Crew Cab Six Banger – 1971 Chevrolet Malibu
“Another 1971 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu? Yup! This one’s got four doors. Oh, OK, that’s something different.” And yes, it is an unusual discovery as I couldn’t find another, with the same body configuration, that has been reviewed here on BF. Generally, not an arrangement that was considered worthy of salvation, this is a noteworthy Tony P. find for just that reason. Calling Longview, Texas home, let’s see what this crew cab Malibu is all about.
Right off the bat, we encounter a listing error, this Malibu is a 1971 edition, not a ’72. There’s barely a difference between the two model years other than the grille and front turn signals. Less noticeable changes for ’72 included a new, mandated VIN sequence and net horsepower ratings but that’s about it. Models included the Malibu and the non-Malibu. The “non” version had been known as the 300 Deluxe in the past, but now it was just a Chevelle. The Malibu included two and four-door hardtops, a convertible, and a four-door station wagon. The Plain-Jane variety came in three flavors, a four-door sedan and station wagon, and a two-door hardtop. The two-door post sedan was discontinued at the end of the ’69 model year. As for the Super Sport (SS) model, that was an option available on the Malibu two-door hardtop and convertible. The total production for 1971 (331,700) was about 15.8% less than that of ’72, ostensibly due to a labor strike.
The biggest surprise here is this car’s 145 gross HP, 250 CI, in-line six-cylinder engine – one of only 9,100 Malibu models so equipped that year. This example features a three-speed manual transmission activated via a floor shift. I wish I could show it to you but no interior images are provided. With 142K miles on its life clock, the seller claims, “Runs, has new brakes, needs brake line work, new fuel tank and lines, rebuilt carb. Runs.” (Emphasis on runs?)
As for aesthetics, this old Chevy shows pretty well but it was just washed before photo time so it may not appear to be quite as spiffy when fully dried. The Antique Green lacquer finish, a very popular hue BTW, has held up well and this Malibu features a contrasting white roof. The seller suggests, “No rust, solid floors” and that’s a feat for a ’71 GM A-body but it has been sitting for 30 years so its storage situation must have been agreeable. The only obvious flaw is the few teeth missing from its grill.
So, future prospects? There’s a bottom for every seat but this Malibu, from a desirability perspective, has two strikes against it with its six-banger powerplant and an extra set of doors. It’s available, here on craigslist for $6,500, OBO. Nevertheless, my guess is that someone will take a swing at it, wouldn’t you agree?
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Comments
6 cylinders in line, 3 speeds on the floor and this color combination is hard to accept.
Ad already gone. From the few pics in the write up, I figured it would not last long.
The ad is back up, now with a price of $7300.
Someone found it desirable, apparently. The listing is gone. I like the idea of parking it amongst the fire breather SS models, especially with a 6 and three-by-the-knee.
Someone must’ve. Posting deleted by seller, usually that means the car sold. Myself, I love the idea of a ’71 Chevelle minus everything that makes it a cruise night cliche.
Nice find Tony Primo! Too bad there is no pictures of the floor shift. Never seen that on a 4 door. Probably the owner converted it.
3 speeds used to be fairly common in that era.A lot of
“old folks” grew up driving manuals,& refused to buy anything
else.Plus a lot of them were frugal,& drove to get the best
gas mileage they could.
Flush that brake system with water
Rusted through heater cover on firewall is a bad sign too. Their asking price was “low” for a reason. You don’t get much for $6,500, even if it’s a 4 door, 6 cylinder, 3spd manual transmission.
Steve R
Would be an interesting piece to tool around in. Four door and 3 on the floor is not common usually seen in coupes or El Camino. Looks good from a distance.
Absolutely undesirable to me. At least a V8 would make it fun to drive, as it is-BLAH.
Lovely looking car. My favourite years for the Chevelle and Malibu are 1970 and 71. While the Chevelle SS is a nice car, my favourite body styles are the 4 door sedan and wagon. Given this car’s condition, I’d be willing to pay the asking price, and if everything works on the car, I’d drive it and enjoy it. The only upgrade I’d give it is a new grille. If only craigslist kept the ad up. It would’ve been nice to see what the car looks like from various vantage points.
The article repeatedly lists this Chevelle as a Malibu, but I’ve always thought that the Malibu was a special trim upgrade to the ordinary Chevelle. Which this obviously is.
Chevelle originally came as Malibu, Deluxe and 300. The 300 and Deluxe names were tossed around until ’74 when the line became Malibu and Malibu Classic. The Chevelle name was dropped altogether in ’78 when the car became Malibu/Malibu Classic. Laguna means different things depending on whether it’s a ’73-74-75 or ’76.
EVERYBODY knows… You ONLY need 3 speeds!!!….. Slow….. Medium…… and Fast…..
All kidding aside love the 6 and a stick combo I would leave it exactly as it is. Especially if its really as nice as the pics make it seem. Hubcaps and all.
Actually you only need 2 speeds – if it had a powerglide – even at the track.
I believe a ’79 honda accord with automatic was also a 2 speed.
I wonder now if anybody ever made a 2 speed manual trans.
Those extra doors saved it from being painted red and having SS emblems put on it at least
But u can bet, sooner or later, it will be wearing big “modern” tires & wheels, ruining the ride.
Years ago I bought my Mother a 1968 Nomad wagon with 307 and factory 4 speed.
True. I bought a ’75 Granada Ghia in ’78 with a 3 speed on the floor. Combined with a 302 it was a very nice driving car.
The rusted out heater cover was a red flag. I’d have to see underneath thr rockers and trunk. 147k on a 6 banger is a lot and I love the stick. Worth the price as a winter beater if the 6 banger had any life. If it needed a new engiinge , then it just became expensive unless you have a drive train sitting in your garage. .