting build ready to welcome Barrett-Jackson’s bidders to Houston.

To register as a bidder for the 2021 Houston Auction, click HERE. To purchase tickets to the event, click HERE (VIP Packages are also available).