After examining this 1971 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu a couple of times, the best way I can think of to describe it is unusual, with most of that term referring to the roof area. Pop-up sunroofs were a popular aftermarket add-on in the seventies, so it’s not overly surprising to find that someone installed a piece of third-party glass on top. However, I don’t recall seeing many Chevelles from this era with just a half-vinyl top put on. This Chevy can be found here on Craigslist in Winchester, Virginia, and comes with an asking price of $17,500. While it could stand a little bodywork, this coupe seems fairly solid for the most part, and we’d like to thank reader Mitchell G. for sending us the tip here!
Much of the exterior appears to remain reasonably straight, so hopefully, only a minimum of bodywork will be required here. The seller mentions that he’s the third owner and reveals that this one received a single repaint back in 1982. However, he also believes it’s ready for another, so now’s the time to decide what to do about the roof situation, and whether to retain the SS hood and go for a clone or put things back stock. Each side has at least one metal issue to deal with, with the driver’s door showing some damage that needs to be repaired. The opposite quarter is a bit rusty, but it doesn’t appear severe, so perhaps this panel can be mended and saved.
At first glance, the seats look pretty good overall, but a closer inspection reveals a hole in the driver’s area and some other wear nearby. The seller says he has a new black interior to offer as a replacement, but it wouldn’t surprise me if the next owner chose to axe the bench and install some buckets instead. The package tray and headliner could also use attention, but the floors and trunk pan are stated as excellent.
This one’s equipped with a 350, certainly a capable engine to get this Chevy moving decently. However, if a Restomod is in the plans, perhaps something with more kick would be a better choice. Though I’m envisioning plenty of potential for this 1971 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu, another option worth considering is just to enjoy driving this one for the foreseeable future without changing anything. What would you do here?
I like Chevelles being a owner of a1971 myself. Too bad there is a sunroof in this one. I would add power brakes to this one.
Before anyone even considers turning it into an SS clone someone has to buy it. This Chevelle has a lot of problems for its asking price, there is a good chance the rust visible in the pictures is just the tip of the iceberg. Turning any Chevelle into a convincing clone is expensive, especially 70-72’s, you’ve got to swap out the instrument cluster, wiring, small blocks and bench seats don’t look right, find a 12 bolt, disc brakes, swap out the rally’s. There isn’t a convincing reason to start with this car, in fact the opposite is true, repairing/replacing the roof, paint and bodywork, this car makes little sense. There are better cars with similar asking prices, better wait until you can get ahold of one of them.
Steve R
This car needs some work. The drivers door has damage and other things as well. The exhaust does not look right with one tail pipe missing and the before pictures have the original hood on it. At least the did not cut up the radio bezel area.
I’ve always hated pop-up sunroofs and that 1/2 vinyl roof or painted brown back part is an insult to the Skylark Sun Coupe with its roof material rolled back.
Hard pass.
a sun coupe set up is not even close to what this Chevelle represents. v/top on a sun coupe is factory and was available on the skylark 350. asc did the folding top conversion and at least looks factory and not like somebody at pep boys with a Sawzall did it.
That’s what I meant when I said this Chevelle roof was an insult.
Your Pep Biys comment is funny.
Clones clones clones…stop already with the clones! Clean them up and enjoy them for what they are. The world doesn’t need more fake cars. If you want an SS take all of the money you’d dump into a car like this and buy one. Then it’ll be worth something.
you can see the rust from those pics under that ghetto v/top. then there’s the sunroof, so you are buying a roof. oh boy it’s got a cowl hood big deal that’s not going to help any buyer with the issues it has. there are better ones out there. move along
I’ve had many chevelle’s over the years ,six 71’s . Still have my convertible. This is a stripper chevelle with zero options, base everything. As was said prior enough with the clone talk, it’s been beaten to death. This is way overpriced for what you’re getting, I could see 5-6 thousand, but no where near 17.
I agree with Tonyf’s comment!!
Any reason my comment didn’t get posted. Did I hurt somebody’s feelings ??
Don’t see how. It was a straight to the point comment. I’ve been reading this site almost since its inception so not sure the issue . I’ve seen a lot worse here . Almost referencing my same comment I made.
Beige paint, black hood, brown vinyl “landau” roof, and brown and tan pleated vinyl upholstery. Whoever built this really needed someone to help him evaluate his color and fabric choices.