1970 Chevelle Malibu Restomod With 555-Cubic-Inch V8 and 6-Speed Stick Hits Auction

Key points

• The 1970 Chevelle Malibu Sport Coupe is listed on Bring a Trailer with a bidding deadline of November 11 at 1:45 p.m.
• The vehicle features a Keith Black 555-cubic-inch (9.1-liter) big-block V8 installed between 2001 and 2005
• Power is transmitted through a Richmond six-speed manual transmission installed in 2000
• The car shows 8,000 miles on the dashboard, though original mileage is unknown
• Performance upgrades include Wilwood disc brakes, Hotchkis suspension, QA1 coilovers, and an aluminum fuel cell
• The exterior features black paint, white rally stripes, and SS 455-style badging on 18-inch Budnik billet wheels

Background

This listing follows a trend of high-performance classic American muscle cars entering the auction market, including a 1970 Camaro with a supercharged V8 listed for $77,000 in October 2026. The 555-cubic-inch displacement echoes the 555-horsepower figure of GM's new heavy-duty diesel engine unveiled for 2027 trucks, though the two powerplants are entirely different technologies. The current market for restomods continues to attract buyers seeking modern performance in classic body styles, despite broader industry shifts toward electric vehicles.

Why it matters

The sale highlights the enduring demand for high-performance classic American muscle cars, particularly those with significant engine displacement and manual transmissions. The 555-cubic-inch V8 represents one of the largest displacements available for a street-legal vehicle, appealing to enthusiasts seeking maximum power without modern electronic limitations. The car's family ownership since 1990 adds provenance value, while the extensive performance upgrades make it a turnkey restomod for buyers unwilling to undertake their own modifications.

What to watch

Bidding on the 1970 Chevelle Malibu will close on November 11 at 1:45 p.m. The final sale price will reveal current market valuations for high-displacement restomods with manual transmissions. The seller's family has held the vehicle since 1990, suggesting this may be the last time the car changes ownership within that lineage.