38 Year Barn Resident: 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle
Continuing the thread of reviewing the standard version of well-known muscle car models, here’s another, a 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu. It was possible back in ’70 to option a Malibu or a basic Chevelle with 300+HP engines, four-speed manual transmissions and tauter suspensions but that’s not the way those models usually rolled. They were generally equipped in a more docile, pedestrian manner. Both the SS396 and 454 versions of the ’70 Chevelle are the real scene-stealers; even in ratty condition, they bring big money. And that value enhancement trickles down to ordinary mortal versions like this ’70 Malibu. Located in Lehi, Utah and available here on eBay for a BIN price of $13,500, is this genuine barn find. There is a make an offer option too.
The seller states that this Chevy has been sitting since 1982 and there is an interesting story as to why he stopped driving it – but he doesn’t elaborate so if you want to know, you’ll have to inquire. So what kind of condition befalls this Malibu? It’s hard to tell because the seller gives no details and the images are not comprehensive. Under all of that dust is what appears to be a Green Mist finish with a vinyl roof covering in either dark green or black but you really can’t get a good look at the finish or the roof to determine their condition. While a good cleaning will reveal what’s really up with this Malibu, I guess that would disturb the whole barn find vibe and thus the reason for this Chevy’s cloaked appearance.
Under the hood is a 350 CI, 250 gross HP, V8 engine. Hardly the thump of a 396 or a 454, but it will move this Chevelle in style, assuming that it runs. No word on that front but I’d be concerned about an engine that has slumbered for 38 years without proper storage procedures having been applied. Good to see is the inclusion of a Turbo-Hydramatic three-speed automatic transmission instead of the very long-in-the-tooth, at this point, Powerglide two-speed unit. Of additional note is the presence of A/C though I’d be surprised if the system still has enough refrigerant to be beneficial.
The interior is much like the exterior in terms of visible recognition. The instrument panel still looks pretty good though the front bench seat is splitting in places. As with the exterior, a good cleaning and a dose of bright sunlight would paint a more complete picture of the interior’s real condition and attention needs. Of special note is the inside hood release “pull” located beneath the original Delco radio, this Chevelle’s hood release was originally outside, under the front bumper. And that is the only noted modification to this highly original Chevelle.
As with other standard model cars that have been reviewed lately, it’s always a great find when a non-muscle car version of a model popularized by its muscle car sibling is discovered. Too many of these non-performance oriented coupes are gone; they were not considered worth saving. While the price seems a bit steep for a Malibu in this somewhat questionable condition, it wouldn’t be surprising if the seller obtains it or something pretty close. It would nice to see this Malibu preserved as it was built but the tendency for a new owner to add some sporting mods is likely. What’s your thought, leave as original or gin this Chevy up a bit?
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Comments
This is sadly not how not to sell a car.
Show partial pictures of car. I say kudos for showing
engine and interior.
The parts that rust such as quarters of fenders and rear lower and wheel wells are hidden. The underneath is a mystery.
This is a local purchase car due to non full set of pictures. The owner should of saved eBay fees and went Craig’s list.
This could be a good car and i hope it gets picked up by a local townsman.
I hope it stays a stock …
Bad pics, bad ad, and all of the things classic steel mentioned. Plus what lurks under the vinyl roof. Way too much coin for this mystery car. Well I saw one go for 100,000 on BJ, so mines worth 13k? Like classic said–wonder why he even bothered…
Cheers
GPC
All the naysayers. Would you be upset if you were hung with a new rope? I think the seller is doing the best he can. Sure if it runs n drives then yes he could have pulled it out then done his photos. But it seems like he is a purist and wants to show where the car was stored. I believe he is telling the truth but I would like to read why he stopped driving this car in 76 and in 82. The only question I have is the Am fm radio. Looks to be an /80s delco. I want to see more barnfinds like this!
If he wants to show the car as it was stored, then take some pictures, then roll or drive it out and wash the thing and take some decent pictures. Photos of a dusty mess alone do not provide enough information to have any idea whether it’s good or junk.
…….one thing for sure, its his business to show it anyway he is able to and how he sees fit, like I’ve said, I think this is the way to find them, go look at it if you are within a reasonable distance, I would not buy a car with a hundred pictures without looking at it anyways, never have, never will, and if you’re the seller, you don’t want to sell it to everyone, just one person will do the job, sometimes you get very lucky with a poorly advertised car, seen it happen way to many times, seen some I wished I would’ve got up and went to look at…..could be a deal, sure there is room to negotiate….
Jamie, I agree.
wow….what a response to two solid suggestions……
Not a fan of that green in and out and like the 71 or 72 more. …engine would be a crap shoot. Tear off the heads at least to see how the cylinders look?
The ad sucks. As per usual this is one that requires a visual inspection. At which time you either find a gem or a turd and decide at that time.
Hopefully it doesn’t become yet another SS clone. Most of the non performance models on the road today from all the big three are now clones of their performance counterparts. Of course it will have to sell first and with that price and poor pictures I don’t see that happening. Would be helpful if the seller drag it out of it’s hole and give the potential buyer some decent pictures. (edited)
Check out the pic in the sellers schidtty ad.
“Cause in 40 years no one will open a barn and get excited about a 98 Honda”
He should have said:
In 40 years no one will be alive to open a barn and get excited or want a 90 year old 1970 Chevelle!
14k is an OK price for the car , you always take a chance buying an old car.
Sorry, totally disagree about 14K being the right / ok price on this car. Utah might mean somewhat rust free but these cars were notorious rust buckets and we don’t know anything about that. This car NEEDS EVERYTHING. = NOT GOOD.
And to Mopar Mike, I understand your comment BUT the only way this car is EVER going to be worth any money or be of interest is not as a bench seat auto car with NO HP under the hood. Color is not the best, black interior would help the green exterior A LOT. Restomod at the very least with FI and buckets with a manual.
$13,500 to buy in. $80K for full restoration and mods PROBABLY more….Now you have a $93K + care worth MAYBE half that in todays market which WILL NOT increase in the future. 40 years from now a REAL SS car in #1 condition will probably still be worth something but I have said it too many times before…supply is increasing (cars coming out for sale) and those interested are not multiplying. In 20 years there wont be many people who even know what a carburetor is!
I somewhat agree, I’d personally give it some muscle, suspension upgrades and period correct wheels (slots, cragars, TT) and maybe even a cowl hood and some 70 style custom paint but it wouldn’t be wearing SS badges. I think the greens and golds have started to gain appreciation and the market is showing that in the Mopars, I don’t follow the other stuff as closely. As for pro touring I feel it’s a fad that’ll fade as prostreet did and all the well done pro touring cars seem to have six figure price tags. Maybe I’m just living in the past.
So True.
I think that blue tarp was put on about 35 minutes before they took it back off for photo’s. Way to much dirt build up to ever been covered at all. I bought two cars that sat 30 to 35 years uncovered and they were not close to being this filthy. I don’t know for sure, Good luck to the seller and new owner.
I dont think that the protouring /restomod is a fad
If your windstar minivan out performs you old car
Its time to upgrade the old car or sell it and enjoy the minivan
I have had plenty of 60’s&70’s cars and as much as i like the look
I cant deal with the drive
No brakes, no cornering, no handling, no tunes and the biggest annoyance is the carb rich smell …
My choice was easy as i chose resto mod
And now as i prepare for retirement, i am selling off , cars, house and belongings
Keeping the z3 , f150 and fifthwheel
And leaving for as long as my body can take …
That’s sad Claudio! I would much rather drive an underperforming classic than a minivan! Maybe you should have tried out some European classics? In general, they handled and braked better than American cars. The fuel smell could have been resolved too. Just find a fuel-injected car or buy a wide-band O2 sensor and get that carb adjusted correctly!
thank you for the reply ,as I wrote earlier I will keep the bmw z3
its an awesome machine
I ve owned 7 3 series and I love them
except for the 2003 that was pure garbage to me
owned 2 boxsters and they are also great cars
but am now thinning …
but I stand behind my previous comment ,
a minivan was greater than any dodge dart,duster or any other horribly handling chryco offerings
I also owned many camaros and firebirds,malibus and the minivan was also superior
I had 2 mustangs ,both 6 cylinders 65 and 66 ,what a truck\tractor ride those pos had
anyway ,I agree the old cars look good but the new ones are far superior so the restomod\protouring will have to stay !