Chevrolet Chevelles produced from 1969 to 1972 have become popular for cloning as Super Sports. That’s because a lot of them were made, and Super Sports from that vintage are hard to identify as “real deal” without paperwork. The VIN provided by the seller suggests this is a regular Malibu Sport Coupe, as it left the factory with a 2-barrel, 350 cubic inch V8. We’re told this engine-less and transmission-less Chevy was a barn find, though most of the photos are from the back of the trailer in Springtown, Texas, and it’s available here on eBay for $11,850 OBO.

After 1968, the Chevelle SS 396 reverted from series to option status, meaning it no longer had a unique VIN. The seller’s 1972 Malibu may only be an SS in terms of the emblems on the grille and front fenders. The VIN in 1972 did finally include codes for the engine and – in the case of this Chevy – “H” means a basic 350 motor was planted under the hood. But unless you could buy an SS 350 in 1972 with less than a 4-barrel carburetor, this one is a wannabe. Before its then-owner could go any further, the drivetrain pulled a disappearing act.

We’re told this Malibu is a real homebody, having always resided within a few miles of where it was built. While grey primer now covers most of the orange paint, the seller says it covers yellow paint; the body is in solid condition. The only surface rust may be on the undercarriage, which never benefited from undercoating. If the car was ever in an accident, the seller is unaware.

Contrary to the car’s exterior appearance, the interior looks close to new, as some of the pieces have been replaced. Like the upholstery and dash pad. The trunk contains parts, including at least some of the factory air conditioning. If you chose to restore this Chevelle, would you go back to its original trappings or go down the path of a Super Sport with a period-correct 396 or 454 big block?