With the shock of rising gas prices, a lot of American car buyers were flocking to small cars in 1976. But not all of them were, as the Chevrolet Chevelle was still popular with consumers. 30,000 copies of the Malibu Classic Landau Coupe alone were included, like this single-family project that’s been laid up for four years. Needing to be coaxed back to life, this ’76 Chevelle can be found in a garage in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, and is available here on craigslist for $3,600 (a tip brought to us by Robert Gressard).
The third-generation mid-size Chevelle arrived in 1973 and ran through 1977. “Colonnade” was the term given to the styling that eliminated true hardtops, but the doors were pillarless. Besides the Chevelle, this approach also covered the El Camino and Monte Carlo, as well as all other GM intermediates. Malibu naming had replaced the earlier 300 or Deluxe, and Malibu Classic was the higher trim choice. The Landau Coupe, like this auto, came with a half-vinyl top that has long since given up the ghost.
As the story goes, the seller’s father bought this Chevy off the new car lot 49 years ago. It last ran in 2021 and has probably been in the same spot ever since. It has the rather anemic 305 cubic inch V8 under the hood that needs “blow plugs” (whatever they are). It has what should be a TH-350 automatic transmission. At 120,000 miles and a lot of inactivity, a bunch of work (and dollars) will be needed.
We’re told the bronze paint is decent but needs cleaning up. After that, you’ll need to send it out for new vinyl on the roof. The interior seems okay, but the photos are rather dark and could be inadvertently hiding issues. If you like these 1970s Chevelles and don’t mind getting dirty, is this the project for you?
Even though the Colonade 2drs have been gaining in popularity, $3,600 for a car sitting for years with obvious issues in the few pictures that actually show the cars condition. If it was perceived as a good deal it would not be on the market for 23 days and counting.
Steve R
Freeze Plugs maybe, which tells me the engine is likely shot.
We’re freeze plugs designed to “save” an engine?
They’re actually called core hole plugs, their purpose is to allow the casting sand to be flushed from the casting. Sometimes when water is in the block a freeze will pop them out, but the block will still crack in places.
I learned something new today, ty!
I live in the country. If you were to walk into a parts house anywhere and ask for ”core hole plugs”, they would look at you like you were crazy. CHP may be the technical name, but freeze plug is the accepted name. I have seen many different cars pop the freeze plug out, with no damage to the block. I have seen fewer blocks burst with the freeze plug out. I have run cars for years with a rubber expansion plug in place when you can’t get to the freeze plug because something is in the way. My point is this, a popped out freeze plug does not necessarily mean a busted block. PS, I am 70, so I have seen a few things.
fair price. i think the mechanical issues are scaring some buyers. i would just yank out the anemic non running 305 and put a sb 400 in and call it a day. takeoff the v/top paint the roof white and buff out the car. be a real good driver. always were a good-looking car. a bit too far for me
Man I had 76 Malibu 4 door and had fun with it to heavy to outrun a mustang then but I’m sure 👀 hard at this one
If it had the swivel buckets, I’d be a possible buyer. In 1982, I looked at a black over burgundy 77 Malibu two door with swivels. The price was a bit high for a college student. Instead, I found a burgundy, GM called it Mahogany, over Mahogany 76 Monte Carlo with swivels for $1,800. It was just two miles from the Malibu. Bought it cash. Had the 305 with 99,000 miles. Drove it another 100,000. One of the best cars I ever owned and comfortable.
If cooling system neglected the core plugs rust out. If the ones at back of block are leaking, the trans has to come out to get to.
Checked out the window sticker. I am honored to say that the $35.00 cost for Rally wheels is the absolute deal of the twentieth century. They should have been on two thirds of these Malibus at that cost. If taken out of the garage and washed, I think this car would have been sold many times over already.
Reply to 454 Rat, the correct terminology is “expansion plug” I stand corrected. For the educational purpose, I Googled the question, the reply was if an expansion plug popped out due to freezing coolant, the chance of a cracked block is high. That’s been my experience, (72.) If I looked at an engine and any plugs popped out due to freezing, I assume the engine is junk.