Street Feature: This Blown, LS3-Powered ’65 Malibu Is Stunning

Inside and out, this is one of the best looking classic Malibus we’ve ever seen. From the black interior and deep red exterior, to the chrome and clean engine compartment, this car is gorgeous. More than just eye candy however, this car is built to drive, and it’s setup to fly!

The engine compartment of this Malibu emanates power and is absolutely stunning!

The car belongs to Pat Stauner of Ravensdale, Washington, and he’s had it for 34 years! He bought the car when he was only 19 years old. “When I bought the car, I put a big-block in it,” Pat explained about the 427 cubic-incher he dropped between the front fenders. “It had an M21 four-speed and it was black on black.”

The polished Kenne Bell blower looks amazing on that LS3!

In its current iteration, the build was finished 5 years ago, and it took 6 years to build. “It only took so long, because it was in the body shop for a long time,” Pat explained. Pat did the mechanical work himself, but there was a father and son team out of Spokane that helped with a lot of the fabrication work.

This car is much more than eye candy, but she sure looks good from every angle!

A little lighter, a little smaller, and a little higher output than the old big-block that was in the Malibu before, the new LS engine does wonders for this classic car. While a 427 is a classic, tried-and-true engine, the blown, modern powerplant gives it just a little more oomph. It features a supercharged LS3, with a TKO-600 five-speed with a dual-disc clutch. Further drivetrain upgrades include an aluminum 4-inch driveshaft and a Currie 9-inch rearend, filled with a 3.25 geared positraction reared.

The interior, complete with power windows, custom seats, and a Dakota Digital dash are another area where this beast just shines!

The whole build sits on a boxed, factory frame with Viking shocks all the way around and Global West A-arms up front. Stopping power is provided by a hydraboost braking system, and a hydraulic-assist makes using the clutch easier. A custom exhaust lets the Malibu breath easy, and a Rick’s Tanks custom fuel tank ensures proper fueling at all times.

The deep red color was the first thing that caught our eyes, but there are plenty of other subtle enhancements to the car that really make us love this Malibu. The door lock caps, for example, are lathe turned by the fabrication team Brad and Rich Gortsema.

Along with a full compliment of Dakota Digital gauges, this Malibu features a Vintage Air Gen-4 A/C system, push button start, power windows, and a RetroSound head unit for the stereo. The interior was all custom done C&B upholstery, and is top notch. It’s as beautiful inside as it is outside.

It’s hard to really capture the color of the car with a camera, but hopefully this will help show you the different characters of the paint at different angles.

Beyond just being a really cool car that’s fun to drive, the Malibu means a lot to Pat. “I’ve had this car forever,” he said. “I bought it when I was 19, so it’s definitely got some sentimental value to it.” He’s had the car for more than three decades, and it’s been through a lot of change throughout those years. Although it’s going to stay like this for at least a little while, it’s going to keep evolving and improving as the years go by and Pat continues to drive his car.

About the author

Kyler Lacey

A 2015 Graduate from Whitworth University, Kyler has always loved cars. He grew up with his dad's '67 Camaro in the garage and started turning wrenches at a young age. At seventeen, he bought his first classic, a '57 Chevy Bel Air four-door, and has since added a '66 Plymouth Valiant and '97 Cadillac Deville to his collection. When he isn't writing for Power Automedia, he's out shooting pictures at car shows, hiking in the forests of the beautiful Pacific Northwest, or working on something in the garage.
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