Choosing the path to pursue with a project build can be difficult as an owner balances thoughts of originality with personalization. Those choices face this 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu’s new owner, but their project will commence from a rock-solid foundation. The car runs and drives, allowing the winning bidder to choose between retaining the original V8 or opting for something more potent. The Malibu is listed here on eBay in Fayetteville, Georgia. Bidding has reached $8,359 but remains below the reserve.

The seller purchased this Chevelle in 1988 and claims to be only the car’s third owner. It isn’t perfect, and it spent an extended period in hibernation before being revived in 2016. The seller went over the vehicle to prevent surface corrosion from deteriorating into penetrating rust, leaving the buyer with a sound foundation from which to work. The floors and trunk pan are solid, as are most of the panels. There is typical rust below the back window and some behind the rear bumper, but that appears to be the extent of the rot. The original paint is heavily faded, and the seller removed the Black vinyl top many years ago. They suggest replacing the front fenders and hood as the best way to ensure the panels are straight, but that seems to be the only required steel replacement. Most trim pieces look okay, and there are no glass issues.

Powering the Malibu is its original 350ci V8, with the remaining principal components including a three-speed automatic transmission, a 12-bolt rear end, power steering, and power brakes. That small-block would have produced 175hp and 280 ft/lbs of torque in its prime, and although that wouldn’t have made the Chevelle a muscle car, its performance would have satisfied most owners. The seller says the motor runs well, but the impression is that it may be becoming tired. The transmission received a rebuild years ago and still shifts smoothly. Recent additions during the revival include a new Edelbrock carburetor, a front disc brake conversion, new front suspension, a Monte Carlo steering box, an HEI ignition, new tires, and many other parts. The seller includes the original Dealer Documentation, Build Sheet, and Protect-O-Plate. This gem runs and drives well, but the seller suggests they wouldn’t attempt any long journeys before it is thoroughly inspected.

This Chevelle’s interior is a mixed bag, but it is complete apart from the carpet and radio. The seller addressed the surface corrosion on the floors before applying a coat of POR15 to prevent future problems. A layer of sound-deadening material went over this, ready for a new carpet set. The seats require new covers and other trim pieces will be on the buyer’s shopping list. However, the dash presents nicely, and the pad is uncracked. The interior isn’t loaded with options, but the new owner will welcome the factory air conditioning.

This 1972 Chevelle Malibu is a promising project offering many possibilities. Treating its existing small-block to a rebuild would return it to good mechanical health and provide sufficient performance to satisfy most owners. However, there is scope to bolt something more potent under the hood to create an SS tribute. The new owner’s imagination and budget will be the only limiting factors. The bidding has been relatively subdued, with only eight submitted at the time of writing. Are you tempted to add to that total, or doesn’t this classic tick the boxes for you?