Feeding the powerplant is a Holley intake manifold and fuel injection system, dressed up with Billet Specialties valve covers for some flair. Exhaust exits through Sanderson 1 7/8-inch headers and flows into a custom 2.5-inch stainless exhaust system capped off with MagnaFlow mufflers. It’s a clean, purposeful setup that sounds aggressive and delivers smooth, reliable power.

A Phoenix-built 4L80E automatic transmission with a 2,500-stall converter sends that power to a Quick Performance 9-inch rearend fitted with an Eaton Truetrac posi unit, 31-spline axles, and 3.70 gears—perfect for both highway cruising and spirited backroad runs.

Stopping power is handled by Wilwood’s big brake setup: 14-inch rotors with six-piston calipers in the front along with 14-inch rotors and four-piston calipers out back; all managed by a CPP HydraStop system and Wilwood proportioning valve. The whole package rides on a set of American Racing Rally wheels—17×8 up front and 18×11 in the rear—wrapped in Nitto NT555 rubber for plenty of grip.

Inside, the car maintains a clean, classic vibe combined with all the creature comforts expected from a modern restomod. The original seats have been reupholstered in a sharp tan and brown leather combo. A Vintage Air HVAC system keeps things cool, while a RetroSound head unit maintains an original appearance paired with Kicker amps and speakers, ensuing Joe’s favorite tunes come through crisp and clear with plenty of volume when he feels like cranking it up. Nobody Customs also handled the wiring using a Painless Performance Products harness, while incorporating Membrane insulation stifling outside noise.

The exterior speaks softly but carries a big stick. Nobody Customs handled the bodywork and sprayed the car in a stunning coat of PPG Forest Green—an elegant and classic choice original to the car that complements the Malibu’s clean lines. The grille, bumpers, and taillights remain stock, but the polished chrome and Holley RetroBright headlights add a modern touch to the car’s original intentions.

“I’m totally blown away at the job the gang at Nobody Customs did on the Malibu,” Joe says. “A 1977 Malibu is not a common car to restore, but in just two years these guys did an absolutely brilliant job. I love the car now more than ever. If I were to do the build over again, the only thing I would do different is add a blower because you can never have too much power.”

We’re with Joe on that one. Blending rich family history, modern performance, and clean execution, this Malibu was reborn with enough muscle and reliability to carve out new memories for years to come.