Evaluation: Represented as matching numbers and showing 291 miles on a full body-off restoration. Spotless, factory correct engine bay. Very good paint from a distance but up close there are small blisters in the hood from poor prep. Uneven gaps. Scratched window frames. New top and restored top frame. Very good fresh interior mostly, but there is serious pitting around the shifter and the trim between the seats. A lovely car with rare equipment and a fresh restoration, but it falls short of perfect in a few areas.
Bottom Line: The Dallas bidders either didn’t notice those details or didn’t care. To find a ’65 Malibu with this combination of rare factory equipment, fresh condition and good colors would be a seriously difficult task, and at least two of the people waving their paddles were willing to overpay and save themselves the trouble.