The Chevelle Malibu SS was introduced in 1964 along with the launching of the Chevelle. The Malibu SS was offered initially as a trim package for the Chevelle consisting of bucket seats and console and extra chrome trim that followed the sculpting of the body lines on Malibu models for the 64 and 1965 model years. The Mark IV 396ci Big Block V8 was introduced with the 1965 Corvette as a high performance option on their flagship sportscar. Chevrolet wanting to capitalize on this new powertrain, then introduced the 1965 Z16 Chevelle Malibu SS in limited numbers. The Z16 utilized the 396 and advertised it as producing 375hp. In 1966 the 396 V8 became the standard motor available, and this new model was now called the Chevelle SS-396, with a base model 396/ L35 producing 325hp utilizing hydraulic lifters and a cast iron intake. Chevy offered a slightly better cammed version 396/ L34 producing 360hp. The top dog was the 396/ L78 version which featured a solid lifter cam, aluminum intake and produced 375hp. In 1967 the L34 option produced an advertised 350hp. The 396 engine was the staple all the way up through 1969 Chevelle SS included in the 2nd Generation Chevelle. 1970 would introduce the legendary Chevelle SS-454 and the LS6 version as the top performance Chevelle.