One vintage car among the others in the picturesque city of Lake Forest, California, is a 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu. Michael Benson, a local citizen, owns this shining piece of American automotive history; it is a real head-turner that attracts compliments from onlookers every time it drives.

Chevrolet debuted the Chevelle Malibu in 1964 as a mid-size vehicle combining utility, performance, and design. The second generation Chevelle underwent a sleek make-over by 1966, with a longer, lower, and wider shape that gave the car a more muscular and sophisticated look.

Benson’s Chevelle is evidence of the timeless popularity of this venerable muscle car. “I’ve always been a Chevy guy,” he says, “and I knew I had to have this ’66 Malibu for sale a few years ago.”

Benson started painstakingly restoring the car to its original brilliance once he had it. With brilliant chrome highlights that really make the car sparkle, he painstakingly restored the engine, replaced worn-out parts, and gave the outside a fresh coat of its original Capri Cream color.

Benson notes that “the really unique quality of this Chevelle is its attention to detail.” “I wanted to make sure every element was as close to manufacturing-fresh as possible, so that it would really capture the spirit of the era.”

And catch the attitude it generates. Regular presence on the Lake Forest streets, Benson’s Chevelle attracts both casual onlookers and auto aficionados and starts discussions. “Whenever I take it out for a drive, I get people honking, waving, and even asking to take a closer look,” he says smiling.

For Benson, though, the actual delight of owning a vintage Chevelle beyond simple appreciation. “It’s the thrill of driving it, the way it handles, the rumble of the engine – just can’t be replicated in a modern car,” he says. “You just cannot find anywhere else the sense of connection to the past.”

Benson takes delight in the fact that his 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu is more than just a car as he glides across the gorgeous streets of Lake Forest; it’s a live, breathing piece of automotive history that still enthralls and inspires car buffs of all stripes.