1971 Chevelle Malibu Sport Coupe with a built 350, priced like a project

Why we picked it

This Baltimore-built 1971 Malibu Sport Coupe (VIN 136371B197147) has a built 350 with under 1,000 miles on it: forged crank and rods, 12:1 pistons, Dart II heads and a 650 cfm four-barrel, backed by a freshly rebuilt TH350 and a 10-bolt with a limited-slip. It has power front disc brakes and power steering. The dealer says the frame and underbody are very solid, with one patched area under the rear seat, and that the car had a body-off restoration years ago.

The dealer is open about the weak spots: a repaint with orange peel and small blisters on the lower edges, worn front lower control arm bushings (replacement arms and sway bar are included), inoperable factory A/C and a worn front bench. That makes it a driver to improve, not a show car, and the price reflects it. It is a good starting point for a pro-touring build because the drivetrain is already done and the money can go into chassis, brakes and paint.

The value check

The seller is asking $20,000. Comparable cars in the same condition have sold for $27,500–$40,750, so the middle of the market is about $34,125. That put this car 41% under.

Driver-grade 1968-72 Chevelle Malibu coupes sold for $27,500 (a 1971 project on Hagerty, Aug 2026) to $40,750 (Hagerty, Sep 2026) in recent months. At $22,500 this car is about 34% under the $34,125 midpoint.

Where the numbers come from:

• 1971 Chevelle Malibu project, Hagerty Aug 2026, $27,500
• 1968 Chevelle Malibu, Kruse Sep 2026, $33,060
• 1970 Chevelle Malibu, Hagerty Sep 2026, $36,000
• 1972 Chevelle Malibu, Mecum Sep 2026, $37,400
• 1970 Chevelle Malibu, Hagerty Sep 2026, $40,750

What to check

• Price differs between sites: $22,500 on ClassicCars.com, $27,500 on the classic.com copy; confirm the current price with Chicago Car Club
• Title status is not stated; ask for it before travelling
• 12:1 compression needs premium fuel and careful tuning; ask about cam specs and how it runs on pump gas
• Check the rear window channel, trunk floor, lower quarters and the patched rear seat floor area for rust under the repaint
• Left rear quarter and front fenders are replacement panels; check fit and the quality of the repairs

Making it drive like new

Since the engine and transmission are fresh, spend on the chassis: tubular upper and lower arms (replacing the worn bushings), a modern steering box, coilovers or lowering springs, rear sway bar and new rear arms in place of the ladder bars, and 4-wheel discs. A 700R4 or 4L60E would add overdrive later, and a new A/C system from Vintage Air would make it a comfortable driver.

6 builders make a complete chassis for the 1968–72 Chevelle, GTO & GM A-body. Compare them side by side, along with what it takes to stiffen the factory frame.