In 1972, the Chevy Chevelle was still one of America’s best-selling cars. More than 207,500 Malibu Sport Coupes were built with a V8 engine, including the seller’s car. And, refreshingly, it’s not been taken down the path of a Super Sport clone – at least not yet. The car has been repainted and had the color changed, with some poorly done bodywork left to be redone. Located in Fullerton, Nebraska, this running Malibu might work as a daily driver – until you get the urge to do more. It’s available here on eBay where the reserve is unmet at $7,100 so far.
When this car was new, it had a lot of company on the road. Since its introduction as a mid-size automobile in 1964, the Chevelle was typically the GM division’s second best-selling product. The 350 cubic inch V8 with a Turbo-Hydramatic transmission was a popular pairing and is found in this machine, said to be original. But at 185,000 reported miles and running, we assume some refreshing has had to have been done in the past 53 years.
When the seller found this Chevy, it had been in storage for 12 years and had the dirt to prove it (as one photo will attest). As you would expect, the fuel delivery system needed attention, something the seller has taken care of. The carburetor is new as are two tires and the car was given a tune-up. The Chevy has factory air conditioning, but it may not be working as the belt looks to be off. The build sheet has survived, but not well since it was found under the gas tank.
The car left the assembly line with an Orange Flame finish and some of it is still visible under the hood. For reasons unknown, an owner changed the color of the paint to a benign but shiny grey. Yet some body filler is starting to peek through, and early rust is brewing in a few places. Bodywork and new paint will be in the buyer’s future, though not immediately. The interior seems okay except for the carpeting. Would you try to restore this Malibu to original specs, or shoot for (yet another) SS tribute?
Someone actually changed this car from “Orange Flame” to “Wet Primer”? I wonder what other questionable choices were made. Based on the cracks in the filler on the front fender, I’m guessing there were a lot of those choices.
No kidding, there is a lot of rust under the questionable body work and paint. It looks like it needs a complete going through, it’s probably better to keep looking until you find a better starting point or driver even if what you find is a higher price. Patience and persistence pays off, you’ve got to put in the work to get a good deal on a decent car.
Steve R
The day dreams of a big block 454 with long tube headers & a blower just keep popping up after seeing this car. I always wanted to drop 454 crate motor in a non descript underdog body to show posers that big blocks still rule the world even at red light grand prix but the unit body acting like a giant rat trap wake me up!
Orange Flame would look fantastic. This car needs to be bought cheap and brought back stock. Nebraska title, manageable rust. Don’t need another clone. Malibus are desirable on their own.
Why did Chevy put the AC compressor on the driver side? My Cutlass engine compartment is much tidier.
From the pictures it appears the Drivers side for and rear are caved in ( Sides wiped or got to close, to something ). With all the body work left to get done and redone, Might as well return it to factory Specs’
, since it’s gonna be costly anyways z