Available at one location is a second-generation Chevelle Malibu (1968) and a third-generation El Camino (1970), but they are much the same under the skin using the same platform. The Malibu is inside a barn where it appears to have been for many years, while the El Camino is out in a field with some other cars. Both are located in Moses Lake, Washington and here on Facebook Marketplace. The seller’s listing focuses primarily on the Malibu and the asking price is $9,000, but we don’t know if that’s just for the Chevelle or could it be a package deal.
Chevrolet built about 200,000 Malibu sport coupes in 1968, like the seller’s car. And two years later, they would assemble about 40,000 copies of the “Gentleman’s pickup” the El Camino. Not a great deal of information is provided about either vehicle, with the seller says three times to call him (John) for details. The smallest number that NADA gives for resale value for a’68 Malibu is $13,000 while they peg the El Camino at closer to $12,000. I would think the condition of either of these vehicles is below that level.
1968 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu
Under the layers of dirt and dust lies a dark blue Malibu whose exterior condition is hard to determine. There doesn’t appear to be any dents or pockets of rust, but the insides of the barn is pretty dark. We’re told the car has a 283 cubic inch V8 with a 2-speed Powerglide transmission, but the engine is said to be “blown.” We’re thinking that means it’s got major issues rather it has been seriously tricked out to race. The odometer reading is said to be around 100,000, but that could be a placeholder.
1970 Chevrolet El Camino
We’re told this one runs, with a 350 V8 under the hood along with a 4-speed manual transmission, dual exhaust, headers and a 373 posi-traction rear end. But its position outdoors doesn’t suggest it’s made any trips recently (one of the tires/wheels is being used as a brace to support the rear brake drum). The burgundy paint is faded, and the passenger side rear fender appears to have had some body work done to it. The hood is completely primer grey in color. We don’t know the condition of the interior.
If he wants $9,000 for a roller 68 Chevelle in what looks like rough condition I’d hate to ask what he thinks the 70 4spd El Camino is worth.
Hint to seller, if you want shoot for a high price at least put some effort into the ad. Drag the car outside, wash it, wax it, clean and vacuum the interior, take detailed pictures of areas prone to rust and accident damage then write a clear and concise ad.
Steve R
Obviously, the sellers perspective is not our reality…
Over the years I ask myself why do people let these cars rot away and then ask for stupid money…Clean the F@#kin car, attempt to make it look better and then sell the car!
They dont always let them rot away, many times someone buys a junker cheap and tries to flip it for stupid money. When both of these cars expired, they were likely over 10 years old, and were worn out and worthless , so that’s more then likely why that just sat..
Looks just like any other junkyard.
I think we’ve gotten to the point where some people think cars sitting in barns or sheds covered in bird poop and years of dust are somehow more appealing than if they were brought into daylight and cleaned up. And the poorer the lighting and crappier the pictures, the better.
To me that screams lazy owner and neglected car. I don’t get it…
Tom, I’d say based on what we read here most BF readers (if not all) are 100% in agreement. To my recollection there was a time that a true barn find wold bring more $$, in thoughts that it was genuinely found in a state of frozen animation if you will; I’m sure much of that thinking was based on Tom Cotter’s excellent “Hemi In The Barn” series. Since then some of the self-made “experts” have tried to cash in on that ideology, not realizing that most people are now somewhat more aware and wary..
I am looking for an untouched 68 Malibu 2dr. hardtop. Do you know of any available? I’m in Oklahoma. I know you find then where they are but would rather not drag one from either coast.