In 1970, Chevrolet built 635,000 automobiles in the Chevelle family, which included the El Camino and the new Monte Carlo. But just 7,000 were Malibu convertibles with a V8 engine. That’s how the seller’s Chevelle started life, but its 350 cubic inch V8 and automatic transmission have since flown the coop. So, it’s a rolling project with some rust that could be restored to original specs or turned into (another) Super Sport clone. What’s your preference?
After being introduced as a mid-size car in 1964, the second generation of the Chevelle emerged in 1968. That may be the era of the vehicle that is most fondly remembered for its crisp styling and huge powerplants (up to a 454 V8 in 1970-72). The car received a mild facelift in 1970, but it was enough to distinguish it from the 1969 model easily. The Malibu was the top trim level and the best-selling series of the Chevelle. The seller’s convertible left the factory in Fathom Blue paint with the black interior – both have seen better days.
We’re told this drop-top has been sitting since 1985 and we assume it was in the garage where it was photographed. Since we don’t see an engine or transmission anywhere, we also think they are not part of the sale. Since there is rust in the rear quarter panels, we have to postulate you’ll find it elsewhere, too. We don’t know how complete the car is and it has a power mechanism for the convertible top, but does it work?
Since you’re going to have to find a new engine/transmission, do you go back with a period-correct 350 with a TH-350 or get brave with a 396, 454, or a modern LS? Since the vehicle needs restoration anyway, is this a restomod opportunity since it won’t be numbers matching? Located in New Egypt, New Jersey, this rolling project is available here on eBay for $28,500.
Price should go down with every pound of car that dissolves onto the floor.
Agreed. That may take it down to the $5K range…
Five grand should be on the high side of the asking price. Start with the 5k and follow with “or best offer”.
I would go 10,000 on the car. I need a good winter restore project.
I’d have to agree with Fahrvergnugen on that one. GM had the worst convertible frames when it came to rusting out. the back end of the car, meaning from the front of the rear wheels back, always got soft. So soft that the frame would actually crush when lifted with a jack in front of the rear wheels. Known for rotting hole in parts of the frame all the way to the back. $5k is top dollar for that car, there isn’t much to work with, and the body rusted, front seats need to go, would need a console and shifter, steering column changed over, engine swap, and of course, if it needs a frame, find one that you could afford that didn’t need to be worked. Too much work for so little return.
The full size 60s Fords had frame issues as well
This one reminds me of a car I looked at back in 2020-21. I wanted a certain year model Cutlass. I found one listed on Ebay by a “classic car dealership”. It was nothing special, other than the same color combo as one I had in my youth, so it caught my interest, but the asking price was around $30,000 if I remember correctly. I kept looking and found a much better car for a much lower price. That same car is STILL for sale by the same classic car dealership, but I think the latest asking price is $13,000. They should probably take less than $6,800, which is what I paid for the one I bought. Similarly, unless that “gotta have it” person sees this add, this Chevelle Malibu, which is nothing special (other than being convertible) will probably still be for sale in 2-3 years at a much lower price, unless the seller recovers from their Mecum/Barrett Jackson fever sooner.
The only motivation in restoring this would be rarity or sentimental. Rust is the enemy and this one is invaded.
New Egypt NJ home to Sweet little race track watched many modified races there
I agree nothing special about this car but being a convertible makes it rare and 5k really doesn’t buy much auto wise these days
Why in the world would anyone pay that for THAT? Good luck to the seller. Someone have a long talk with the “buyer”. Far better, in the end, to buy a pristine original, or well restored version (and far cheaper).
I have often wondered why so many of the classic cars/fixer uppers are never carried to completion? Either the people who own them are short on cash,or the lack the knowledge and resources to finish what they started. And perhaps some of them are just victims of circumstances where life gets in the way of ambitions? The project is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. Even at today’s ridiculous prices for everything you’re still going to need deep pockets….
30k for this rot bucket your nuts! i want to take whatever this person is on
What is going on in the brain when they priced this car? They should post a picture of themselves.they need to be captured,put in handcuffs and studied.in the hope that medication can at least slow down whatever is happening to them.no shame.
Nope! Enough said!
Think this is the same guy that was selling a coupe listed on here for an arm.
This is a textbook definition of…a fool and his money are soon parted.
What’s sitting there is Worth about 5-7k. Period. Because just to make it pretty again is going to cost well over 10k. Add another 10k to make it a strong runner even with a used 350 and tranny from a truck or something.
Forget getting it to “original”. So you are better off finding something similar with a much more reasonable price and a much easier restmod in it’s future. Life’s short.