1965 Chevelle Malibu SS 396

 

In addition to the 201 production units, two engineering mules were modified at the GM's Engineering facility. One 'mule' was fitted with the convertible frame, 11-inch big Chevrolet brakes along with the RPO L37 396-cid 375hp engine. The second 'mule' was primarily used to fit the special trim used on the body. These two test mules are not included in the 201 production figure. These two started life at the Baltimore assembly plant and were 327-cid powered Malibu sport coupes. Of the 200 production run, 175 were to be sold to selected dealers around the country and 25 were assigned to Public Relations for test driving in 12 cities.

 

It is not known how many of the original 200 have survived. An old Z16 website showed 68 known survivors and I'm sure a few more have turn up since.

 

RPO z16 public relations documents: Page 1 - Page 2 - Page 3 - Page 4 - Page 5

 

All 201 production Malibu SS 396 Chevelles were built at the Kansas City, MO. assembly plant beginning in March of 1965 and running through at least the end of April of 1965.

 

All Malibu SS 396 Chevelles included the following "mandatory" options:

Black vinyl tops were offered and only Black, Red, or White interior colors were available.

Mandatory Options Included:
RPO A01 ~ Tinted windows (all)
RPO A31 ~ Electric windows
RPO A47 ~ Rear seat belts
RPO A49 ~ Custom deluxe front seat belts w/retractors
RPO B70 ~ Instrument panel pad
RPO U50 ~ Vacuum power brakes
RPO L37 ~ Turbo-Jet 396, 375hp engine
RPO M20 ~ 4-speed transmission, 2.56:1 low gear
RPO N34 ~ Wood grained plastic steering wheel
RPO N40 ~ Hydraulic steering
RPO U16 ~ Tachometer
RPO U69/U79 ~ Stereo adapter with AM/FM radio
RPO Z13 ~ Remote control outside mirror

 

Other options available but not mandatory include:
RPO C08 ~ Vinyl top
Colors limited to Regal Red, Crocus Yellow, and Tuxedo Black

 

 

 

One of the two prototypes from the Baltimore assembly plant.

 

Compare the prototype Fisher Body Number plate from Baltimore to a production plate from Kansas City. With the exception of the trim code and vinyl top, all will have the same options coded on the last line shown here.

 

Some of the unique Malibu SS 396 trim included crossed-flag Turbo-Jet emblems on the front fenders, the Malibu SS badging moved from the rear quarter panels to behind the front wheel well, special trim on the rear tail panel, and Chevelle 300 tail lamps.

 

The RPO L37 375hp engine powering the 1965 Malibu SS 396 was kind of unique in that it has hydraulic valve lifters and was not an optional engine in any other 1965 Chevrolet.

 

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