1971 Chevrolet Malibu

1971 Chevrolet Malibu Chevelle Hardtop    The end of an era as Chevrolet announced the discontinuation of the Malibu line in 2024. 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 with a title verified 71,384 actual miles. Owned by our consignor for nearly 30 years and presenting in period popular green on brown, this is a clean example that represents a turnkey opportunity and one attractive show car.  Exterior The A-body looks great in Antique Green paint with the subtle contrast of the vinyl roof, a slightly lighter and flat finished shade of green demarcated by polished trim around its perimeter, mirrored by the wheel arch trim below. Those arches contour over 15-inch Chevrolet SS wheels with 235/70R15 tires in letters out presentation, just like we rolled in '71. There's brightwork up front as well including the grille with silver bowtie and headlight bezels over a beautiful chrome bumper. As we make our way to the back, quad tail lights are embedded in the bumper at the termination point of a smooth and shiny decklid. Imperfections include minor chips throughout, a few scratches, some light bubbling, door edge wear, and numerous surface scuffs.   Interior Stunning Dark Saddle vinyl is crafted with artful skill to make up the door panels where smooth panels sandwich a stitched design and chrome hardware. The split bench in front and full bench in back are in fantastic condition and the grain vinyl inserts retain glistening finish. Our saddle steering wheel shows a crack but is otherwise nice and fronts the column shifter ahead of the sweeping speedometer encased in black followed in short order to the right by the vent panel and AM/FM/Cassette radio, all under a clean saddle dash pad. Tan carpet and embroidered mats dress the floor while the clean headliner sticks with the color palette. A vinyl mat contours to the trunk floor where we note some surface filler repair rendering an overall clean space. Note that matching bucket seats and a console with horseshoe shifter comes with the car. Drivetrain Under the hood we find the numbers matching 307ci L14 V8 fueled by a Holley 4-barrel carburetor over a Holley Contender intake manifold, all appearing in driver quality esthetic condition. It is backed up by the numbers matching TH350 3-speed automatic which sends power to the 2.56 geared 10 bolt axle. The car is equipped with power brakes and power steering.  Undercarriage Clean driver quality down here as well with typical surface rust and oxidation, some residual oil film on the pan and a tail pipe taped repair. Dual exhaust runs through stock style mufflers on the way to its rear exit and the brakes are power drums on all four.  Suspension consists of coil springs at both ends with a 4 link in back.  Drive-Ability If you're a child of the 70's, this space is going to feel very familiar and with familiarity, comes comfort! The 307 provides adequate power for our lap around the test loop and the car handles, stops, and idles just fine. We note the fuel gauge is off a bit, showing ¼ tank when in fact it's empty. Beyond that minor inconvenience, all functions work as they should on this green '71. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase. Here's a well sorted and nicely presented Chevelle in a great color spec. Buy it this week and drive it to the car show this weekend.  our trophy collection is just getting started! Mingle with other Chevelle owners nationwide as it's one model with a vast, enthusiastic following.  136371B1300