One of many longest-running nameplates in American-car historical past is being laid to relaxation. The Malibu tag was first utilized to a prime trim stage of the midsize Chevelle starting in 1964, and have become a mannequin in its personal proper in 1978. However the Malibu badge will quickly be filed away within the Chevrolet unused model-name cupboard, alongside such basic as Impala, Monza, and Camaro.
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Use of the Malibu title lapsed after 1983, when the rear-drive coupe, sedan, and wagon have been changed within the Chevy lineup by the extra trendy and fuel-efficient front-wheel-drive Superstar (1982-1990). It wasn’t till 1997 that the Bow Tie model resurrected the Malibu mannequin title, this time for an solely sedan lineup.
Over time the Malibu gave start to numerous attention-grabbing spin-off fashions, together with the awkward wanting Malibu Maxx wagon factor, and the Malibu-based—although not named—El Camino pickup (1978-1987).
With the passing of the Malibu, Chevy goes for the primary time with no sedan in its lineup. Certainly, there are however two sedans remaining within the Normal Motors portfolio, the Cadillac CT4 and CT5, and only one different automotive, the Corvette.
This writer drove two autos in driver’s ed, one a 1981 Malibu, the opposite a same-year Chevy Quotation. What I bear in mind most concerning the Malibu was its surprisingly well-appointed cabin, and it’s horribly gutless 229-cubic-inch V6. Flooring the pedal with a purpose to merge with freeway visitors, the Malibu’s engine shrieked with hellish, malaise-era reluctance. That stated, the automotive rode and dealt with fairly effectively.
Over time, out there Malibu engines ranged in measurement from a mighty and large 454-cubic-inch (7.4-liter) V8, to a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4. The unfold in engine measurement serves effectively as a metaphor for the vary of physique varieties as soon as provided as Malibus, in addition to the automotive’s ever evolving purchaser profile.
The final of the Malibus was usually effectively regarded, however was primarily pushed into fleet service, so the automotive was hardly ever mentioned by the automotive press. You’ll be able to learn Client Information’s final Malibu overview right here. In honor of the Malibu, and my high-school relationship with one, I’ve written a modest farewell poem for the as soon as ubiquitous Chevy. Love dwell the Malibu.
Chevrolet Malibu Commonplace-Gear Showdown: 1976 vs. 2016
Malibu: Final Automobile Standing (a poem)
Oh Malibu, oh Malibu, our hearts are heavy,
farewell to the final sedan branded as a Chevy.
You began out vibrant in sixty-four,
for Chevelle buyers, you provided extra.
Luxurious for the individuals of modest means,
Malibu meant class for under a bit of inexperienced.
Oh Malibu, oh Malibu, our hearts are heavy,
farewell to the final sedan branded as a Chevy.
You changed the Chevelle in seventy-eight,
gross sales quantity was large, purchaser response was nice.
Your boxy design was trendy, environment friendly and lean,
however your rear home windows didn’t roll down, what did that imply?
Oh Malibu, oh Malibu, our hearts are heavy,
farewell to the final sedan branded as a Chevy.
You performed host to the El Camino and Caballero vans,
and the Malibu Maxx was one strange-looking yutz.
However buyers needed SUVs, and also you went to the fleets,
and people acquired used to not seeing you out on the streets.
Oh Malibu, oh Malibu, our hearts are heavy,
farewell to the final sedan branded as a Chevy.
There’s little revenue in rental automobiles or fleet leasing,
so, you’re going away, your lineage ceasing.
The Fairfax manufacturing unit the place you have been final made,
will quickly produce EVs, black now to fade.
Oh Malibu, oh Malibu, our hearts are heavy,
farewell to the final sedan branded as a Chevy.
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Picture Function: 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu Hardtop Coupe