Chevrolet introduced the Chevelle in 1964 as an intermediate to their compact Nova and the full-size Impala. Coincidentally, the cars had dimensions similar to the Chevies sold just a few years earlier (1956-57 Tri Fives). The second generation of 1968-72 was likely the most popular, including this ’72 Malibu Sport Coupe with a claimed 30,000 miles. The history of the car is limited as the seller is a dealer in Lumberton, North Carolina, but some documentation is included. The Chevy is available here on eBay where bidding stands at $23,101.
The window sticker and original sales sheet identify this Chevelle as a pretty routine kind of Malibu. TH-350 automatic transmission, power steering and brakes, tinted glass, and factory air conditioning. It also has a vinyl top which contrasts nicely with what we’re told is the auto’s original coat of Golden Brown paint. A nice step up would to be find a 350 cubic inch V8 rather than the 307 under the hood. We assume the latter is numbers matching given the overall condition of this machine. Chevrolet built more than 212,000 Malibu Sport Coupes in 1972, the majority of them being equipped with some sort of V8, including Super Sports (an option).
This looks like a turnkey car. The paint and vinyl top present well with no indications of any prior damage or repairs. At first glance, the cream-colored interior looks nice, too, but upon closer inspection, the material on the seats needs a good cleaning. And some of the seams are starting to come loose on the front bench, so you might want to track down a matching set of seat covers to make it look new again.
We’re told this Chevelle runs and drives as it is supposed to and rides smoothly with nary a rattle, shake, or squeak. We’re guessing the car was obtained by the selling dealer from a family through an estate sale, but that is simply a guess. Perhaps this was Grandma’s car and she only drove it to church on Sundays. But the wheels suggest a more spirited person owned the Chevy as they’re borrowed from an SS of the same era. The seller does provide a video as a further way to inspect this nice survivor.
A clean simple machine. In a world of too many poseurs let’s hope this stays just as it is, a grocery getter, it’s nice lines with just enough power to be fun when needed.
I hope the new owner keeps this car looking as is. Maybe drop a sleeper 383 in it and mothball the original engine, but drive it some and have a little fun. The mileage is so low that the new owner could spare to put another 30,000 on it and not hurt its value.
Robert.. I was thinking the same thing. Nice 383 with a worked out Turbo 350 trans. Pull the 307 and stock Turbo350 put it to the side. Install a 3:73 posi rear. Keep everything else stock even the AC. That would be a cool ride to have on weekends. But I seen these ending up being full blow SS with a big block and 4 speed. I really hope NOT! 🐻🇺🇸
This 1972 Malibu Sport Coupe was a great vehicle.Many available options for this model and year.This was a time when all variations of “autumn 🍂”colors were popular.When new this color combination was new and it was very nice.The vinyl top in the soft white and coordinate interior was a welcome option.Too bad this vehicle has the smaller engine and so few options.It would be a huge value if it had the SS option,bucket seats,FULL length console and automatic on the floor.This vehicle probably came with steel wheels and full wheel covers as it has so few options.I knew someone that had a similar Buick Skylark.It had a red body with white vinyl top and white bucket seats with a floor mounted console automatic and the optioned factory stereo.It also had Buick rally wheels which made the vehicle! It was GREAT.Good Luck to the winner of this Malibu.😷😇🚗
Why change anything? Leave it alone. Enjoy it as it is, cruise it around, sparingly, and take it to some car shows / coffee meets and so forth. BABY the hell out of it and save it from the ravages of age. The realistic price for this car should not be too much more than 25k tops. After all it’s not a 350cid. But that’s Ok. Good luck.Nice article on this ‘72.
AMAZING! A nice, actually very nice car that didn’t become an SS 307 like so many over the years. Leave as is there are likely less of this than the bipitty, bopitty counter parts that flood every auction and car cruise.
Beautiful car would love to own this
I bought a one owner 72 Malibu similar to this back in 2010. Car was equipped with a 350 V8, power steering, no power brakes A/C and radio delete.The car only had 23k original miles on it and still had the original bias ply whitewalls on it! Unfortunately, the old guy parked the car in the garage using the braille method. Had a few scratches and dents. The old guy passed away and the daughter put it up for sale on eBay. The winning bidder didn’t pay, so I got a second chance. I got a bargain at $7557. That will never happen again! Cleaned it up, put a set of the 14 inch six hole Chevy rally wheels on it and new white letter tires. Sold it at Mecum, made a few bucks…wish I could find another like that.
I already got myself in trouble with one just out of high school being clocked by WSP in excess of 125mph on I-5 between Everett and Marysville Washington I don’t live there anymore, and I don’t really think I need to repeat th good old days so to speak. Nice car last of the dependable Chevrolet
I bought one in July 1984 as a college student for only $1,200 from original owner. Super smooth rider w/ ac and power steering and brakes. I liked the bench seat. Really smooth power delivery and idle so got used to the 307. Only big drag was the 4 wheel drum brakes which faded quickly. Bought a 79 Camaro Berlinetta with the LM1 350 to replace this in 1987.
You are right Mike about the brakes fading.Bought a new 71 Heavy Chevy and brakes problems from day one.
My first car! Bought it back in ’79 for $500. Sure wish I still had it!
SOLD for $30,901.
This, or a chrome bumper ’72 Corvette? That’s a no brainer for me.