Production of the second generation of the Chevy Chevelle was winding down in 1972. They would be replaced the following year with the new Colonnade styling technique that eliminated true hardtops for safety reasons. This ’72 Malibu is a Plain Jane edition that has only had one owner in its entire 50 years. While at first glance it could be a Super Sport, the stripes are for looks only. Located in Land O’ Lakes, Florida, this Chevy is available here on craigslist for $18,900. Thanks for the find, Rocco B.!
The Malibu Sport Coupe saw declining demand for 1971-72, perhaps because the SS was back to being an option and muscle cars were less popular. Chevy built nearly 290,000 Sport Coupes in 1970, but only 190,000 the following year. Production ticked up slightly to 212,000 in 1972, including the seller’s car. But the 1972 models were almost identical to the 1971 editions, and we understand that’s because the Colonnades that debuted in 1973 had been intended for 1972 but were behind schedule.
For a one-owner automobile, the seller provides few details and photos to help drive up interest in the car. We know it has 130,000 miles which is a lot for drivetrains in those days without some sort of rebuild. The 307 cubic inch V8 is original, as is the 2-speed Powerglide automatic transmission, both of which would be dropped after the 1973 model year. The Chevy has factory A/C, but we’re told it’s not in working order.
A quick glance of the red paint job with white stripes looks like the owner wanted to have the looks of an SS without the power. It’s possible the paint is not original as trim is there that would have marked off a two-tone paint job or a vinyl top, neither of which are mentioned. We don’t see any signs of damage, but the photos look to have been taken at dusk and that tends to hide things. No interior photos are provided, so it’s a guess as to whether any work is needed there.
the molding outline around the roof is for a vinyl top. remove it looks out of place. car looks descent but not for me…
I like the shin cutter single exhaust.
Pretty sure 6 months from now this car will have an LS1 installed and prettied up to look like an SS Chevelle. The price will be 40K plus I think. I have never been a fan of vinyl tops simply because they suck in water and corrosion. I would be tempted to remove that trim weld up the holes and repaint the car, it’s already been repainted once.
I’d be tempted to put a vinyl top back on the car, depending on the final body color chosen. The rust potential having a vinyl top on a restored collector car is very, very low. They are likely garage kept, both the vinyl and adhesives are of higher quality, and the prep work would likely be done to high standards. Today’s owners are rather fanatical about keeping their cars clean and dry, rust isn’t much of an issue. GM A bodies and vinyl tops work well together.