Defining perfection in the classic world is challenging, particularly if the vehicle in question is considered a total package, including the driving experience. However, if the term only describes the physical condition, it becomes significantly easier. That is the term used by the seller of this 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu Convertible, and it may not be far from the truth. This low-mile classic is in exceptional condition and appears to need nothing. The time has come for it to find a new home, with the seller listing the Malibu here on Craigslist in Umatilla, Florida. They set their price at $59,000, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this incredible survivor.
Chevrolet’s Second Generation Chevelle range graced showrooms from 1968 until 1972. Our feature Malibu rolled off the line during the final production year. Its first owner ordered it is Sequoia Green with a contrasting White power top and Rally wheels. Its history from Day One is fully documented, including the odometer reading of 38,871 genuine miles. Its condition is consistent with that reading, suggesting this classic has been squirreled away in a warm and dry location when not prowling the streets. The paint retains a mirror shine with no evidence of chips or defects. That theme continues with the panels, which are laser-straight and feature consistent gaps. There is no evidence or mention of rust, and the soft-top is free from rips or other issues. The trim sparkles as impressively as the paint, and the tinted glass looks flawless.
The seller provides a comprehensive series of interior shots, which might expose one of the few flaws with this Malibu. The carpet looks faded in a couple of spots, although this may also be a trick of the light. Otherwise, there is no wear that might justify replacement. The Green vinyl upholstered surfaces are excellent, and the pad hasn’t suffered the ill effects of long-term UV exposure. The dash is spotless, the wheel is crack-free, and there are no aftermarket additions. The first owner didn’t load it with factory options, but the new owner will undoubtedly welcome the AM/FM radio and its optional rear speaker.
Chevrolet has produced its share of legendary motors, none more than its 350ci V8. That is what hides beneath this Malibu’s hood. The original owner coupled this to a three-speed Hydramatic transmission, adding power steering for a relaxed top-down cruising experience. The small-block produces 165hp and 280 ft/lbs of torque, with both figures modest by modern standards. However, Detroit was beginning to experience the “joy” of the changes required to meet tighter emission regulations, and outright performance was the first casualty. The news with this Malibu is nothing but positive, and it doesn’t end with the fact that it runs and drives perfectly. This drop-top has a genuine 38,871 miles on the clock, verified by the documentation that traces its history to Day One. The new owner receives the original Owner’s Manual, Protect-O-Plate, Window Sticker, and Build Sheet. The Malibu rolls on its original tires, which is a significant achievement for any car of this vintage. These look okay in the supplied shots, but I probably wouldn’t trust them at freeway speed. It would be wise to source another set of wheels and tires for regular use, retaining these for show duty. That concept might not sit well with some enthusiasts, but it is preferable to launching into the scenery following a blow-out at 70mph!
Chevrolet enjoyed a successful year in 1972, with 290,008 buyers driving away from dealerships in a Malibu. However, only 4,853 of those spent the additional cash on the Convertible variant. That represents a take-up rate of 1.7%, making our feature car a rare classic. That raises the question of the asking price and whether it is realistic. If you believe NADA, it is. Interestingly, Hagerty disagrees by a substantial amount. Therefore, we must assess recent sales results to gain an accurate picture. They suggest it is at the top end of the market and that the seller probably won’t be inundated with inquiries. However, you will struggle to find many that present better and have a comparable odometer reading. Therefore, I think it will eventually find a new home if the seller exercises patience. Do you agree?
It’s a blue oval gut but this bow tie does it for. Feel’n a heart throb caused by one of my favorite colors and the combo of this Chevy’s make up and condition. Hope it goes to someone that appreciates it just the way it is. And a side note—buy some new ones but keep those original treads on the shelf, don’t risk the pending “blow out”.
I tried for blue oval guy but “clumsy finger” took control, give it this correction
Must be the position of the stars—
I’m a blue oval guy but this bow tie does it for me. You know the rest of the story
I think my comment may have been misunderstood. Although this Malibu is pristine it’s not a SS cov . It’s a nice standard Chevy but nothing special. A real SS will cost more rebuilt or overwise but it would always be a special Chevy and appreciate accordingly where this car may not.l’d rather invest in something that l can maybe recoup what I paid or invested in it. Nice Malibu not a desirable SS cov . Just my opinion.
59k,now your getting into ss territory!
You are right, it is SS territory, but it won’t be nearly as nice, when you find one in equivalently condition it’s going to be a lot more. This cars isn’t for everyone, but if it is, as advertised, it should get close, eventually. By the time you buy a decent driver go through it to make it as nice as this one someone will probably be in it for the same money. At that point a low mileage original will hold more value and attract a buyer more quickly. This car is unique, due to its condition and documentation, it’s the sort of car a buyer should start at a high price to see what the market is willing to pay.
Steve R
Beautiful car. My cousin bought one of these brand new. 350 4 barrel auto trans. Real nice but my mom bought his wore out 67 Fairlane and raced him 30 miles to the next town and although he beat us there, we stayed right behind him the whole way. Boy was that Fairlane smoking when we parked it at the rodeo grounds. The cops sure noticed it. Fun times.
beautiful condition but not for 59 Gs. yest its super clean and a rag top but
for under 59 i can get a Torino , Cyclone, fairlane etc…. That’s just me. Hope it goes to a good home…
Beautiful ride but for 59K it has no AC or power disc brakes. It’s going to be a special person to purchase at 59K. Yes it’s a 350 not a 307 but upper 40’s is more like it. I wish the seller good luck. 🐻🇺🇸
I’m a Ford and Pontiac guy and don’t normally comment on Chebbies…but this might be the best looking Chebbie i’ve ever seen..and it may be because of the colour and that is it isn’t an SS.
Wow this is a looker. Looks two years old rather than 52. It may be hard to get your head around a common car bringing super car money but you’re buying something equally special. Same kind of production numbers except fewer exist. Most just used up and others cloned into a “tribute”. This is a true gem and deserves its place in the collector car world.
It’d be even better looking with clean whitewalls at that price.
For $59,000 there should be two more cars in similar condition included.
“Rear Speaker”
Always wondered what GM genius decided to stop putting the rear speaker in the center top of the back seat, facing the cabin versus BEHIND the seat, facing the trunk, like my 88 convertible. When the top is down, the rear speaker’s impossible to hear.
Only top level B and C bodies had the speaker in the middle of the backrest. The A bodies never did. So, is it better to have it where they DID put it, or not to have one at all? That’s the choice.
The sellers favorite tune from the ’70s must be “I Like Dreaming…”
A very nice car! Maybe it is the lighting, but the green interior looks a little lighter than the green interiors on some of the other Chevelles I have seen. The floor mats of this car are close to that shade of green.
58k for a car that you really can’t drive much, because the low miles and condition are the only reason you would pay that kind of dough.
Great car, if you want it to look at.
This Chevy is a gem! I almost wish it wasn’t in such fine condition, for two (2) reasons. First, it’s far too expensive for my wallet, and second, it’s too nice to mess with! A less pristine example would likely get some massaging, in the form of engine updates to compensate for the power robbing effects of early 1970’s era emission control equipment, along with some ride and handling upgrades, but for this one, the aphorism “It’s only original once!” clearly applies.
Hi yes I agree w Big bear ;$59 k is a bit high for a Malibu w no A C & no power brakes considering most guys would probably convert to P/ DB& maybe add Vintage A C !?$ ; the positive of this car is the 350 over a standard 307 back in 68 which is way under powered & reflects the $$ of the car in power not condition of car !?$ the 350 is a good power house for more power rebuild !! if @ some point is intended ; The biggest issue w these cars as always is rust & thankfully & hopefully very little on this car & that s where the $$ is w these classics !! And this car being a rare convertible nowadays b c the only made a few 1000 ; this year adds $$ to the price; i e ; Chevelle Malibu Coupes / 2 door hard tops usually go ( in same condition as this car) for in the $30k s to 40 & add almost $10 k for convertibles b c of rarity !?
that s my educated guess of $$ for classics like this
Ford guy, Chevy guy, Pontiac guy… it’s starting to sound like an orientation statement in this world… who really cares. There’s at least one model for anyone to like, in almost every brand out there.
$59k! Now that’s appreciation! I just don’t share it.
A car is what it is.Yes a real SS in this condition will cost more and to restore one to this condition would put you well over 59k. But car would be real. So if you’re going to spend big bucks on a car spend it on one that will appreciate accordingly not one that may not. That’s just my opinion.
Agreed, it would cost north of $60k to find a lesser car and restore it to this condition. Throw in the loads of documentation and the fact it has a 350 (most Malibus had a 307) and the price seems appropriate. If the seller listed it in a Hemmings auction it might actually top $60k.
Can only say it’s a beautiful car with a totally unrealistic price tag!
nice car but you could buy a SS 4 that type of money
Convince me that the engine and air cleaner haven’t been “Craigslist rebuilt” with a rattle can?!!
My ’77 Olds Cutlass Supreme T-top car with less than half those miles doesn’t look anywhere near that clean!
It’s called “detailing”……..give it a shot.
Fifty nine thousand dollars. That’s funny. Good luck with that.
It’s a beauty, but having no a/c knocks some of the beauty off for me. It was sold by a dealer in Pittsburg, Pa so that might explain the reason for no a/c. The price seems high to me but after watching BJ auctions it might not be to some folks, so GLWTS.
True, the lack of A/C is an issue, but if it is a matter of great concern, Vintage Air is just a phone call or a web click away, LOL! Give the Vintage Air folks your credit card number and bingo! A new A/C system drop ships to your doorstep! The thinking back in the day was that you didn’t need air conditioning in a convertible, if you were hot, just drop the top!
The manual bench seat would be an issue for me and my 59.50 inch tall frame. Power seats would help, but power bucket seats would work better, so any normal-sized people wouldn’t have to assume the fetal position in the front passenger seat when I’m driving, LOL! My dream setup would be the power bucket seats, with the console and “basket handle” floor shifter in lieu of the column-shifted THM A/T.
Just want to say a word about driving on 50yo tires. “DON’T” Even at 30mph you would not be able to stop fast enough to save your car from potential damage after an invadable blow out. I have seen old tires rip the fenders off cars after blowing out at highway speeds. If a tire is 10years old, it’s time for new tires regardless of how deep the tread is.
Totally agree with you Bryan although my understanding is 6 years is the accepted life span rather than10.
I find it amazing that 52 year old tyres haven’t just disintegrated in to nothingness. (My spelling of tyres shows I’m not from the States).
Norm1564, you said the 350 is a good power house for more power, Yes,
it is much better than having the 307-boat anchor. The 350 with an automatic in the heavier convertible might not be that strong. The stock 350s in 1972 didn’t seem to run as well as the as the older 327-300 HP ones due to all the detuning they did after 1970. The 350s would still run if you did the standard modifications to it.
Sweet….but like most said – it’s a little steep on price…..hard to go up on a price.
My family had a 1971 Malibu Sport Coupe with a 350/THM that I learned to drive on. We bought it new, and it was in our family until 1986.
$59K seems high, yes. However considering its mileage and condition, I believe that the seller will get it. You couldn’t restore one of these for that money, and you wouldn’t have as nice a car as this one, either.
If the buyer were going to show it, definitely keep the original tires, but don’t try to drive on them.
I think that the buyer will be quite fortunate. Here’s hoping he or she will be the custodian of this awesome car, and not make it an SS clone.