Chevy’s Chevelle/Malibu represents the poster-child of a classic muscle car defined: a mid-sized body with the motor from a full-sized car. The Chevelle’s popularity as a family car touched many lives and triggers many memories. The 1970 Chevelle SS has been called “The Ultimate Muscle Car”, and this 1972 Chevelle SS in Chattanooga, Tennessee looks just as mean as the ’70. The faded red and black coupe retains many original parts including the most important one, the 402 big block. The spartan listing here on eBay makes no mention of running condition, so assume it is non-operable. At least nine bidders have driven the market value above $4000 for the opportunity to put this once-fearsome SS back on the road.
Bumper-integrated tail light openings make for a smooth design at the stern. The following year brought an all-new Chevelle with heavier bumpers and Colonnade styling. Collectors will hold out for the 454 cid SS, making this original 402-powered version more affordable for those with more modest means. For anything less than drag-racing, the cars are practically imperceptible, and you could build a stock-looking 402 with power well beyond the factory 454.
To be clear, this car requires a complete and thorough restoration. Fortunately, parts are readily available; a credit card and some installation labor are all it takes to make the cockpit look like new again.
Base on the murky engine picture (singular) we hypothesize that the seller may have graduated from the Blair Witch Project School of Photography, adding realism at the expense of accuracy. At any rate, other pictures show some of the codes, tags, etc. to help document the vehicle, and we always praise such efforts. By the seller’s account this should be the original 402 cubic inch (6.6L) version of Chevy’s Mark IV big block, and evolution of the famed “396.” For that reason Chevy continued to label the motor “396” in the sportier cars, while calling it a 402 in trucks and larger cars. By 1972, falling compression ratios and a change from gross to net horsepower ratings decreased power to, well, 245 HP and 345 lb-ft of torque (net). Thanks to itstillruns.com for some details. How high would you bid to win this rusty but highly-original SS?
I always liked the 71-72 chevelles. I’m assuming it needs floor and trunk pans. Quarter panel condition are unknown but I would assume again they need replacing. Over all looks like a decent project.
Needs everything. Column shift was standard. Great colors but resto costs will exceed the value. These virus BS has sent many cars falling in value. Nobody has any money. Let us hope it ends soon.
That’s not true.
Many people have not and will not be effected financially. Both my full time and part time job are temporarily closed, my full time job will be in jeopardy by the coming recession since it’s based on discretionary spending. However, I have several friends that have not and will not be effected, their jobs are secure, they may even see their income increase due to overtime. Same goes for many retirees, those with fixed pension are fine especially government retirees, I have one friend, a retired fireman with a $9,100 a month pension, plus healthcare.
Prices will be effected, many with lost income need to pay bills and will need to sell. There will now be slack in the market, that alone will cause prices to fall. A few of my friends who are financially secure said they will be sitting on the sideline, waiting to cherry pick a good deal when one turns up.
Steve R
Car is rough! My guess reserve is over $10K. Only way I take this car is for parts.
This is not a project for the faint-of-heart, also not enough doors.
To start off with this car will have to be a total restoration and that is between 25,000 to 35,000 so u are in the ball park at around 4000 by. I wouldn’t go much more unless u just have money to burn. They never showed anything under the car or trunk. But from looking at it on barn find I’m just saying it’s worse then the pictures show and if the motor need a rebuild that’s another 10,000. Good luck to the buyer or buyers.
Hey guys I have a question for those that know more about this than I. I have seen Chevelle’s with 350, 396, 400, 427 and 454 ci engines where did the 402 come from, I don’t think I have even heard of it before, is it a Chevy engine?
In 1970, they slightly increased the bore of the 396, so it became 402 cubic inches. The “396” name was already established, so they continued to call it a 396.
OK, they are calling it a ’72, but it has a ’71 grille. Go look at the eBay listing, you can get a better idea of how rusty this car is. Not beyond help, but this needs blasted to get down to the truth. Hopefully there is no extra charge for the awesome mud dauber nests underneath the car!
Thanks much for the info Roy I not aware of this before! Thanks again!