In its eighth year as Chevy’s popular mid-size car, the Chevelle got single-beam headlights for the first time in 1971 (like they did with the Monte Carlo the year before). Besides that – and the taillights/back bumper – the cars were largely unchanged for ‘71/72. The seller’s car looks like a basic Malibu that has seen plenty of use – but may have more left. But does it have too many doors to suit most folks looking for a 1970s car to show off? Located in Rochester, New York, this non-running Malibu may be easily fixed and is available here on eBay with the bidding is a mere $1,575 so far.
Other changes for 1971 included horsepower ratings being stated in “gross” and “net” terms for the first time. For the basic V8 with 307 cubic inches, which would be either 200 or 140 hp. That year, GM also began modifying its engines to begin accepting unleaded fuel, a move that would conclude by the 1972 model year. This 71 Malibu 4-door sedan was a “family” model and saw the production of 37,385 copies in 1971 with a V8 motor (add 4,241 more with six-bangers).
This Malibu has been off the road since 2020. We assume it was running fine until the neutral safety switch and the battery gave up the ghost. I don’t know how complicated it is to replace that switch, but if it’s a running car otherwise, why not fix it so it could command more action from prospective buyers? This was a modestly equipped Chevelle with a TH-350 automatic transmission and tilt steering. It doesn’t look as though factory air conditioning was part of this car’s past. The radio is already gone.
The body on this Chevelle looks good for the age of the car and the only noticeable rust (besides surface) is in the lower driver’s side front fender. The car has seen 120,000 miles in its 50 years on the planet, but we don’t know when the car was last used as a daily driver. The interior will need a thorough detailing and the carpeting is likely due to be replaced. The dash pad may have already been switched as its color doesn’t seem to match the colors in the rest of the passenger compartment.
Fixing this car up to just run around in may not be too much of an undertaking, but a restoration would add up. And that begs the question does the car have too many doors for a collector to want to fool with? Times have certainly changed as so many new cars today don’t even offer two-door models.
If it were light metallic Green,this could
be my high school driver training car.
I don’t see why this couldn’t be a car for local errands, etc. Those south of the rust belt could enjoy this all year. Current blackwalls, if decent, and a set of 15×7 rallys, will show your loyalty to the brand, instead of the current Pontiac versions. Nice to have tilt wheel, too.
Doesn’t look a whole lot of TLC has been lavished on this car. Even if could be bought cheap I’d look closely at the condition of the running gear to see if there is anything left of it.
Anomaly, or is this what these A-bodies are really worth without all the hype?
Those are some pretty cool BMW-Saab looking wheels for an American car!
You do realize those are Pontiac wheels and were installed on thousands upon thousands of Firebirds between 1984 and probably 1987.
Parts car!!!!!! With no guilt!
Too many doors for a 4 Door POST Malibu.
Different story IF the car were a 4 Door Hardtop.
There are buyers for 70-72 4 Door Hardtop Chevelle/Malibu’s!
My first car was a 72 4 door Chevelle. Straight 6. Bought it from my parents for 800. Mine was blue. Miss that car. If I had a trailer, this one would be in my driveway!!
Never understood the door thing , except as collector artifice.
If it goes on long enough, 4 doors , post or not, will be very rare .
Had a 72 two door when I was 16 was my first lesson on when you bury the speedometer past the 120mph mark the needle will disappear and the front of the car feels like its floating on air. Its a wonder I survived those years
The front clip could be used for a good donor project that’s about it
Just a thought, has anyone converted one to a 2 dr post car? Different window and roof lines to a ‘real’ 2 dr, but is it possible?
This would be a good car for someone to experience what it was like to buy these cars as beaters in the 1980’s. This car is definitely a beater.
yep…only about 3 times the price in 2022!!….used to get them for about 200-$500 back in the mid 1980’s- in this condition
Put it back to looking stock and it’ll be rarer than a ’69 Camaro. (and cooler imho).
Does anyone here watch Uncle Tonys Garage on YouTube? 3 young guys are in the middle of building a drag car from an old, 4 door Valiant(?) on a limited budget. This could be a good start for a GM based project along those lines. As long as it’s not rotten underneath, I can certainly see it becoming more than just a parts car.
Its definitely rotted in the corner of the floor pans, body mounts, etc….the carpets been holding it together since the 80’s no doubt..on a happy note, this is an excellent candidate for a full body-job…I’m from connecticut, you wont see a 1972 car this nice thats been just sitting….i would do a shell- off resto, I am a custom guy anyhow,…cool thing is it is already set- up pretty much, cept for dual exhaust, update the brakes maybe, a coil job…..