• Make/Model: Chevrolet Malibu
• Year: 1966
• Drivetrain: 283 Cubic-inch engine with a Powerglide transmission
• Location: Olympia, Washington
• Price: $13,000

As one of Chevrolet’s bestselling full-sized cars, the Malibu has become one of the most sought after musclecars available. Usually, when you can find one for sale, it is either expensive, rusted out, or the remnants of someone else’s big project left unfinished. That is not the case of Tom James’ “barn find”  1966 Chevy Malibu.

Tom’s journey started when he got a call from a buddy of his that started like this: “I’ve got a deal on a car. Are you interested in a 1966 Super Sport?” We’ve all been there, and Tom of course was all in. “First of all, it was supposed to be an SS with the four-speed,” Tom told us, “but you know how it is with a friend of a friend kind of thing.” The car that belonged to his buddy’s, girlfriend’s, brother, was not actually a Super Sport four-speed car, but it was a two-door sport coupe with a 283 cubic-inch V8.

Tom and his buddy bought the car as a partnership, they are the third owner(s) of the car, and struck one heck of a deal. “My favorite cars are the first-generation Camaros,” Tom explained. “If this were one of those, I would probably have kept it and restored it myself.” As it is, Tom is looking for money and time to put into his current project, a 1968 Camaro.

This Malibu came out of a garage, and it was shoved into the back and packed so deep in other junk, that you couldn’t even get to it. Tom suspects that any body damage the car has received, little dents and dings, are all from being in that garage. For the most part however, the metal is nearly perfect according to Tom. There are only two minor rust spots that need fixed, but nothing serious.

“To me, this would make a perfect father-son project,” Tom said. “You can pull the engine, clean it up, have a little bodywork done, and you have a great running car.” As it is, with what appears to be only 50,000 original miles on the odometer, it’s a blank slate for anyone to make into their dream car. It would be easy to restore it to original condition, or use it as a base for your perfect project.

“The rubber around the wing windows is still flexible and looks like new,” Tom told us. “How often do you see a car this old that has been sitting for so long, with rubber that is still good and flexible?” It is a true “barn find” or “Garage find,” as Tom admits. He hasn’t even washed or cleaned the car at all. He wants it to retain that barn fresh feel for whoever ends up with the car next.

Although it didn’t turn out to be his SS big-block car as promised, Tom explained that it isn’t always about the end result when buying a car like this. “For nine out of ten guys like me, it isn’t always about buying the car, it’s about the chase. It’s tracking it down and letting your mind run rampant. Does it have a big block or a four speed?”

Although he has only had it a little more than a week, it has been an adventure through the whole process of getting the car. His air compressor even went out while trying to inflate the tires so he could put the car on the trailer to bring it home. Tom had to borrow a set from his boss who just happened to be down the street working on his project.

Where will the adventure go next? For the price of this car, only $13,000, you could get a rust-free start to a project. What would you do if you got your hands on this project? Original restoration or a blank slate to use for your big build. Let us know in the comments section, and don’t hesitate to call Tom if you are interested. You can view the original ad here.