1979 Chevrolet Malibu

1979 Chevrolet Malibu sedan, front view
Although changes to the 1979 Chevrolet Malibu were minor,
sales of the car, including this base sedan model, jumped nicely.

The 1979 Chevrolet Malibu got minimal changes following its debut as a redesigned "new-size" model in 1978. Alternations to the 1979 Chevrolet Malibu amounting to little more than a new divided grille and reworked taillights.

However, a "small-block" 267-cubic-inch (4.4-liter) V-8 joined the options list and slotted between the standard 3.3-liter V-6 and the optional 5.0-liter four-barrel V-8. The 1979 Chevrolet Malibu cars sold in California were subject to different exhaust-emissions regulations and offered a 3.8-liter V-6 or the four-barrel V-8.

A 350-cubic-inch (5.7-liter) V-8, developing 170 horsepower was avaialbe only in 1979 Chevrolet Malibu wagaons and cost $465 extra. Both three- and four-speed manual transmissions had floor shifters.

The 1979 Chevrolet Malibu offered Malibu and Malibu Classic models in coupe, sedan, and station wagon form. The Classic line also included a Landau coupe. Sedans and wagons had fixed rear-door windows with swing-out vents for draft-free ventilation.

Malibu Classics got additional bright window trim and vinyl-clad body moldings. Options included a vinyl roof, special gauges, wire wheel covers, auxiliary lighting, powered rear vent windows, and a Power Skyroof.

Chevrolet literature boasted of such technical details as double-panel doors, a full-perimeter frame, and coil springs all around. Production of the 1979 Chevrolet Malibu grew to 412,147, up from 358,636 of the 1978 models.

1979 Chevrolet Malibu sedan, rear view
The 1979 Chevrolet Malibu saw changes to its grille and taillights.

1979 Chevrolet Malibu Facts
Model
 Weight range (lbs.)
 Price range (new)
 Number built
Malibu2,983-3,325$4,812-$5,600412,147

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