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 to turn into a clone, let alone buy.
Steve R
Why mention “clone” and put that TERRIBLE idea in someone’s head????
Maybe it’s s little overpriced, but it’s in great condition and we’ll documented. Only a complete idiot would turn it into a counterfeit SS.
If you’re going to clone one, get one that isn’t so completely original.
And not one as nice as this one appears to be. This specimen is truly a look back at what cars were commonly like in the ’70’s for those of us who were kids back then. Hint: ME!
Dont mess with it . Thats how life really was for people
I had a 71 same color with same interior, 8in. Rallyes on rear 7in.front no caps or rings,duel exhaust, flip air cleaner lid and enjoy…
40for a 72 chevelle with a granny stick and2bbl carburetor..come on..40k.for 150 hp..leave it in Kansas..r
Left as is, you could drive it around without worrying about the 454 drinking fuel at 8mpg. Nobody at the parking lot car show will think less of you for having a base engine.
I love it. Maybe dry ice clean-up on the engine and some paint would make for a much nicer presentation.
A glance at the interior makes me think you definitely need a vintage avocado garage fridge…
Man the fridge just gave me a good laugh and flashback, Peace.
Crusty engine
The world has enough SS clones. I wouldn’t even entertain the thought. Since the car has a respray, I would not feel guilty at all pulling the drivetrain and freshening it up. Originality is appreciated but a lump that dirty needs some love. 40k? Nope. 25-30 maybe….
I had a ’72 Malibu 350 with the original 2 bbl carb. It ran great! However there were some 350’s with four bbl. carbs with 200 and 240 hp that were available that year. If I had the means, I would rebuild the engine with the cam, and carburetor of the stock 200 and 240 HP. I believe it would be a dependable and sporty upgrade. Of course, the carb would be the Quadra jet. You can’t beat them, much more dependable and trouble free than a Holly. I really miss that car!
Way over priced boomers really whored up the market ridiculous that’s a 6k -9k car max 15 tops
More like $20k minimum, if it’s as described, you’d have been lucky to find one in this condition for $6k-$9k 15 to 20 years ago.
For every seller that is out of touch on the high side, there is their online counterpart as for out of touch on the low side.
Steve R
I was lucky enough to purchase a one owner 72 Malibu 350 coupe like this back in 2010 for $7500. It was a “little old lady” that ordered the car new, built in the KC plant. Mojave Gold, Covert tan interior. She splurged for the 350 2-barrel, power steering and air conditioning. But did not choose power brakes or a radio! I added factory 14 inch six hole rally wheels like this car has along with new white letter tires…it still had the original bias plys tires because it only had 23,000 miles on it! The asking price for this green Chevelle is way out of line. I would love to pay less than 20K, but that will never happen. If the next owner resto-mods this or makes it an SS clone, that is their business, but I would leave it the way it is now.
I’ve said it before, PLEASE, PLEASE,PLEASE!!!
No more tributes and clones! Call them what they are, FAKES! They are only original once.
Nice car.
I’m tempted to write my Congressman and have them pass a law against doing this. There are so many stupid clones. Leave this alone! IMAO of course.
🎶🎸..He said: I’d like to help you son, but you’re too young to vote!..🎸🎶
I paid 800 hundred for my 71 in late 80/early 90s
$40k?? It’s the literal standard level V8 Malibu for 72. Drop a zero and you’ll be a lot closer to what it’s worth. Especially considering the engine appearance. I’d bet the seller paid $4k for it and thinks he’s going to sell it as a Pebble Beach classic. Hope he gets disappointed. Pasadena.
$40k for this car is ridiculous. The seller is looking for a moron, who just inherited a pile of cash. My opinion, $15-$20k, not a penny more.
This is a $16,000 car. Any even mentioning making it an SS Clone is rage bait.
AT $40K, doesn’t leave much room for upgrades or cloning.
there are more super sports out there than GM built. all this needs the engine pulled new timing chain and reseal it with new gaskets and repaint it. a bit of detail work in the engine bay while the motor is out. install a nice quiet dual exhaust on it and enjoy it. 40k is really stiff for this bu. that’s more like an auction house price. i tend to agree this person most likely stole it and looking for the kill. 25k would be a fair # but every Chevelle owner fells they are worth a mint. good luck!
A lot of rust on the engine for everything else to look so nice!
My first new car in 72, dad had me wait till the last minute and picked it up for $2700.00 on a close out! Man I miss those days!🤣
Gotta agree with most of the above. Although 15-20k is probably realistic. If you have no rust repair and it’s a good driver as is…I agree especially with refreshing the engine but I’d reach back a little further for the camshaft to a 300 HP equivalent. Smooth idle but lots of low end. Definitely 4 barrel but either Edelbrock or Holley IMO. Dual exhaust. Leave the bench seat if it’s nice and enjoy! No clone. Please!
BF staff question. Why is when I click the “thumbs up” once it doubles or triples my choice?
Nice basic car. I’m with lots of you, don’t do a clone. I’m almost bored with all of the SSs, high performance Camaros, etc. I enjoy running across a 4-door sedan or hardtop much more since you don’t see them.
Same problem here, I only click on the thumbs up if i like it 3 or 4 times as much.
Just watched Barret Jackson a completely restored 68 Chevelle SS 396 sold for 40K. He wants almost 40K. I think he’s dreaming.
An automatic transmission… 84,000 miles… ugly green interior! What part of impossible does this seller not understand? There is nothing about that car that suggests it’s worth more than $10,000, if that.
IMO The green is beautiful inside and out.
Another nut case 15gs top dollar and if he doesn’t like the offer take it back home with you
I’ll put in my unsolicited 2 cents. Despite it being very nice I believe the asking price to be quite optimistic. As much as I like to dress up an engine, especially a small block Chevy I wouldn’t go with bling on this one. I would remove the 350 and rebuild it for a bit more horsepower. 275 to 300 horsepower. It would go back to Chevrolet orange. I would opt for a 4bbl carb and intake. A Quadrjet. IF I went with an aftermarket aluminum intake it would be painted Chevy orange. I wouldn’t do headers on this but definitely dual exhaust. I’d stay with the wheels. I do understand that the white walls are definitely period correct but I really don’t care for them on a car like this. I’m a raised white letter guy since cars like this were new. I love the bench seat and column shift. I also love the green exterior and interior. I also love stripes and cowl induction hoods but I’d leave the appearance alone except for different tires.
Maybe add dual exhaust, 15 inch rally rims and a stock 4barrel carb/intake set up here and keep the original parts stored.
Your vision for it is close enough to mine so you got a 👍