Does anyone know if there were ever any 68 Malibu convertibles produced with the L79/4-speed installed from the factory? I've got a line on a 68 convert that the seller claims is an original L79 car. It does have the correct "ES" code L79 engine in it right now, but I'm wondering if it could have come from the factory that way. I would say it is possible, but have never actually seen or heard of one.:noway:

Of course. The L79 was available in any body style and any model except for the SS396.

Sounds like a very cool car! Be sure to bring along a camera. :thumbsup:

Of course. The L79 was available in any body style and any model except for the SS396.

Yessir, that's what I thought too, just have never seen or heard of one before. Going to check it out this weekend and will take a camera along. Should be very interesting. :thumbsup:

UPDATE: checked out the 68 convertible on Saturday, it is now sitting in my shop!! The car is not an original L79 convert as was thought by the seller. It does have a correct "ES" code engine that was installed by a past owner, but it originally had a powerglide and a 5/16" fuel line in it from the factory, which rules out it being a factory L79 car. Someone converted it to a 4 speed and hacked up the trans tunnel in doing so... but no matter, that is easy to correct and the rest of the car is fairly rust-free. For now, it will be parked until my L79 coupe project is done, then will be restored a match to the Malibu coupe. The 2 are even the same color, Fathom Blue with black interior. I always wanted another L79 like the first one I bought new back in 1967, but never thought I'd also have a matching convert!! :hurray:

Congrats! :beers:

Thanks - have you ever gone to look at a car and tried to act nonchalant while all the time being hardly able to contain your excitment? Even though it is not an original L79, I knew I had to have it! Just the fact that it has a correct engine with a 4 speed made the trip worthwhile.