1979 wasn’t a banner year for cars. Truth be told, buying new was probably the worst idea you could have had. But if you didn’t buy a lot car and worked over the options list like a pro, you could walk away with a decently equipped machine that had a bit of hope, and that’s exactly what you are looking at here. Any G-body Malibu that isn’t gutted and still has a usable powertrain is perfect Rough Start fodder, but one with a full interior, paperwork and a third pedal? All day long, buy it. Especially when it’s optioned out like this car is: 305 four-barrel, four-speed, F41 suspension, full gauge package, G80 limited-slip diff, air conditioning, upgraded generator, and a heavy-duty radiator. This Malibu wasn’t built at random, someone knew exactly what they were doing when they pieced together this car’s total package. 
Other than the Rally wheels, it looks to have survived the forty-odd years pretty well, with just interior weathering and some random scars here and there telling the tale of aging. We’d want to update the gauges to read at least past 80 MPH and a 4500 RPM redline, and who knows how long we’d be able to avoid making a call to our friends at American Powertrain for at least one more forward gear and a lot more strength in the gearbox. As for the 305…well, the little mill is plenty underrated and we wouldn’t want to ditch the numbers-matching engine in a car this interesting. Maybe a hot five-liter screamer? Spend the $4,800 now to get the car and figure out the plan while you enjoy the car and save your money up…
Craigslist Link: 1979 Chevrolet Malibu
Uhh…. “upgraded generator”?
The term on the options list, not mine.
Oh yes – I’d LOVE to jump on it!
I’d I didn’t have a driveway full of cars, this would be on my list!
My bank account is thankful this is very far from me.
Dang that\’s tempting, and what\’s worse I have the cash!
Love factory 4-speed cars.
That will sell fast. Hate the color combo but someone will jump on that car.
There’s so much potential there, it’s unreal. There’s a zillion things that are horrible, horrible trash, but ask ten gearheads what those ten things are, and you’ll get ten different answers.
I’d commit heresy and put an automatic with a transbrake in it, tub it, and spray the house down until the original motor had had enough. Then, it’d be time for a classic big block, probably on the order of a 555 or so. Just an all-motor, reasonably comfy runner, and aim for 9.teens on motor.
Anyone notice the Briggs Chevrolet at the top of the sticker?
79 wasn’t a banner year but you could still buy an A/G body and plenty of other decent RWD choices working people could buy the way you wanted it. Give me 1979 anyday.