After an extended hibernation spanning almost four decades, this two-owner 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle has finally reemerged and is looking for a new caretaker to get it back on the road again. However, some tough decisions will be coming up soon, such as keeping the Chevy numbers-matching and as original as possible, or taking a less timid route and turning the bowtie into something more potent. Whatever path is chosen, this one seems to have good bones to work with, so if you’re already getting ideas this Malibu can be spotted here on eBay. Its home is in South Amboy, New Jersey, and the cool second-generation Chevelle can be yours right now for the buy-it-now price of $22,000.
This Malibu hails from a great time in automotive history when a plethora of engine options were available, and in the case of a 1970 Chevelle, they started at mild and went up to wild. While the powerplants began with a 250 cubic-inch inline 6, the not-too-much-larger displacement 307 was the junior choice for the V8 offerings, and that’s what can be found under the hood here. Some very good news is that it’s the numbers-matching original component, plus the seller says the motor is still running, so there’s the potential for lost sleep trying to figure out if keeping this block makes more sense, or if putting something with more power in the bay is preferable.
More positive findings are outside, as all of the panels are stated as original the original sheet metal, along with the paint said to still be the factory-applied finish. The body isn’t perfect, but compared to many other project-status Chevys with this sort of age, the exterior seems like it’s at a pretty decent starting point for a restoration. A couple of specific areas mentioned that will rust repairs are the lower sections of the fenders, but they’re not making me cringe, and I’m guessing a skilled bodyman can probably patch them both. Another option is to repair the brakes and just drive this Chevelle, and enjoy the patina until the urge strikes to take the car to the next level.
A look inside reveals an interior with the carpet in tatters and springs poking through the driver’s side of the bench, plus a rear seat that doesn’t look much better. However, the dash and door panels appear to be in nice shape, so maybe some new upholstery and a fresh carpet will work wonders for how things come across in here, or maybe a set of inexpensive seat covers and floor mats will suffice for the time being.
With all the possibilities this 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle has to offer, I’m curious how our readers feel about the proper direction to go in here. Is it best to keep it original and retain the 307, or is it hard to resist replacing the small engine with a big block? This one also seems ripe for an SS clone or even a resto-mod, but I kind of like the idea of just keeping it the plain old Malibu it was born as. Something else to ponder is that the seller has included a best-offer option, so there’s a possibility he may not be firm on the asking price. As it sits, what’s a fair amount to pay for this old-school Chevy?
Numbers matching or not, I don’t see that 307 lasting much longer under the hood.
Nor should it. At the very least, if the plan is to stay original, a 350 would make it a much better car.
Looks like a great project! Beautiful color!
Had a chance to buy a ’69 in this general condition back in ’89. 350 2-bbl. Gold with black top. $750.
Price seems a little steep. It is a 307. It needs brakes, exterior and interior. Then the motor might need refreshed. Or a 350 or LS transplant. It is affordable if you do as much as possible yourself. If you need to pay to do just buy one done already. I.had a 1970 Chevelle with a 307 and 3 on the tree. I was not too worried about power then
I had a 1970 Chevelle Concours wagon with a 307 with Turbo 350 tranny with a shift kit from 1977 to 1984. It ran strong. I loved that car. The Boston area winters did a number on the body. My brother still has the 307 in his garage!
I still have my 1971 Chevelle since 1988. It had a 307 3 on the tree and had power back then with disc brakes. Since the early 1990s it now has a gm crate 350 and a muncie 4-speed and 12 bolt rear. Its a long time to have a car!!
Congratulations for hanging on to it. I have never been able to make myself do that. Now I regret it because they are all so pricey now.
I would address all the panels, strip it and repaint in original color, re-do the chrome and trim, new vinyl top and interior. That 307 aint gonna work for anyone. Don’t LS it but keep it old school and locate a nice crate LT1 or maybe an L79/327. Holley fuel management system, 5 speed manual, .373 gears, re-do the suspension, coil overs…etc and a nice set of 17″ reproduction Corvette Rally rims. Then you have a one of a kind with performance and not screaming I’m a cloned SS!
All your ideas are great, and one would have a nice car when done worth optimistically 40 or 45K. Problem is the jumping off point What you’re describing is a fairly costly build, and after one was to pay over 20K for the starting point of a car that needs everything, I’m afraid that “underwater” would be putting it mildly.
Ok here we go again, Never ever assume it’s a 307 with out checking numbers,in the 80s working in automotive repair,we replaced many aunt Mary’s sludged up 307 from driving 3 miles a week to church with 350s from Jasper engines, you can not tell the difference in appearance..
22k…..Nope.
Could be a fun project at the right price. I don’t think 22k is that number though. Needs way too much to make sense at anywhere near 20 grand.
Another car ” stored ” ? Something happened 40 years ago and never got fixed.Parked in 1984 after 14 years of use and it looks like that ?
Right why did it get parked in 1984. There must be a reason. Also noticed it has manual brakes no brake booster but it is a A/C car!
454 time, loose the bench source buckets and console, loose the Malibu trim , throw a nice rear end in it, triple black SS clone
Where’s my wallet? Where’s my wallet??!! I just wish he had 2 to sell at that bargain basement price.
the seller of this car is seeing green. that is a lot of green to be asking for something that needs a lot of work to bring it back o where it should be.if you cannot do the work yourself it’s better to buy one already done because in the long run it could cost you a lot more than it’s worth.people are just getting greedy because they see what a well done cars is going for.think before you buy people because the greedy just keep getting richer just look at the cost of living these days.
When I got back from Nam I bought one with 307, 4spd, buckets and it got the wheels to chirp in all four gears. Not often but it gave me all I needed at the time. What do we say, “Would’ve; could’ve, should’ve.” Oh well. Wish I still had it.