Nestled among numerous autos in a gravel lot somewhere in Avilla, Indiana, is this 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu, which the seller says was running fine when it was parked here. The circumstances of why this one ceased operating remain a mystery, and information about the car’s history is mostly elusive, other than the owner stating that it’s been sitting for slightly over two years. Judging from the photos, this Chevy appears complete and likely decent project material, with the current bid of $5,100 already enough for a sale. If you’re ready to get in on the action, this ’72 Chevelle coupe can be found here on eBay.
The cars are all wedged into this area tightly, but the seller still managed to get a pretty good set of photos here, which seem to show a fairly straight body. There are no details on whether any sheet metal work has been performed in the past, but the most obvious present need is repairs around the back window, including replacing the Dutchman panel. We only get a couple of peeks at the rockers, though their visible sections seem OK, with the rails appearing to check out as solid. Near the end of its second generation, the rear lights in the Chevelle were changed to round units, which is probably my favorite design from this viewpoint, but I sort of miss the quad headlights up front.
Several engine choices were still available for the Chevelle in ’72, with this one having the middle-of-the-road 350 under the hood. While it’s claimed to have been performing properly before the car was parked, it won’t fire up now, despite a new starter being installed just before the car came to rest in its current location. However, the small block will still turn over, with the problem believed to be related to sitting without use for this period. The transmission is stated as good, so hopefully, it’ll still function properly once the engine receives the needed attention.
The seats, door panels, and dash are riddled with wear, tears, and cracks, so some work will also be required inside. It seems like the three best choices here are to either restore this one close to its original specs, turn it into a Restomod, or create yet another SS clone. A fourth option would be to just get the motor running and drive it as-is, which would still probably turn a few heads. What would you do with this 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu?
The auction was ended by the seller on 8/26/2025, at the time there was a high bid of $7,000. The seller looks to have accepted an offer to end the auction early.
Steve R
The seller mentions why people ask if the vehicle has a “clear or clean title” in CA it is a big deal. CA makes it difficult as it is and when there are “situations” with titles is sometimes can make it difficult; I’m not saying impossible just difficult to transfer the title here.
I’m wondering if they’re selling other vehicles from that lot, I see some interesting stuff.
Private Sellers often lack the correct title and bill of sale, I have noticed. Even small dealerships can’t seem to be administratively savvy when it comes to transferring ownership. I have run across multiple instances where the seller has a title in someone else’s name (title jumping) and expects everything to be “ok”. The DMV is tightened up across state lines; it’s not just California. Colorado has rigorous titling and transfer of ownership requirements.
This one is savable. It was a red car and has A/C and a clock on dash. There are some new parts such as starter, alternator, and exhaust. The price is ok and it looks like no major mods have been made.
Jeff Christianson, I’m retired now, but used to sell commercial vehicles (1/2 ton and up when trucks) nationwide. Many of my customers required their leased vehicles plated/registered when delivered. So I had a registration service that I used for all states EXCEPT COLORADO! Registration in Colorado is a nightmare for a leased vehicle. Each county, township and city has it’s own rules, taxes and fees. Luckily I only had 3 different entities (Citys) that I delivered vehicles to. Whenever a vehicle was to be delivered I had a driver that had made a “girl friend” in each of the 3 different DMVs. They would show up on a Monday morning with paperwork (each location’s form filled out) and a box of donuts and they would walk out with the plates. I was the first to try it out on the first delivery. It literally took me all day to convince them to register the vehicle. I got all of this company’s business because I was able to get it done. They had a new van that took them 1 year to get it registered, before. Buying from me. (Not to mention penalties) In my experience, Colorado takes everything that California does,and then takes it to a whole new art form.
Ask me what I would do with it? I’d part it out and save some of the parts for my 4 door sedan.
🤣🤣🤣