Teen Builds Sleeper Chevy Chevelle Malibu

In a narrative that challenges prevailing opinions about young people’s disinterest in classic cars, a teenager named Mason McCarthy has remarkably constructed a sleeper Chevy Chevelle Malibu in his garage. This project, highlighted in a recent AutotopiaLA video, showcases not just a passion for automotive craftsmanship but also a familial bond through cars.

Mason, the offspring of Dennis McCarthy, a renowned car builder known for his contributions to the “Fast and Furious” and Batman franchises, embarked on this ambitious project at the tender age of 15, even before obtaining his driving license. His father originally acquired the vehicle in 2015, aspiring to recreate his high school car. However, it was Mason who, in 2019, breathed new life into the Chevy, infusing it with modern enhancements while preserving its classic aesthetics.

The car, sporting a pristine white finish with chrome bumpers and matching wheels, mirrors the look of Dennis’s original high school ride. Yet, beneath the surface, Mason’s Chevelle Malibu is a beast of the modern era. It’s powered by a 355 V8 engine, boasting features like cast iron cylinder heads, a knife-edged crank, Jesel belt drive, and a solid roller cam, culminating in an impressive output of 450 to 500 horsepower.

Mason’s dedication to the project is evident in his meticulous overhaul of the engine after a mishap with a lifter, ensuring its resilience and performance. The car’s power is delivered to the rear wheels via a G-Force G101A four-speed dogbox, a component borrowed from his father’s Chevelle, coupled with a Ford nine-inch rear end and 4.56 rear locker. The vehicle’s handling is refined with new springs and shocks and bolstered by four-piston Wilwood brakes.

This sleeper Chevy Chevelle Malibu stands as a testament to the younger generation’s enthusiasm for automotive engineering, especially when nurtured in a family passionate about cars. Mason McCarthy’s achievement not only pays homage to his father’s legacy but also boldly states that the spirit of classic car restoration and modification thrives among today’s youth.