This is our work horse. It’s used to take cars to shows, pick up newly purchased cars, and move projects from place to place.
-Part of the Malamut Auto Museum Foundation
This 1971 Chevrolet Suburban is a three-quarter-ton example. The GM build sheet indicates that the vehicle was built at the Fremont, California plant and originally delivered to Coyle-Billings Chevrolet in San Jose, California.
It is equipped with the Comfort and Convenience packages as well as a ceiling-mounted air-conditioning system. The truck is finished in Medium Olive with a white roof. It is powered by a 350ci V8 paired with a three-speed automatic transmission. It is believed to have resided in North Carolina for nearly 30 years. Exterior features include a single driver-side door, two doors on the passenger side, and a clamshell-style tailgate.
The cabin features three rows of seating and has been retrimmed with vinyl and fabric upholstery. Further additions include a Pioneer CD player and a period trailer-brake controller fitted under the dash. Factory options listed on the glovebox decal include a ceiling-mounted A/C unit (C69) and the Comfort and Convenience group (Z62).
Part of the Mike Malamut Personal Collection
The Jeep Wagoneer is the first luxury 4×4, sold and produced for Jeep by several automakers from 1962 to 1991. Marketed as a station wagon, the design became known as “sport utility vehicle” (SUV) when Jeep first used the term for the 1974 Cherokee version, the 4WD Wagoneer stayed in production for 29 model-years (1963–1991) with almost unchanged body-structure, making it the third longest-produced single generation car in U.S. automotive history.
Introduced in November 1962 for the 1963 model year as a successor to the Willys Jeep Station Wagon that had been built since the end of World War II, the Wagoneer pioneered the sport utility vehicle concept. Although sharing a pickup truck chassis (like its predecessor), the Wagoneer had a sophisticated station wagon body design, that was more carlike than any other 4×4 on the market.
As of 1965 all models came with a new standard safety package that included front and rear seat belts, a padded dash and high impact windshield, and a dual braking system.
Late-year 1965 Wagoneers and Gladiator pickup trucks were available with the 250 hp (186 kW; 253 PS) 327 cu in (5.4 L) AMC V8 engine, which proved to be a popular option.
This particular car is a rare ’65 with factory AC. It is also a deluxe model which means it came with automatic, power steering, power brakes, and deluxe stainless window moulding. It belonged to a friend of Mike’s. At the time, Mike owned one in the same color but it was a base model (3 speed and no factory AC). Mike always wanted his friend’s Wagoneer but just didn’t tell him. After many years of ownership, the Wagoneer ended up on eBay. Mike saw it and made the purchase.
Future plans for the Wagoneer include redoing the interior with factory correct material, doing the body work, and repainting the entire car. To quote Mike: “It will be beautiful!”
-Part of the Mike Malamut Personal Collection
-Part of the Mike Malamut Personal Collection
This 1965 Buick Riviera Gran Sport is powered by a 425ci Nailhead V8 paired with a three-speed automatic transmission. Additional equipment includes a limited-slip differential, dual four-barrel carburetors, concealed headlights, Rally wheels, power windows, and air conditioning. The car was first sold through Dick Grihalva Buick in San Diego, California.
First-generation Rivieras were constructed between 1963 and 1965, although 1965 was the only model year equipped with the concealed fender headlights originally intended by GM chief stylist Bill Mitchell. Additional features include a pillarless roof line and ribbed rocker-panel moldings.
Featuring dual four-barrel carburetors, hydraulic lifters, and 10.25:1 compression, the 425ci Super Wildcat V8 was rated by the factory at 360 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque.
This was one of Mike’s bucket list cars for several years. This one checked all the boxes!
-Part of the Mike Malamut personal collection
The Wagonmaster was International’s second take on the quintessential suburban utility vehicle, the Travelall. International’s announcement on August 21, 1972 said, “The Wagonmaster combines automobile-type styling and comfort with the durability and trailering capabilities of International’s popular Travelall wagon. Its design features a 5-foot pickup-type bed behind the roomy six person passenger compartment.” International wanted to offer the suburbanites a family pickup and capitalize on a new aspect of the RV market, the fifth-wheel trailer. With International’s legendary burliness combined with a car-like interior, this rig was positioned to be an RV mover and shaker.
-Part of the Mike Malamut personal collection
This 1972 Chevrolet C10 Cheyenne Super was refurbished prior to the current owner’s 2016 purchase and is finished in black with faux-woodgrain trim. Power is provided by a 350ci V8 paired with a three-speed automatic transmission, and equipment includes polished bumpers and mirrors, bed rails, air conditioning, bucket seats, and an AM/FM stereo. Equipment includes Cheyenne Super badging, stainless upper body side moldings, and chrome bed rails, bumpers, and mirrors. The cargo bed is finished in black. The truck is equipped with power steering and front disc brakes. The 350ci V8 delivers power to the rear wheels through a three-speed Turbo Hydramatic automatic transmission.
Mike was searching for a truck like this for some time before finally locating this one. He had one years ago that was stolen from a shop while it was there having some work done to it. It never was found.
-Part of the Mike Malamut Personal Collection
-Part of the Mike Malamut Personal Collection
The Cherokee was a redesigned reintroduction of a two-door body style, with a single fixed rear side window with an optional flip-out section. Previously, a two-door version had been available in the Jeep Wagoneer line from 1963 to 1967, although this had the same pillar and window configuration as the four-door Wagoneer.
The Cherokee was marketed as the “sporty” two-door variant of Jeep’s station wagon. This 1975 Jeep Cherokee is a blue over blue two-door wagon that was sold new in New Jersey and reportedly remained with its original owner for 28 years. The truck spent time in Texas. The 360ci V8 was rebuilt and fitted with a replacement long block in 2013. Power is sent to all four wheels through a three-speed automatic transmission and Quadra-Trac four-wheel drive. Exterior equipment includes a chrome roof rack, a rear ball hitch, and a manually retractable rear window.
-Part of the Mike Malamut Personal Collection
-Part of the Mike Malamut Personal Collection
-Part of the Mike Malamut personal collection
-Part of the Mike Malamut Personal Collection
When Mike was a kid, his father owned a Studebaker just like this one – same color. When Mike saw this car in Pennsylvania, he knew he had to have it.
-Part of the Mike Malamut Personal Collection
The International Harvester Scout is an off-road vehicle which was produced by International Harvester from 1961 to 1980. A precursor of more sophisticated SUVs to come, it was created as a competitor to the Jeep. It initially featured a fold-down windshield. The Scout and second generation Scout II were produced in Fort Wayne, Indiana as two-door trucks with a removable hard top with options of a full length roof, half cab pickup and/or soft top.
The Scout II was introduced in 1971. The basic sheet metal remained unchanged until production stopped on October 21, 1980. During the 20 year period (1960–1980) 532,674 Scouts were produced. The Scout, introduced as a commercial utility pickup in 1960, set the stage for future 4-wheel drive recreational vehicles of the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s.
The Scout II is most identifiable by its different front grilles. The 1971–1972 Scout II shared the same grille, three horizontal bars between the headlights and chrome rings around the headlights. 1973 Scout II’s had 14 vertical bars between the headlights, a split in the middle, seven bars on each side surrounded by chrome trim pieces and an “International” model plate low on the left side. 1974–75 Scout II grilles were the same as 1973, with the addition of a vertical bar trim overlay. The 1975 had chrome and black square trim rings around the headlights. 1976 had the same headlight trim rings as 1975, a chrome center grille of 15 horizontal bars split into three sections was used in this year only. 1977–79 Scout II’s used the same grille between the same headlight bezels the new chrome grille had two large horizontal bars with three vertical support lines and the “International” nameplate moved up to the center of the grille on the left side. In 1980, the final year of production for the Scout, the grille was a very distinctive design, available with black or silver, a one piece grille with square headlights, made of ABS plastic. Both grille color options had imprinted chrome trim around the headlights and an “International” name located on the left side. Starting with late 1974 Scout IIs disc and power brakes were standard features. Early 1974 models had disc brakes as a rarely selected option. A three-speed Chrysler 727 torqueflite automatic transmission was optional.
This particular Scout II features every option that was available at the time. It was a dealer demo car with all the options.
-Part of the Mike Malamut personal collection
In the early 60’s, many American families were now in the market for a second car, and market research showed women especially thought the full-size car had grown too large and cumbersome.
At the same time, research showed many buyers would prefer to buy US or Canadian if the domestic manufacturers offered a smaller car with lower cost of ownership. Thus, all three introduced compact cars: the Ford Falcon being Ford’s answer.
The only time a V8 option was available in a first-generation Falcon was the 1963½ model, and these cars were produced in very limited numbers (Sprint two-door hardtop (bucket seats) 10,479 produced and Sprint convertible (bucket seats) 4,602 produced).
These first-generation Falcon Sprint cars were the basis for the 1964½ Mustangs released by Ford one year later. Many (if not most) of the interior, chassis, suspension, and drivetrain components were derived from those used on the 1963½ Ford Falcon Sprint and/or Fairlane models. In simplest terms, the 1963½ Falcon Sprint is nearly mechanically identical to the 1964½ Mustang while being aesthetically different.
-On loan from The Mike Malamut personal collection
An American classic, this car has four-wheel drive, automatic transmission, power steering and brakes, V-8 engine, AM radio, bumper guards, roof rack, optional clock, trim rings, and a vintage CB radio. This Jeep has an original interior and 26,000 original miles. This car has the subtleties of the past with a hint of the future.
-On loan from The Mike Malamut personal collection
An orange beige exterior with orange beige, black cloth interior, this truck has an automatic transmission, V-8 engine with factory AM radio, original paint and interior with original 55,000 miles. It is unrestored with factory markings clearly shown in the engine bay. Immaculate, it drives like a brand new truck.
-On loan from The Mike Malamut personal collection
-On loan from The Mike Malamut personal collection
The Helms Bakery in Culver City, California was a notable industrial bakery of Southern California that operated from 1931 to 1969. In 1926, Paul Helms of New York took an early retirement for health reasons and moved his family to Southern California. Helms started construction on a building between Washington and Venice Boulevards in 1930 and, on March 2, 1931, the Helms Bakery opened with 32 employees and 11 delivery coaches (trucks). Divco or the Detroit Industrial Vehicle Company manufactured the Helms. Interestingly the brake pedal setup also doubles as a clutch when depressed slightly, making it a tricky little truck to operate. Both the owner and wife can recall the name of their Helm’s delivery truck driver and the fresh milk and baked goodies he delivered to their homes. Fond memories such as these make this an incredibly sentimental piece to this museum.
-Part of the Malamut Auto Museum Foundation
-On loan from The Mike Malamut personal collection
Originally owned by Southern California Chevrolet dealer Jack Wall, this was his personal car until obtained by the Malamut Museum after Mr. Wall became terminally ill. The car still sports his personal California license plate, “63 WALL.”
With a 327, 340 HP engine, it comes equipped with a stock four-speed, matching numbers, power steering, power windows, posi-traction, AM/FM radio, tinted glass, and original navy blue interior. This car has only 57,000 miles and is in number one condition. It is a high-scoring NCRS top-flight car.
-On loan from The Mike Malamut personal collection
An American classic, this GTO has power steering, power brakes, power windows, factory air, red line tires, with a four-speed Hurst shifter and Hurst wheels. Under the hood, find a 389, 360 horsepower tri-power engine. A rare find as it has matching numbers.
A teenager’s dream, when Mr. Malamut attended high school, the only car he could afford was a ’55 Chevy. The “rich kids” parents bought them GTOs, as this was the “hot car” to own and an automatic “chick magnet” for the guys.
After many years and in a position to afford one, he searched but never found the right combination of color and equipment. In January 2002, while attending the Barrett-Jackson auction, destiny arrived.. About midway through the auction, his wife, Barbara, came running, exclaiming, “Mike! There’s a great looking GTO in line to be auctioned. You must take a look at it.”
They both went running and made it to the podium as the GTO became the next in line to go on the block. Looking at the vehicle, it became love at first sight. Everything was perfect; the right color, interior, and options. As the bidding began, he kept his arm in the air, regardless of price, until the auctioneer’s gavel dropped.
After receiving congratulations from Barbara, the GTO became an important part of the Malamut family of cars.
-On loan from The Mike Malamut personal collection
The 1965–1966 cars were the smallest and lightest of the GT 350 models. These cars are often called “Cobras”, which was the Ford-powered AC-based two-seat sports car also produced by Shelby American during the same period. Both models use the Cobra emblem, similar paint scheme, and the optional “Cobra” valve covers on many GT350s that were part of a marketing tie-in by Shelby, as well as one of his iconic symbols.
The 1965 and 1966 G.T. 350s were delivered from Ford’s San Jose assembly plant in body in white form for modification by Carroll Shelby’s operation, originally in Venice Beach and later at Los Angeles International Airport. San Jose cars carried an “R” in the Ford VIN denoting that facility. The only year that Shelby Mustangs from the 1960s came from another plant was 1968, where they came from New Jersey, “T” in the VIN,[4] and were modified by A.O. Smith.
For 1966, the GT 350 lost its Mustang tag and was marketed simply as the Shelby GT 350. The new model year also saw the introduction of non-white colors, including blue, red, green, and black. Other changes included special rear quarter-panel windows replacing the factory extractor vents, functional brake scoops on each side, and optional SelectShift 3-speed automatic, as well as an optional Paxton supercharger. The battery was no longer relocated to the trunk for 1966, and the over-rider traction bars were discontinued. The normal factory fold-down rear seat was optional. While early 1965 cars had black engine blocks, 1966 and later cars had their engines painted the regular factory Ford dark blue. The 1966 models came with a dual-exhaust exiting in the rear.
The first 252 GT 350s for 1966 began as 1965 Mustang K-Code Fastbacks. These cars were specifically ordered by Shelby American for conversion into 1966 GT 350s. Upon delivery to Shelby-American, the cars were randomly picked for conversion. The Shelby VINs do not correspond in numerical order with Ford VINs. The Ford VINs were shipped in ‘blocks,’ but many differ significantly because the order they were taken for conversions.
Total production for 1966 was 1,373 fastbacks, including two prototypes and four drag cars, and the 252 early production models with Ford Mustang 1965 bodies. In order to help Shelby sales, Ford, the major shareholder of Hertz, persuaded the rental car giant to purchase 1,003 fastbacks, including two prototypes. Four “experimental” G.T. 350 convertibles were also built for test purposes in anticipation of a 1967-1/2 convertible offering, bringing total production to 2,378 units for 1966. A small number of the 1966 models were fitted from the factory with Paxton superchargers, but not the No-Spin limited slip differential; with an option price of $670 USD, the engine was rated at 440 hp.
1966 Shelby G.T. 350 Hertz models
’66 G.T.350-H
The deal with the Hertz Corporation to offer ~1,000 G.T. 350s for rental that, after their rental-car lives were finished, were returned to Ford, refurbished, and sold to the public as “G.T. 350H” models. Most Hertz cars were black with gold LeMans stripes and rocker panel stripes, although a few were white with blue stripes. The first 85 Hertz cars were available with four-speed manual transmissions and Hertz advertised them as “Rent-a-Racer” cars. During rental, these cars were sometimes used as production class cars at SCCA events, and were rumored to have been returned to Hertz with evidence of roll bars being welded in. Ford pushed another 800 models on Hertz with black paint, gold stripes and black interior, as well as automatic transmissions.
When the Hertz cars were returned to Ford to be prepared for sale to the public, the high-performance parts were often “lost” (presumably at the manufacturer) before final sale.
-On loan from The Mike Malamut personal collection
An automatic with a 110HP six-cylinder engine, it boasts a deluxe interior and exterior, and original upholstery.
This was General Motor’s attempt to compete with the Volkswagen Microbus. The Corvair has more room, more power, and can carry a heavier load with twice the horsepower. Unfortunately, due to Ralph Nader’s mission to have GM stop building Corvairs (due, in his opinion, to their questionable safety), 1965 was the last year for the Greenbrier Family Wagon. This vehicle is a mostly-original California car that continues to roll down the highway. It has never been in an accident, which is a testament to GM and possibly contradicts Mr. Nader’s findings.
-On loan from The Mike Malamut personal collection
In 1936 the Chevrolet Suburban was born and has built its brand recognition in being the one of largest vehicle choices to support all the transporting needs of the American nuclear family owning up to its name in today’s competitive markets. The Suburban was based on a commercial panel truck, but instead of having a huge windowless cargo area there was a large passenger compartment. Throughout the years the Suburban has underwent some style changes and the one pictured here is an example the 47-55 era of marking the beginning of flush-mounted headlights and a more broad-shouldered stance with a wider grille and passenger compartment. This particular car has been upgraded to Z/28 Camaro engine and is used for hauling trailers and other showpieces for the purposes of the auto museum.
-Part of the Malamut Auto Museum Foundation
The two-door Nomad differed from other station wagons of the era by having unique styling more reminiscent of a hardtop sedan than that of a standard station wagon. Chevrolet shared this body with its sister Pontiac, which marketed their version as the Pontiac Safari.
The Nomad’s unique design had its roots in a General Motors Motorama show car of the same name that was shared with the Corvette, Pontiac Bonneville Special, and the Oldsmobile F-88. The Concept was introduced at the GM Motorama in 1954 as one of Head Stylist Harley Earl’s “dream cars”.
GM approved production of the vehicle if the design could be transferred to its standard model, because top GM brass felt that they could sell more models if it were attached to the popular Bel Air model. In fact, following the product debut in 1955, it was not uncommon for the car to be referred to as the Chevy “Bel Air Nomad”.
While considered to be a milestone vehicle design, General Motors discontinued the original Nomad Sport Wagon at the end of the 1957 model year due to low sales and the introduction of a new body for 1958.
The Nomad’s relatively short wheelbase and overall length in comparison to Chevrolet coupes, sedans and station wagons of the same time period show modern similar characteristics to hatchbacks in later years. The platform used was GM’s smallest, a two-door bodystyle with a rear bench seat that folded down to accommodate cargo, and a two-piece tailgate with a glass upper portion that swung up, with a tailgate that folded down were the features that made the Nomad very popular.
-Part of the Malamut Auto Museum Foundation
In 1941, Chrysler introduced a unique wood-bodied car to the six-cylinder Windsor line. Neither sedan nor station wagon, it had a fastback profile with twin hinged doors at the rear. In contrast to most wood-bodied utility vehicles, the new Town and Country Car, as the company initially called it, had lavishly-varnished wood inside and quality upholstery.
This first edition of the Town and Country has become known as the “barrelback,” from its rounded rear styling combined with “clamshell” rear doors. The doors lead to a large and useful storage area behind the rear passenger seats. An innovation taken for granted today, the rearmost seat could be stowed in a forward position, enlarging the cargo area, or placed rearward, increasing passenger legroom. A nine-passenger version was also offered, with a limousine-type folding bench seat between the two rows of standard seats.
Exactly 999 were built, 200 of them in six-passenger configuration and the rest as nine-seaters. In addition, a single prototype was built on an eight-cylinder chassis. A similar lineup was continued into 1942, with nearly identical production despite the war-shortened model year. This car features original wood, a 6 cylinder, and fluid drive semi automatic transmission. It is thought that only 15 remain.
Model C-28. 108 bhp, 241.5 cu. in. L-head inline six-cylinder engine, four-speed Vacamatic semi-automatic Fluid Drive transmission, coil spring independent front suspension, live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 121.5″
-On loan from The Mike Malamut personal collection
1947 Mercury 79M Woodie Wagon. Part of the museum’s collection since 2008. Drives like a dream! Features include original wood in beautiful condition, original chrome, and original interior with the exception of the front seat. Upgrades include a replaced top and a Columbia two-speed rear end. Motor rebuilt by prior owner.
We have an extensive photo album of the Mercury available for review. Also, please check out this recent driving video. We have a few additional videos available for review. Please contact us for more info!
-Part of the Mike Malamut personal collection