The Chevrolet Chevelle remained at the top of the mid-size sales chart in 1971 though demand had softened. A styling update brought single headlights to the party where duals had resided since the car was launched in 1964. This example is an unfinished project that we’re not sure of its status because the photos are from before, during, and after. Located in Camdenton, Missouri, this Chevelle doesn’t look as if it’s on the way to becoming a SS clone here on eBay where the current bid is $13,000 with no reserve in sight.
Demand for Malibu Sport Coupes saw a 35% drop in 1971 to 196,000 units. 97% of those Chevies were built with a V8 engine starting with a 307 cubic inch version. That’s what we find in the seller’s car, and we’re told it’s numbers-matching. The seller says it runs great at 108,000 miles even though it’s not been redone. The automatic transmission is probably a Turbo-Hydramatic, but we can’t rule out a Powerglide which was nearing the end of the line at Chevrolet.
The seller has been working on this vehicle for four years, having acquired the car from Its previous owner of 30 years. It was painted light green at the factory, but the color was changed to red/orange, and it looks to have been redone since whenever that was. Despite this, we’re told that both rear quarters will need replacement.
New parts are said to abound throughout this Chevy. That list includes a new radiator and hoses, carburetor, interior, partial brakes, fuel tank and pump, alternator, starter, wiring, wheels, and tires. The factory A/C works but needs a shot of freon. The seller says that more brake work will be required, as well as some tinkering with the exhaust. Two copies of the build sheet have survived, and we applaud the seller for the quantity of photos provided, but loading them in order would help to better understand the project.
What in Hades is going on with the pictures? I assume that the picture with shiny paint and the aftermarket wheels is how the car looks now, but why are the pictures of it faded, dirty and partially disassembled included? Also, I applaud the seller for mentioning the quarter panels because even after blowing up the driveway photos I couldn’t detect any damage or flaws. If the driveway photos are of the car now, the price is not unreasonable.
If you look closely, you see a light green floor. Looking at the build sheet, it shows code 42, Cottonwood Green, so this Chevelle was obviously refinished in red..resale red?
Looks like the seller wheeled out the old paint to bring back the shine, you can see the rot around the rear wheel arches and the very rear of the left rear quarter above the bumper. And did the guy glue in the rear floor patch??? Still if you just replace the brakes maybe upgrade to disc in the front fix the a/c you could have a fun driver for a few years if kept up and out of the weather. I would suggest an in person look before buying for sure.
I’ve always loved the 1970-71 Chevelle. I hope whoever buys the car can restore the car to driveable condition. I’d buy it if I had someone to help restore it or restomod it.
A/C never needs “a shot of freon”. Fix the leak.
A/C never needs “a shot of freon”. Fix the leak.
Agreed!!
Those troublesome louvered astro vents on the rear deck lasted only 1 year – 1971. They were only on Vega & big GM cars!!, but oddly not on Corvette or mid size cars like Malibu.
I do however understand why they were not on Nova & its cousins because they could not be had with astro ventilation in ’71.