This car is presently on eBay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Chevrolet-Chevelle-SUPER-SPORT-BLACK-WITH-RED-INTERIOR-FACTORY-A-C-396-4-SPEED_W0QQitemZ320108256606QQihZ011QQcategoryZ6164 QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

It has a 138 vin. Is that proof positive the car started as a 396? I see several thing about this car that make me wonder.

1. The woodgrain dash
2. The Chevelle rectangular badge on the rear
3. The blackened bars don't run through the grill extensions
4. And lastly does that console look right?
Anything else?

I'm new here and trying to familiarize myself with the the differences between Malibus and SS 396's.

Could it be Malibu parts were used to restore the car? Why would anyone do that? Can vin numbers be changed?

Thanks in advance. The expertise present on this forum is very much appreciated.

Charlie

138 means it was a SS, which in a 1967 meant it came with a 396

Not quite sure whats up with the grill, looks like someone sort of tried to customize the look by blacking out the top and bottom, otherwise looks normal to me.
The rear should not have the Chevelle emblem.
Console looks ok to me, not sure what you are questioning
not sure about the wood grain if it was an option or not on an SS

Can VIN numbers be changed, not legally, but there are many cases of it. Could a non-ss car been used as a doner for parts, yes.

the air conditioning cmp. and the alternator are on the wrong sides also!

Only malibu had the woodgrain on the dash, scrutinize and compare the vin tag and rivits and check for evidence of a lower moulding that ran the length of the car.