As the 1960s wore on, full-size cars started to get bigger, creating a void between themselves and the compacts the manufacturers had recently begun offering. So, an intermediate series of cars would soon debut, including the Chevy Chevelle in 1964. It would become quite popular, especially with the second-generation models between 1968-72. This ’70 Malibu Sport Coupe is one of more than 300,000 built that year, representing nearly half of all Chevelle-related production. It was the seller’s grandmother’s car and has been well taken care of over the years. At 78,000 miles, the automobile is in Vacaville, California, and available here on eBay where the reserve has yet to be met at $23,500.
In 1968, the Chevelle received an all-new sculpted body with tapered front fenders and a rounded beltline. The wheelbase was reduced by three inches on coupes on convertibles and the former featured a semi-fastback, flowing roofline with a long hood and short deck that was similar to the new Camaro. Annual updates to the car’s styling would occur every year and the 1970 models would be the last of the generation to wear quad headlights.
The seller refers to this car as a barn find, but that term seems to mean different things to different people. This auto looks like a nice holdout that has only been repainted once and doesn’t seem to have any rust to plaque its next owner unless you count some of the surface variety on the shock absorbers and exhaust system. At one point the hood was closed incorrectly, causing some damage on its sides.
Speaking of the hood, this Chevy’s original drivetrain is under there, including a 350 cubic inch V8 with a TH-350 automatic transmission. These items are flanked by power steering and brakes and factory air conditioning. Though the engine compartment is rather dirty, we’re told the Malibu runs well. Grandma must have been on the short side as the front bench seat was raised by two inches so she could see where she was going.
This looks like a nice car with a walkaround video available upon request. But the current bidding and potential reserve are starting to creep into Super Sport territory where one would be in Fair Condition. Hopefully, this car won’t be turned into another SS clone after it changes hands. After all, they can only be original once.
Shame that someone will butch this car up into yet another Chevelle hot rod.
Yep big block 4 speed for me
Don’t be jealous
Don’t assume it’s original motor,I work 35 years in automotive repair,had little old lady Chevelle’s, Nova’s,etc, some would need engine replacement do to what ever ,we would always replace with 350.
Sweet Ride, I had a 70 Impala and believe it or not they have the same quarter panel. I know because I had to replace both. This could be a fun little project and with a little work it would be sweet on the street. HOPEFULLY it don’t become a clone.
Really? Same quarter panel as the Impala? Different body lines and all?
Many where 307cars from factory
My 1970 was a 307!
First of all, I bet the 350 is original. If you look closely, that’s an Exide battery, quality power equals honesty, integrity and reliability. To me that spells…….
If you look through the eBay photos you can see that it’s an Interstate battery
What’s a battery got to do with original engine, just stating facts from being there and doing that,it could be it’s a 307 with original to the car 350 valve covers, check numbers even on Aunt Mary’s Chevelle this old crap, just my opinion.
Sigh,,,I suppose it’s no surprise by now, California is in a different universe, where 5 figures for one of the most mundane, grocery getting, dentist appt. droper off of,, point A to B car made. It’s a non-rusted beater, folks. Couple grand, tops. But, but, but, it’s a 1970 Chevelle, last night on TV,,,,you know, if I wasn’t raised the way I was, I’d find these at an estate sale in Minnesota for $2grand, and take it to California and bilk the crap out of them,,,but I just can’t do that. I’d rather maybe make a little, and let future generations know what a REAL car was like, and it didn’t cost $20grand either. I guess that’s too much to ask today.
I apologize to BF’s nation, this site is like a double edge sword. I love the reminders of my younger days, then it’s quickly squelched by these unreasonable prices. It, for the umptininth time, eliminates the very folks that could enjoy a car like this. More importantly, if these crooks weren’t so greedy, this is an AFFORDABLE car for say $5 grand, and would serve them well. I know, I was born 25 years too late. Peace all.
Howard your post is BS and you know it!
You even said you would the same damn thing if you could buy em for $2K and sell for $20K.
The vintage car market today is the reality in which we live not the fairytale BS you dream about!
Have a nice day, Jack, I’m done here. You shan’t hear from me again,,,some say YAY, apparently 30 people agree with me, and it’s not a dream, it’s a nightmare. I won’t lower myself to your profanity level, go back to Facebook, will ya? Some people just don’t understand sarcasm.
Problem with your estate sale in snow country is you would have spend $20,000 to replace all the floor and all sheet metal. That’s why everyone takes the cars out of California to the rust bucket states. Spend the money and save the time and drive it! Don’t see many cars coming into the state from those states! Sorry but true!
Very true. $20,000 only IF it can be saved. Often, they are too far gone.
I’m working on a 1968 Firebird convertible that I suspect is too far gone. Michigan car.
Sorry, not true. Coming from that area, I’ve seen plenty of these, and attended estate sales where these pop up. These are usually seldomly driven, and certainly not in the snow. They are usually older folks, that didn’t go out during inclement weather or “Pa” passed away, and “Ma” couldn’t bear to sell her “Harry’s” car, and only when SHE died, it was discovered.. The ones that were driven in the salt are long gone.
And that does it, my last BF-FB post.( I will remain a member only because it helps pay the writers and the ads without a membership are too much. This “hobbys” outlandish prices and some of the malcontents that have to get their 2 cents in, irritate me to this point, and with the crumbling world around me, I have to eliminate what pixxes me off, so adios,,,again. Going to have to be pretty special for any more of my contributions, who cares? Have fun with the future, folks, it doesn’t look good and this stuff is the smoking gun why,,
I am sorry you won’t be commenting no more Howard, I always enjoy your contributions, even when I don’t necessarily see things the same way you do.
You are a good guy with a lot of knowledge and a great way of expressing yourself. Please rethink your decision.
The buyers set the price not the sellers. How is that greedy crooks?
Looks like the decal on the left valve cover is that of a replacement GM Targetmaster engine probably put right in at the local chevy garage. So what was in the car when it was built, and why was it replaced?? There goes the matching numbers theory!!!
I really don’t know if this is too high. For a rust free unmolested Chevelle, I guess maybe $16-18k is what I’d feel comfortable paying but things are nuts these days. Like someone else said, I hope it doesn’t get ruined.
Vacaville, nice place but be safe after dark. Let’s see, another wonderful barn find. How about driveway art, a cracked dash, 3rd brake light added which looks hideous, in-correct hubcaps?, one whitewall, one black, maybe a spare, oil leaks all over the driveway. Could be a decent car restored but for 23K and climbing, really? I better hurry up on this ridiculous shill bidding scheme.
Good catch on the wheel covers. They are 1973 & 1974 Camaro & Chevelle.
Overall, the car looks nice. Some older drivers were diligent about oil changes and maintenance; many were not. Great design..1968-1972 Chevelles were the nicest of the line especially the Sport Coupe. The equipment checks all the boxes: 5.7 liter V8, AT, PS, PB, AC, pleasing blue paint job. Worth a professional inspection for the high bid price. Might need an AC modernization and better power disc brakes and good all season radials but otherwise I would leave it unmolested.
I think the best thing to do with this car is to turn it into a tribute car,then it would be worth looking at instead of a grandma car
If someone doesn’t like a Barn Find, post an opinion why it is not your personal dream car and look at something else to bid on. I would not spend 20g for something that I don’t like and try to spend another fortune to make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear. I totally agree that used car prices are sky high but supply and demand has jacked up prices on late model dealer trades as well as old cars. So, wait and hope the market adjusts since a hobby car is not a necessity. Changing the nice Malibu into an SS means just another fake to discern for the next auction. There are plenty of newer Camaros, Corvettes, Chargers, Mustangs and Challengers in good condition that offer sporty styling and performance with modern safety upgrades to satisfy those desires. One last observation: I grew up on 1960s and 1970s cars and most people bought cars like grandma not high performance models because of the initial cost and high insurance costs for younger drivers.
Oh, so that’s where I left that ratchet!
The black headliner is not correct for a car with this color interior. It would’ve been color-matched to the interior. Black h/l on a black int. only.
1970 Chevelle, Best Chevy ever made~!
It is so refreshing to see a ’70 Chevelle that is isn’t an SS, or made up to look like one.
Sadly, that’s what is most likely to happen to this one.
Personally, I would love to have this car just as it is.
But not for more than $12,000 or so.
It is so refreshing to see a ’70 Chevelle that is not an SS or, as Al camino says, a “tribute car.” What a treat to see a pedestrian 1970 Chevelle for a change!
Unfortunately, someone will very likely turn this one into a poser, but hopefully not try to pass it off as the real McCoy.
I would agree with Al camino that this is a “grandma” car if it was a four-door sedan. But a two-door hardtop? No.
Not Grandma’s car.
I wish it were mine.
But not for more than 12 grand or so.
The price bid so far tells me its a bidding war between a couple of guys who want to turn it into another “tribute” car and flip it for a profit.
Sad…
Grandma put dual exhaust on it.
Yippee…
It sold for $21K, far more than it’s worth to someone who just wants a Chevelle.
Even at $21K, it’s worth it for someone who wants to spend $60-80K turning it into an SS poser.
In two years it will be for sale again as an SS for over $100K.
Chevelles are cool, But I would rather have a Malibu. There are maybe 7 BU’s for sale, But 500 Chevelles over half didn’t start out that way. I’m more of an original spec kinda guy. Maybe change the wheels and tires for something prettier than hubcaps. Other than that leave it alone. Not every car has to be reset to 1/4 drag racer set up. Most people don’t care if your driving a 6 cyl or a 502 you still get the same number of thumbs up rolling down the road. I mean if you really really want a Chevelle Tribute, Clone or fake. Get a Dyncorn body and build it like you want it. Which is probably what I will end up having to do just to get a solid car.
Um… Pete… up to 1977, ALL Malibus were Chevelles.
Malibu was just an appearance option package on the Chevelle line.