Down but not out, this once-potent Chevy shows hope of becoming a lethal street machine. The 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu in Caribou, Maine seeks a new owner here on eBay, where more than a half-dozen bids have driven the market value about $6000. Despite the rust-belt location and its apparent abandonment, this Malibu’s undercarriage looks fairly solid and certainly salvageable. If the documentation checks out, the Chevelle left the factory with a 330 HP LS3 396 (actually 402 cid in ’70), wide-ratio four-speed manual gearbox, power front disc brakes, and other interesting options. Thanks to reader Patrick S. for spotting this Pine Tree State gem.
Most classic muscle cars saw their peak horsepower numbers in model year 1970. For that single, glorious year, GM mid-sized cars gained access to engines larger than the previous corporate limit of 400 cid (6.6L) *and* before emissions requirements for 1971 knocked compression ratios and horsepower downward, a trend that continued through the decade. The switch from Gross to Net horsepower numbers meant another kick in the gut for model year ’72, though only on paper. In the Chevy world, the mighty 450 HP LS6 454 cid (7.4L) mill is the Holy Grail of junk yard finds, but as those rise beyond the reach of the Average Joe, who would turn up their nose at a 396 car?
Originally blue with white vinyl top, white buckets and a floor console, this would have been one sharp Chevy. The Malibu is the perfect size for many owners, accepting adult rear passengers while dodging the heft of a full sized Caprice or Impala.
Unfortunately this Chevelle has given up some of its parts to scavengers. Though loose and non-original, some combination of engine (an L78 block), transmission, and other drivetrain parts come with the sale. The L78 block would be a good cosmetic match for the original L33, and offers more performance. Hot Rod Magazine measured over 400 HP from a stock L78. Add some upgrades and you’re talking about LS6 numbers.
Before dreaming about dyno pulls, though, someone needs to buy this blue beast and commit to putting it back on the road! Would you take a chance on this big block Malibu?
AzzzKicka – lots of straightaways in Aroostook County – plenty of potato fields to crash land in too.
Someone will probably clone it into an SS.
I’d be careful, it looks like it’s been stripped of many of its good parts, then pieced together for resale. The factory tach and gauges are missing, it comes with a Saginaw transmission that is missing it’s input shaft, the seats may be from an A-body, but not a Chevelle, there is no picture or mention if either the console or 12 bolt posi are still with the car. A thorough in person inspection would be wise.
Steve R
the seats in this car is out of a “1970-1972” oldsmoble cutlass, or 442, which is a direct bolt on to the chevelle, pontiac gto, lemans, buick skylark, gs, etc.
will the replacement chevelle seat covers work on these seats? Thanks Scott
The seats look like Oldsmobile cutlass seats 70 or 71 maybe.
The underside doesn’t look bad from what the pics show but yeah this seems like a stripped mess with no title.
parts car at best no title kills it
Parts out already. I agree with steve.
The seem coming apart on the passenger side quarter panel looks like someone tried to replace the quarters at some point and the bondo is falling out!! So many parts are missing I’d rather wait till something better came along that a mess like this!!
For a non-SS car, this car was butchered badly! A friend yrs ago build a Malibu 400 clone, same color but with black int and black vinyl top. Big project car with needing a fat wallet!
Who stole it? Steering column broke out. Not something a car guy or owner would do. Not sure I believe any of the paperwork on this one. Run away…..fast
If I were in the market for a non-SS ’70 Chevelle with a 4-speed I’d save my money, be patient and buy one in much better condition. Better bones to start with is always a good thing.