As one of the best-selling automobiles in 1972, there are still plenty of Chevrolet Chevelles from the period in the marketplace at any given time. However, what’s rare is finding one that’s been with the original owner until earlier this year and remains mostly original, which seems to be the case with this beautiful 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu here on Facebook Marketplace. This one’s said to be an Iowa native and has lived in the Hawkeye State its entire life, currently residing in the small city of Colo, about 50 miles NE of Des Moines. It’s priced at $39,500, and we’d like to thank tipster extraordinaire Zappenduster for finding this hardtop and letting us know about it!
Almost forty grand isn’t exactly cheap for a nearly-base Malibu, but the seller says that amount reflects the condition, originality, and documentation that this one offers. Unfortunately, it can’t quite be deemed a survivor, as the exterior received one new paint job back in 1993. The body appears to be in excellent structural condition, but the finish reportedly has some dents and scratches, so it might be time for another respray if you’re seeking perfection. This one might be a good candidate for an SS clone if you want a sportier look, but leaving it as-is indefinitely is also an option worth considering.
The original 350 is still under the hood, and although it’s said to start and run as it did in ’72, this small block is only rated at 165 HP with its standard Rochester 2-barrel carburetor. That might be on the low end for many Chevy enthusiasts nowadays, so I wouldn’t be surprised if something larger eventually finds its way into the bay. A Turbo 350 automatic handles the shifting, and with just 84,000 miles on the pair, preserving the original engine and transmission is also a good idea. It’ll be entirely up to the next owner to decide whether to keep things stock mechanically or make some changes.
Inside, the condition is described as immaculate, and the pictures here suggest the seller is on the right track. This is an area where the owner’s time-capsule term seems spot on, and while it’s painful to think about that like-new front bench being removed, buckets would certainly be a lot more fun. I’m torn about whether to keep this 1972 Chevrolet Malibu just the way it is, or if making some upgrades is the better way to go. What would you do with this one? What are your thoughts on the asking price here?
SS clone? I certainly hope not. If classic cars in the future are to have any interest, it’s regular cars just like this. As the sites wet blanket, I heartily believe the neck snapping, wheel standing, tire burning gas guzzlers will be relegated to behind a velvet rope,, and cars like this will be in great demand. Sellers always have great expectations, and clearly in the ozone here, and again, we never see what these cars actually sell for, many times a fraction of the asking price. People that might want a car like this could never justify $40 grand, just doesn’t work that way. I hope I see an end to this foolishness, but I think it will outlast me. Nice car, and thanks to the site,,,not a Lambo in sight!
I’m going to second what Howard said about keeping this Malibu original. And not making it another SS clone. These are the Chevelles I remember for the most part from when I was a kid. Yes, you’d see a SS here and there of course, but these were the bread and butter everyday cars we saw. That being said, seeing a Chevelle 2 door hardtop with the nice rims, whitewall tires as a non SS looks great just as it is. The 350 2 barrel will surprise you, they have enough oomph to keep up with traffic. Nice one Mike!!! Thank you.
It’s too expensive, let alone turn into a clone.
Steve R