1971 Chevrolet Malibu Chevelle Hardtop
The end of an era as Chevrolet recently announced the discontinuation of the Malibu line. It started in 1964 as a midsize car and in 1968, became a semi fastback and stayed that way until 1972, then back to larger, more family oriented cars. But that window between '68 and '72 remains some of the most desirable and commonly modified A-body cars that came in a variety of power options and trim levels.
For consignment, a 1971 Chevrolet Malibu Chevelle hardtop. This one has some subtle mods and a classic wheel and tire set up that creates an iconic raked stance borrowed from dragsters and funny cars and adapted for the street. Nose down, tail up, eyes forward. That's what this car is all about!
Exterior
Our car is adorned in red paint, shiny and bright and preceded by a '72 grille flanked by inset headlights and marker lights that wrap around the front fender. The chrome bumper underscores the fascia metals and looks fantastic. Hood pins and a cowl hood are featured up top and the sea of red continues its flow to the back, where the rear chrome bumper houses the dual taillights in a great design decision by GM. Dual exhaust emerges underneath with straight chrome tips. 15-inch Cragar mag wheels are the shoes of choice here with 275/60R15's on back, and 215/65R15's in the front, a staggered setting that makes the car stand tall and lean forward. Our consignor states it's a "10 footer" and when we get close, we notes imperfections that include some extra paint, previous Bondo repair and issues around it, scuffs, scratches, chipping on the wheel openings and below the rocker panel, and some overspray on the frame, and invasive rust in the wheel arches.
Interior
Nice door panels are intact and show some waviness in the vinyl. Smooth vinyl front bucket seats lack any pattern or texture but are clean and unblemished. The rear seats have vertical stitching and show some wear but are complete and match the sidewalls in design. A Grant GT steering wheel provides a great grip, sharing the column with an AutoMeter tachometer and shift light. The big tach obscures views of the speedometer, but so does the cloudy plexiglass that covers the speedo. Heat and air controls are to the right while a Sony head unit with AM/FM/CD is in the center over an aftermarket gauge cluster with Sunpro products. A B&M shifter sits on the tranny hump, wrapped in a rubber accordion shift boot, while the floor is covered in black loop style carpeting that looks to be in good shape. The headliner consists of a piece of plywood under the cross slats and under the steel roof, held from rattling with the use of shims. The trunk has some rubber gym mats in it and a spare tire.
Drivetrain
A very clean engine bay holds a 5.7 liter V8 with chrome dress up pieces and no fan shroud. A 4-barrel Holley carburetor is on top of the intake and headers are first in line for the exhaust. Behind the engine, a TH350 3-speed automatic transmission which transfers power to the 10 bolt rear and 3.08 gears. Drum brakes are in charge of slowing and stopping and are found on all four wheels.
Undercarriage
Areas of surface rust are typical here, however it is noted that there's more invasive rust on the inner rocker panels and parts of the floorboard. We see no leaks or errant fluids anywhere. The dual exhaust goes from headers straight back to a pair of Flowmaster mufflers, then exits out back. Between the exhaust pipes, a chrome differential cover adds some old school bling to the lifted rear.
Drive-Ability
She fired right up and into gear we went, with the muscular sound emanating from the exhaust and provides good acceleration, but we were quick to note very soft brakes, so were careful to brake early. The steering wheel tends to lock up when pushed forward which is odd and we also note speedometer and odometer are not working. In addition, the radio and reverse lights do not work. On a positive note, the engine makes good power and the car tracks well.
There's a lot to like about this '71 and plenty of opportunities to make it your own. Decent bones, a great stance, and a hefty powerplant is a recipe for some good times ahead. And like a Malibu sunset, the red coat is a beautiful color. Malibu may be gone from the Chevy line, but classic Malibus will live forever.
136371B2131335
1-Chevrolet
36-Malibu V8
37-2 Door Hardtop Sport Coupe
1-1971
B-Baltimore, MD Assy Plant
213335-Sequential Unit Number
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