In the 1950s, a column-shifted manual transmission was common fare. But by the 1970s, automatic transmissions had largely taken their place – at least on non-performance automobiles. This 1971 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu Sport Coupe has a 307 cubic inch V8 – and a factory “3-on-the-tree” manual transmission like you or your father learned to drive on. Wearing mostly original paint, this Chevy is said to be a survivor and presents well (though the photos have too much dark space and shadows). Located in New Egypt, New Jersey, this two-door is available here on eBay for $23,500.
Back in the day, annual styling changes were pretty common and almost expected to remain competitive. The mid-size Chevy Chevelle had been redesigned in 1968 and received annual refreshes through 1971 (1972 was almost a twin). The big change for 1971 was the switch from dual to single headlights, perhaps to follow along with the Monte Carlo, which had debuted the year before. The rear bumper with integrated taillights also got an update. If you ordered a Malibu Sport Coupe with a V8 in ’71, the 307 V8 was the starting point.
While many of these 307 Chevies may have come with a Powerglide, this one left the factory with a column 3-speed. Perhaps it was ordered this way because the driver wanted more control, or maybe it was a budget move, as the automatic cost a couple of hundred bucks extra. The original owner made that decision, and the seller is only its second. The exterior wears Rosewood paint that we’re told is a rare color, though we have no stats. The factory applied 85% of the finish (why was the other 15% repainted?).
According to the seller, this Chevy runs and drives, but doesn’t use an adjective like “good” or “well”. At 79,000 miles, this car is a survivor and one of the nicest the seller has run across. You could leave it in stock condition (please!) or go for a restomod upgrade. However, you should fix the tear in the front seat when you get a chance. But since they’re only original once, why not leave the rest alone?
There’s a “New” Egypt now? While my manual transmission views still apply, this car had an entirely different purpose than the wagon with a stick. The stick was only a part of the frugal package, no P/S or P/B, but inside probably more options than a bare bones car. I’m exactly sure who ordered a car like this, as most plain Chevelles went to women buyers, but not this one. I read, this car, as is, was just under $3grand, again, was for that single frugal uncle that shuffled off to the factory every day at 5am and home by 2:30, sharp. Life was good.
A 4 speed or even just a floor shifter might improve chances of a sale, but with 280 viewers and no bids, there is certainly interest, but not at this price for this car. I don’t mean any disrespect to these sellers, but they better get with the times if they want to sell these plain cars nobody wants. Stay tuned,,,
I’ve been to New Egypt. It’s a small town in the southern NJ pines and home to one of the rattiest flea markets you’ll ever find. Pretty much the middle of nowhere.
This Chevelle is almost as plain as they come. The asking price is, to be kind, quite optimistic. So far the market seems to agree.
Now? There’s always been a New Egypt here in NJ. New Egypt has been the home to New Egypt Speedway which opened as a 1/4 mile dirt oval, later becoming a paved oval and then back to dirt ovals of various lengths over the years. Unfortunately, the Speedway closed this year and it was announced last month a new buyer has purchased the property and plans to tear down the track.
I’m old enough to own a 71 El Camino I bought new. People today find cars like this Chevelle and the Kingswood wagon the other day as strange, but they were actually somewhat common back then. In the 60’s and 70’s we were fortunate enough to be able to order cars equipped the way we wanted, not how the automakers wanted to build then. I knew a lot of three speed cars, both column and floor shift. We had a family friend who drove a 327 4 speed 68 4 door post Malibu. A high school friend had a base, rubber floor mat 69 Nova with a 307 and factory installed 4 speed, and another friend had a 68 GTO with a floor shift 3 speed. Almost none of us had power brakes and not many had power steering. I ordered my El Camino with power steering, but not brakes or AC. My wife when I met her was driving a 74 Jevelin with a 3 speed floor shift with steering but not PB. I bought a new Trans Am in 74 with PS and PB because they were standard, and no AC or console for the 4 speed. I really miss being able to build a car to my liking.