1971 Chevrolet Malibu Chevelle
Like the Tri-Five Chevys that came before it, the Chevelle is one of those cars GM aced right out of the gate and continued to perfect. Eventually, the marque became one of the strongest brands in automotive history; and at one point, with a full list of body styles, options, trim grades, color combinations, and engines which ranged from mild to outrageous, literally embodied the 'custom built' nature that defines the muscle car era.
Offered for consignment is a 1971 Chevelle, bathed in a respray of dark blue metallic with a black vinyl top looking more daily transport than muscle car. Keeping with that theme is a 350ci V8, a 3-speed automatic transmission and showing with an Edelbrock performer EPS intake and Edelbrock 4-barrel carb. A nice matching blue tweed interior, and snazzy 15-inch aluminum slots wrapped in black wall rubber.
Exterior
Bathed in a respray of dark blue metallic, this paint is very nice but does show a few areas of very slight rust bubbles and small scratches. All chrome is good with no dimpling or fading and this year got it right with the bumper inset round taillights. The grille is a nice chrome trimmed egg crate design and sports the correct Chevelle badge. Flanking the grille are single squared bezeled headlights and cathedral style wrap around turn signal lenses. Directly above is a long flat hood which runs back to Soft-Ray tinted glass with nice chromed surrounding trim. A clean black vinyl top is on covering the roof and breaks up the sea of blue nicely. The slightly sloping trunk lid opens to reveal an original speckled vinyl trunk liner area, spare tire and jack assembly all fresh from 1971. 15-inch aluminum slot wheels are wrapped by 215/70R15 black wall radial rubber in front and staggered 255/60R15's in back.
Interior
Swinging open the driver's door and we are met with a blue vinyl panel with center classy stainless trim looking like the top end of the bowtie, and requisite "Malibu" emblems plus bright handles and supple comfortable armrests. Blue tweed covers the bolsters and some light blue tuck and roll tweed inserts are in the mid sections and these have bolster matching buttons. A rear bench is in and mimicking the front split back bench. An AM/FM 8 track Pioneer radio radio is present, also, the standard instrument cluster is the extremely clean and beautiful dash and gauges. Below is a trio of aftermarket gauges. The steering wheel is wood rimmed rally smaller style fronting the dash. Carpets are clean and non faded blue and black carpeted Chevelle embroidered floor mats protect them. The dark blue headliner is near perfect and that wraps up this showroom interior.
Drivetrain
Flipping the long flat hood, we are bowled over with the orange/red painted block and chromed valve coverings of the correct 350ci V8. This mill also presents an open chromed air cleaner holder which tops a 4-barrel Edelbrock carburetor with an Edelbrock Performer EPS intake manifold. A factory numbers matching 3-speed TH350 automatic transmission is on and this pushes power back to a 10-bolt rear axle. A clean engine bay, shiny braided stainless hoses abound, blue spark plug wiring and a black clean backdrop, headers and Flowmaster mufflers are now on for the rumble and exhale. And we're off!
Undercarriage
All clean and green, actually black, underneath with a mix of black slightly worn undercoated surfaces, light surface rust, and a structurally sound steel frame. 4 wheel non power drum brakes are on as well as power steering. The suspension includes independent coil springs upfront and a 4 link with coil springs in the rear. This is a smooth operator.
Drive-Ability
Our cracking decoder slash muscle car aficionado was the test driver and seemed like he loved every minute of it. This car ran flawlessly, he got it going pretty good without being unsafe or reckless, and thought the interior was "cherry". (although I say it's blue tweed!). He noted that most was working well save for the 8 track radio and the drivers rear window is off track. During his drive he mentioned it was a great driver that left a smile on his face.
Well done Chevelle muscle cars are a hot commodity here at Classic Auto Mall and I say that because they rarely last very long gracing our former mall halls. A beautiful example of a shiny 350ci V8, runs like a deer, handles well, and has a nice interior. Not everything in the early 70's was a muscle car and this Malibu shows the same looks but without the ultra high price tag associated with the SS name.
136371B102562
1-Chevrolet
36-Malibu V8
37-2 Door Hardtop Sport Coupe
1-1971
B-Baltimore, MD Assy Plant
102562-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
ST 71 13637-1971 Malibu 2 Door Hardtop Sport Coupe
BDY B004410-Baltimore Body #
TR 725-Dark Blue Rondel Cloth, Dark Blue Coated Fabric
PNT 26A-Mulsanne Blue, White Vinyl Top
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
