Vehicle Description
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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