It isn’t every day that a true Heavy Chevy pops up for sale, especially one that’s described as all-original and still wearing its factory paint. Listed here on craigslist out of Visalia, this 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle Heavy Chevy SS-package car checks a lot of boxes for anyone hunting a real-deal project with strong bones and documented history. The seller notes that it’s a California car with matching numbers, equipped with a 350, an automatic transmission, and a two-barrel carburetor. Even better, the car still runs and drives, though it hasn’t been used as a regular driver in more than a decade.
According to the seller, the car has been sitting on a non-op title and retains its original exterior finish. That alone makes it interesting, because untouched paint tells a truer story than any restoration ever could. The ad states that there is rust in the trunk, which isn’t surprising for a 52-year-old Chevelle, but the seller emphasizes that it has never been repainted. Matching-numbers powertrains are increasingly rare in affordable Chevelles, and this one reportedly still has everything it left the factory with.
Documentation is another strong point. The seller says he has the build sheet, which is always helpful on factory-option Chevelles. That paperwork, combined with the mention of the 12-bolt rear end and factory cowl hood with hood pins, adds confidence for anyone wanting to verify authenticity. The odometer shows 6,000 miles, though no claim is made about accuracy, and the car clearly hasn’t been driven routinely in well over ten years.
Along with the car itself, the seller mentions that extra parts will be included. It sounds like he originally intended to restore it but has since decided that the money is more important than the project. Considering how many Heavy Chevys were used up, modified, or lost entirely, this one seems like a promising candidate for someone who wants a straightforward revival of an original California survivor.
At $15,000, it lands squarely in project-territory—but the combination of originality, documentation, matching numbers, and long-term California history gives it a lot of appeal. The next owner might clean it up and preserve it as-is, or they could dive into a full restoration knowing they’re working with an unmolested starting point.
Would you restore this matching-numbers Heavy Chevy or revive it gently and enjoy it as a survivor?
Wasn’t this listed last week?
Shoulda searched first. Listed 11/10.
Yes, it was listed in the San Francisco Craigslist then with an asking price of $15,500, this time it’s listed in the Central Valley between Fresno and Bakersfield. It needs everything and many interior parts are specific to the Chevelle, not Malibu trim which may not be reproduced. Someone has to really want a Heavy Chevy to consider this one, as a generic 1972 2dr Chevelle/Malibu it’s significantly overpriced in this condition.
Steve R
These were nice cars for the time, but this one is a wreck. Sharp lookers in restored form. Better then a big block in my opinion.
Heavy, man, to those that were a gleam in their parents eyes in ’72, the term “heavy” was hippie talk for anything intense and not a measure of weight. Car makers were scrambling to out do each other for sales. I think Chrysler and AMC were the corniest, but GM knew what sold cars to young people, their primary target. This is pretty bad, and the bottom of the barrel. I’d be embarrassed to even show this car, much less the price. Seems some folks have no conscience when it comes to money. Maybe couple more rolls of duct tape ought to do,,when I see an old car with a headlight like that, I think of an old person where their eyes don’t line up anymore,,
The “Heavy Chevy” as I remember was largely a cosmetic package of decals and an imitation cowl induction hood. The option list could allow you to build one with decent performance, but most weren’t really. The Heavy Chevy option would add some value in my mind but not significant value. The fact it is a 70-72 Chevelle means it is desirable. The “Rally Nova” was kind of the same deal. Cosmetics for the most part.
Thanks, John,
I was going to ask what is a “Heavy Chevy?” You and CCFisher answered that for me.
Never heard the term before.
I think everything that was answered, when it was featured November 10th.
“Heavy Chevy” and “SS” were two separate options that couldn’t be combined. The SS was a Malibu option, while the Heavy Chevy was based on the entry-level Chevelle.
Bench seat , column shift ,plain jane ……yawn
The Heavy Chevy was not an SS. They were 2 different option packages which could not be combined.
Really like that pivoting headlight feature. Wouldn’t you think before taking pictures….never mind…
GONE.