Hiding in this garage is a classic that could be a promising and rewarding restoration project for the right enthusiast. It is a 1971 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu, and while it needs love, the included parts will launch the new owner on their restoration path. We always appreciate input from our readers, and I must say a big thank you to eagle-eyed Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting this beauty. The seller has listed the Malibu here on Craigslist in Norwich, New York. It could be yours for $12,500.

Chevrolet’s Second Generation Chevelle range landed in showrooms for the 1968 model year, with the last cars rolling out the door in 1972. The latest model saw the company pursue a different path with styling, abandoning the Coke-bottle look for a more sculptured appearance providing a striking visual presence. The history of this Malibu is unclear, although the photos suggest many years have passed since it graced our roads. Its Ascot Blue paint is well beyond its best, and there is visible rust requiring attention. I see much cutting and welding in the future, but the seller includes a pair of good replacement rear quarter panels as a starting point for the buyer. There is other visible exterior rust, suggesting the shopping list of fresh steel could be long since there is evidence of floor issues. However, the car is complete, and, as we will see, there are other positive attributes worth considering.

The word “retrim” was the first to cross my mind as I examined the supplied interior images. This shot reveals riveted patches on the floors, confirming the presence of rust below the surface. The first owner ordered the car trimmed in Blue vinyl and cloth, and it is complete, apart from the missing carpet and an AWOL radio. However, the upholstery is beyond salvation. There are splits, rips, stains, and developing sun rot on the back seat. It isn’t all bad news because the dash looks okay, and the pad hasn’t succumbed to UV damage. The faithful approach might be one goal, although dropping in bucket seats and a few factory upmarket touches could prove irresistible. It will be fascinating to gauge your feedback on the subject.

One of the attractions of the 1971 Chevelle range was the vast selection of engines Chevrolet offered. The seller doesn’t indicate which powerplant occupied this classic’s engine bay, but that point is largely irrelevant. They include a 350ci V8 that was recently professionally rebuilt. It incorporates an upgraded intake and Edelbrock carburetor, making an output of around 300hp a realistic expectation. They indicate there is also a transmission, but its type is unclear. The listing doesn’t show the engine bolted in, but the seller says they can supply a video of it running for interested parties. That’s an invitation I would gladly accept.

It will be fascinating to gauge your feedback on this 1971 Chevelle Malibu to ascertain how many readers consider it a viable project. There’s no way to sugar-coat it because there is a long list of required work before it returns to its rightful place on our roads. It requires deep commitment, but I think most of you will have seen worse classics brought back from the brink. Whether it is viable is one question, but whether we have readers willing to take it on is more important. Do we have any takers?