This 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu was once a classy but seemingly mild-mannered Convertible. However, a “heart” transplant has transformed it into a fire-breathing beast with power to spare. It runs and drives well, needing a cosmetic restoration to recapture its former glory. The seller provides some of the required parts to give the winning bidder a running start. They have listed the Malibu here on eBay in Rochester, New York. The solitary bid of $25,000 is below the reserve, although there is also a BIN option of $40,000.

Chevrolet’s Second Generation Chevelle range, introduced in 1968, brought a significant change in design philosophy. The car’s new lines provided a greater sense of presence, which was further enhanced by a 1970 refresh. Our feature Chevelle Malibu rolled off the line in that model year, with the first owner selecting a Convertible finished in Cranberry Red with a Black soft-top. The seller is candid about the car’s condition, admitting that it needs a big dose of TLC to present at its best. The paint is tired, and there are a few minor bumps and bruises. However, the greatest challenge facing the winning bidder will be eliminating the rust that has sunk its teeth into the floors and the trunk pan. It isn’t all bad news, because the seller supplies the required replacement steel for the new owner to install. With no further visible steel penetration, that should return the body to a rust-free state. The top frame is restored, but the buyer must invest around $650 for a replacement top for all-weather protection. The trim may respond well to an attack of polish, and the blasted and primed wheels require a fresh coat of paint.

Lifting the hood reveals what may draw many readers to this Chevelle. It is unclear what mechanical configuration the first owner chose, but it’s a fair bet that the car has far more to offer than it did when it rolled off the lot. Filling the engine bay is a 396ci V8, teamed with a four-speed manual transmission and power-assisted steering and brakes. As the L-34 version of the big-block, it places 350hp at the driver’s disposal. Those preferring a rapid wind-in-the-hair motoring experience can apply here! The engine and transmission are matching and were sourced from another 1970 Chevelle. The car runs and drives perfectly, and it is this factor that has delayed the restoration. The seller admits they have had so much fun behind the wheel that they didn’t want to remove the Chevelle from service while they completed the work.

The Chevelle’s interior, trimmed in Black vinyl with bucket seats, a console, and a factory tach, can be considered generally presentable and serviceable in its current form. The rear carpet is missing, and it appears there might be a few other items that are AWOL. However, there are no significant rips or tears in the vinyl, and the dash and pad look respectable. There are a few functional shortcomings that may require the services of an auto electrician, but none are bad enough to prevent the car from hitting the road immediately.

With so much power and the enjoyment it would provide on tap, I can understand why the seller has delayed their restoration of this 1970 Chevelle Malibu Convertible. It could potentially be a wonderful SS tribute for a fraction of the price of the real deal. Sure, it will probably never command the type of future value owners would expect from an SS, but sometimes, owning a classic is about more than dollars and cents. Therefore, if enjoyment is your prime motivation, perhaps this drop-top deserves a closer look.