For consignment a 1971 example of the Malibu in need of some exterior TLC with regards to rust remediation, and a stripping of a poor paint job. The interior has been partially restored and the engine maintained. The third owner and now consigner of this car has had extensive work done to get to where it is today, but someone else will need to carry the torch to the finish line on this restoration.
Exterior
Placer Gold, or a respray thereof covers this car. It is a very basic respray and .....
shows drips and inclusions. However, for the job to be done correctly, the remediation of sporadic rust on virtually every panel will have to be dealt with, and the paint will need to be stripped. All the correct chrome is there, and this car has a newer black vinyl top. The chrome shows some signs of dulling but is not rusted. Badging is all correct and attached. Gaps are good and some areas of body filler are noted when you look at the car closely under good lighting. 14-inch Magnum 500 wheels are all around and wrapped with Goodyear Eagle ST tires.
Interior
Door panels and seats, as well as black carpet and headliner are all recently installed (since 2013). Seats are a front split back bench with headrests and some tuck and roll looking inserts. A rear bench is similar in design and pattern and is in very good condition. Nice black carpet is flooding the floors and as noted a new headlight is nice tight and in black. The dash remains original and will need to be restored, and the same with the steering wheel and column. A B&M shifter sits proudly in the center of the hump on the pristine carpet.
Drivetrain
A 350ci V8, not known if original to the car is in an unrestored engine bay which has some patina. With a Weiand Intake, and a 4-barrel Rochester carburetor feeding it, it pushes power rearward to a 3-speed automatic transmission. Way back to the rear axle is a 12-bolt 3.55 posi traction setup.
Undercarriage
Underneath we note a new fuel tank and fuel lines. The trunk pan is showing surface and invasive rust underneath. Floorpans are clean with no surface rust, and suspension which is independent coil springs up front and 4 link with coil springs on the rear have heavy surface rust. There is also some invasive rust on the inner rockers particularly near the backs of the wheel wells on all 4 corners.
Drive-Ability
The car starts quickly, idles nicely, and drives well. It also has good braking due to power drum brakes all around. A decent test track experience, then right into the photo studio she went!
TLC would be the buzz word here, with highlights being the mostly new interior, black vinyl top and a smooth running 350ci V8. A classic Malibu here for the taking to make it your own in whatever color you choose.