1965 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396

Buzz

The Chevelle's rise to fame as a muscle car started with strategic moves in mid-1965 to regain its competitive edge, culminating in the creation of the 1965 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396.

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Entering its second year, the Chevelle featured subtle interior and exterior updates, yet Chevrolet still lagged behind Pontiac, Oldsmobile, and Buick in the midsize performance segment.

In 1965, while competitors like the GTO, 4-4-2, and Skylark Gran Sport featured large-displacement V-8s, the Chevelle remained committed to small-block engines. Chevy's impressive 327, particularly in its new 350-bhp configuration, required no excuses. Introduced midyear, the L79 327 was a hydraulic-lifter adaptation of the Corvette's 365-bhp 327. Paired with a mandatory four-speed transmission and a Positraction 3.31:1 rear axle, the L79 Malibu Super Sport could achieve quarter-mile times in the high 14-second range.

Chevrolet recognized the trend toward high-performance, large-displacement engines in midsize cars and responded with a midyear release. This limited-edition option, known as the Z-16 package, was offered in only 200 Malibu SS hardtops and one convertible. Priced at $1,501, it featured a powerful 375-bhp 396-cid V-8.

This Turbo-Jet 396 was essentially a hydraulic-lifter version of the 425-bhp 396 found in the Corvette. To support the Malibu SS 396, Chevrolet reinforced the Chevelle with a stronger convertible-style frame, an upgraded front suspension, anti-roll bars at both ends, larger brakes, and quicker power-assisted steering.

©2007 Publications International, Ltd. The SS 396 came standard with bucket seats and a console, while the simulated wood steering wheel was optional. The dash-top tachometer was a required additional feature.

The Z-16 package required a Muncie four-speed transmission, offering axle ratios up to 4.56:1 as an alternative to the default 3.31:1. Additional features included a 160-mph speedometer, a 6000-rpm tachometer, and an AM/FM stereo radio.

Despite having 58 percent of its weight on the front axle, which hindered cornering, the Malibu SS 396 delivered impressive mid-14-second quarter-mile times at approximately 100 mph, making it a standout performer in 1965. Super Sport production reached its peak this year, with 101,577 units out of 326,977 Chevelles built. The Z-16 remained the rarest and fastest of them all.

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The 1965 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu SS 396

Specifications

Wheelbase, inches: 115.0

Weight, lbs: 3600

Number built: 201

Base price: $4,100

Top Available Engine

Type: ohv V-8

Displacement, cid: 396

Fuel system: 1 x 4bbl.

Compression ratio: 11.0:1

Horsepower @ rpm: 375 @ 5600