Chevrolet Chevelle Z16 Malibu SS - 1st Gen (1965 to 1965)

While the Chevelle Malibu SS was introduced in 1964, with optional small block V8’s it wasn’t until 1965 that the Chevelle got its bite with the Malibu SS Z16. Pontiac was the first to flex its muscle with the introduction of the 1964 GTO, and Chevrolet could see how the younger generation flocked to the A body with big block power. While the Chevy 327 V8 was formidable, the new 396ci Mark IV big block V8 was Chevrolets new power plant. The solid lifter 396 L78 would power the 1965 Corvette with 425hp, Bunkie Knudson, the General Manager at Chevrolet, authorized 201 Chevelle Malibu SS cars (200 Hardtops & 1 Convertible) to have a similar 396 designated the (L37) with hydraulic lifters and under rated at 375hp. This batch of cars would utilize the re-enforced Chevelle convertible frame, a Muncie M21 close ratio 4-speed manual transmission and 12 bolt posi-traction rear end with a 3:31 ratio. The 1965 Chevelle Z16 ended up being a test bed, with most going to special dealers and car magazine editors around the country. The success of the Z16 paved the way for the 1st Gen Chevelle SS-396 and the muscle car wars were afoot.