CHEVELLE MEMORIES

A Family Treasure: The Story Behind the ’65 Chevelle Malibu

If that were the case, Bow Tie enthusiast Joseph Andrew “Andy” Viduarri of Lakewood, Colorado, owns an ’04 Cadillac Crimson Red metallic-painted ’65 Chevelle Malibu that would speak in volumes. This car evokes many fond memories of happier, less complicated times. You see, the ’65 has been in the Viduarri family since it was brand-new, but we’ll let Andy tell the rest of the story.

A Lifetime of Memories

“My father purchased this car brand-new from Hajek Chevrolet, located in Longmont, Colorado. The Chevelle was originally powered by a 283/2-bbl and Powerglide transmission. I have a lot of fond memories with that car. I rode to school in it, I got my driver’s license with it, and I even dated in it,” he says.

Transformation into a Street Machine

In 1986, Andy inherited his father’s prized possession but didn’t do anything with it until 1998. “It was then that I slowly started transforming it into the awesome street machine it has since become,” he says.

Suspension and Braking Upgrades

Completed on April 4, 2007, Andy’s Chevelle features Eibach muscle car front springs, a later-model Chevelle 1-1/4-inch front anti-sway bar, Master Power front disc brakes, and KYB gas-charged front shocks. Out back, the ’65 features a Ford Explorer disc brake-equipped, 3.70:1-geared Currie 9+ live rear axle with Eibach muscle car rear springs and KYB gas-charged shocks.

Wheels and Tires

Wheels and tires come in the form of a set of briefly produced 15×7.5-inch Edelbrock five-spoke aluminum wheels rolling on P225/60xZR15 front and P275/60×15 rear Yokohama high-performance radial rubber.

The Engine: A ZZ4 Small-Block Beast

Sitting inside a fully detailed and wireless engine compartment is a 2004 vintage, 10:1-compression, GM Performance Parts ZZ4 350cid small-block crate engine featuring a ZZ4 single-plane cast aluminum 4-bbl intake manifold with a 1-inch carburetor plate and K&N-filtered 600cfm Holley carburetor. The HEI ignition system fires everything up while Hedman headers and Flowmaster 40 mufflers handle the exhaust. Also on board are a set of Tru-Trac billet aluminum engine pulleys and a Power Master billet aluminum 100-amp alternator. Backing all this up are a Hurst-assisted Muncie M21 close-ratio four-speed transmission and Centerforce II clutch.

Custom Body and Paint

Andy also performed all of the paint and bodywork on the ’65 right at home in his garage. The Chevelle features shaved door handles and pop locks. The extruded aluminum grille insert has been painted black, and the car is also equipped with a set of Snake Eyes halogen headlights.

A Lavish Interior

Inside, Denver’s Auto Weave Upholstery lavished the interior and trunk in tan soft leather with matching tan wool carpeting. The revitalized Chevelle also makes use of an Auto Meter-equipped Covan’s Classic dash, GM six-way-tilt steering column with late-model Camaro steering wheel attached, A/C, and tinted glass.

A Beauty on the Streets of Denver

Completed at a cost of $60,000 over a three-year time period, Andy’s Chevelle gets driven to all the local cruise nights around the Greater Denver area. It garners attention wherever it goes, which is no big surprise. This car is a real beauty.