1978 Chevrolet Malibu

The 1978 Chevrolet Malibu became shorter and narrower than the prior year's model. It had improved visibility, ample interior room for its occupants, and reduced overall weight. Surprisingly, with the reduction in size, the new Malibu was able to offer more interior and luggage space than the 1977 version. Body styles included a sedan, sport coupe, Landau coupe, and a station wagon. The base engine was an overhead-valve V6 that displaced 200 cubic-inches and offered nearly 100 horsepower.

In the front was a chrome-plated plastic grille with 'Chevrolet' block lettering in the upper molding. The grille was flanked on either side by rectangular parking lamps and single chrome-bezel rectangular headlamps.

Standard equipment included radial tires on 14-inch wheels, delta-spoke soft vinyl steering wheel, swing-out rear vent windows, heater/defroster, and carpeting. A three-speed manual transmission was standard, except on California models, which were fitted with a Turbo Hydra-Matic. The 305 cubic-inch V8 could be fitted with either a four-speed manual or an automatic.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2016