Stunning Driver: 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu

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It is the eternal question: Is there any such thing as automotive perfection? If you asked one hundred different enthusiasts, you would get the same number of varied answers. Some may argue that this 1970 Chevelle Malibu isn’t perfect, but its overall condition is good enough to attract forty-six bids with plenty of time left on its auction. It presents superbly and seems to need nothing but a new home. Located in Riverton, New Jersey, the seller has listed the Malibu for sale here on eBay. The bidding has rocketed beyond the reserve to sit at $30,600.

The Chevelle wears an eye-catching combination of Fathom Blue and Astro Blue. The owner describes the paint as a genuine 10/10, and it is hard to challenge that claim. It shines magnificently, with no evidence of flaws or defects. They also describe the panels as laser straight, and, once again, it is hard to argue that point. There are no dings or bruises, with tight and consistent gaps. The seller doesn’t mention any prior restoration work, but the car’s overall condition suggests that it has received some form of a cosmetic refresh. The trim and chrome are also spotless, as is the glass. The Build Sheet indicates that the Malibu rolled off the line equipped with steel wheels and full wheel trims. These have made way for a set of American Racing Torq Thrust II alloys, and while they aren’t original, they suit this classic’s character. If they don’t appeal to the new owner, they could always source the factory items to return the car to a stock appearance.

I’ve always admired any buyer who ordered a car from this era with pale vinyl trim. White, or, in this case, Ivory vinyl, looks stunning when in good condition. However, the march of time can see it become stained and marked, with “yellowing” a common problem. This Chevelle has avoided those issues, with the upholstered surfaces looking excellent. The dash, pad, carpet, and headliner are equally impressive, with this interior appearing to need nothing. The original owner didn’t overload the Malibu with optional extras. I think the sports wheel might be a later addition, while it appears that someone has swapped the factory radio for an updated AM/FM unit. Otherwise, there seem to be no other additions.

The seller doesn’t supply any engine photos, but we receive no shortage of relevant information. The engine bay houses a 307ci V8 that should produce 200hp. This feeds to the 3.36 rear end via a four-speed manual transmission, while the original owner also ticked the box beside power steering on the Order Form. While this Chevelle would fail to keep pace with a genuine SS, its ability to cover the ¼ mile in 16.6 seconds would have been considered respectable in 1970. The first thing to note is that the Chevelle is numbers-matching. That is an important consideration when assessing its potential value. This classic looks like a hot ticket for potential buyers tempted to fly in and drive home. It doesn’t just run and drive well. The seller says that it achieves both tasks as well as it would have the day it rolled off the showroom floor.

Some enthusiasts may immediately dismiss this 1970 Chevelle Malibu because it is not a fire-breathing SS. Doing so would be to do both themselves and the car a disservice. It might not be an SS, but its overall presentation would draw as many admiring glances and positive comments as its more muscular sibling. Some enthusiasts aren’t in a position to tackle a project build, and this car represents an opportunity to own a turnkey classic needing nothing. The bidding action has already been intense, and with time remaining on the auction, there’s plenty of scope remaining for the bid tally and the sale price to climb considerably higher. It will be interesting to gauge reader opinions to see where they think it will reach before the hammer falls. Of course, you might decide to take that a step further by joining the bidding frenzy. If you do, we wish you luck in your endeavor.

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Comments

  1. Stan StanMember

    What a beautiful Chevrolet.
    4spd and 3.36 gear are nice choices.
    Perfect cheerful Summer Cruiser.

    Oshawa Ontario Canada Home of the greatest Defenceman to ever grace the ice. #4

    Like 5
    • Blyndgesser

      But the 307…

      Like 3
    • Eric Johnson

      So, this seller has changed the wheels and the hood?

      Like 2
      • Mikefromthehammer

        Yes he did.

        The previous owner (dealer) says that the paint is not “10/10” as it is currently described. I would think a re-spray was performed as well.

        Like 2
      • gearjammer

        And the steering wheel.

        Like 1
    • gearjammer

      Thanks for adding this link, Mike. Now we can see that it’s the same car, but the hood and wheels have been changed. This is the way I would prefer the car.
      I guess it was just an oversight that the current seller didn’t include a single picture of the back end of the car.

      Like 2
      • MotherHubbard

        I was also wondering why to rear shots of the chrome bumper and those integrated taillamps. Otherwise, why not post them ?

        Like 0
  2. 433jeff

    The only thing i wish my sses had was the Chrome strip on the fenders.

    Like 0
  3. Jay McCarthy

    Definitely a unicorn in the world of Malibu’s

    Like 4
  4. gearjammer

    As you guys know, I’m a demon for originality. I would lose the Torq Thrust wheels and source a set of original steelies and hubcaps.

    And, was the Air Induction hood an extra-cost option with the Malibu package? I doubt it, but I could be wrong.

    I fear this one could be yet another Chevelle Malibu that is turned into an SS poser, and probably flipped for a tidy profit.

    Like 4
  5. CFJ

    Don’t think the steering wheel is original to the car. Great color combo!

    Like 3
    • gearjammer

      As discussed above, it looks like the wheels, hood and steering wheel were changed by the current seller.

      Like 2
  6. Steve W

    Looks like a Camaro comfort grip steering wheel

    Like 2
  7. Jack

    Looks like they changed the vinyl roof color, too. The other owner also added dual exhausts and 4 barrel.

    I can’t remember seeing many 307 Chevelles that had a four speed. The 16.6 quarter seems little high to me.

    Like 0
    • joenywf64

      Or a 250 6 cyl Chevelle & a 4 speed.
      With what was spent on those wheels & tires & hood & the muscle car look, i would say after this car is sold, this motor will be leaving it almost as soon as it would if it were it a strait 6. lol
      With this new look. why be embarrased at the traffic light races everytime? – would have been better to keep the stock hood & whitewalls/hubcaps.

      Like 2
    • Rex Schaefer

      307 is a “slug”!

      Like 1

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