1977 Chevrolet Malibu

Description

Remember when cars like this 1977 Chevrolet Malibu Classic sedan were as common on the road as yellow stripes? Well, when was the last time you saw one, let alone one in virtually stock condition? Maybe it's not a collector car yet, but something this clean with V8 power and room for the whole gang can't be a mistake, not at this price.

The low-key looks of the big Malibu have aged well, and with everything '70s being popular again, you could have the coolest ride around if you're into irony. Actually, the green paint and smooth bodywork look pretty good for their age and it's obvious that someone has taken care of this car over the past 40 or so years. It comes from a warm climate and all four doors fit well, suggesting a car that has never been wrecked or neglected. Is it perfect? Nope. But imagine all the attention this car will generate at next week's cruise night, because everyone knew someone who drove one of these. It's also got a rather rare matching green vinyl top that's in quite good condition without the usual fading and popped seams you'd expect on a car of this vintage. The massive battering-ram bumpers are in excellent shape, the stainless shines up well, and you have to admit that the stacked headlights look pretty good on this body style.

The big interior is also wonderfully well-preserved. Aside from some sun fading, which is inevitable on a car with this much glass area, it's completely intact. The plush bench seats are just as soft and comfortable as your sofa at home and the button-tufted door panels will look and feel familiar to anyone who grew up in the '70s. Instrumentation is basic, with just speed and fuel level, but the compartmentalized instrument panel is easy to read and still looks quite good. There's a newer AM/FM/CD stereo in the dash that sounds good in the hushed Malibu's interior and while it's not heavy on options, you just can't duplicate that big car feel these days. Your friends will be amazed by the stretch-out room available in back and if there was ever a car designed for road trips, this is it, from the comfortable ride to the gigantic trunk that's a little scruffy but in otherwise great condition.

Chevy's bulletproof 305 cubic inch V8 provides good torque and reasonable fuel economy in the big Malibu, plus a nice V8 burble from the single tailpipe out back. Everything suggests that this is the car's original engine and it's in very good condition overall. It's so clean under the hood that we have to believe it's been recently restored, because no 40-year-old car has engine enamel that looks that good. You also get a correct air cleaner with snorkel intake, fresh belts and hoses with tower hose clamps, and lots of new parts wherever you look. The TH350 3-speed automatic transmission is also original to the car and shifts smoothly to complete the luxury car feel. There's some light surface rust underneath, but you can see originality everywhere, from the floors to the exhaust system with a factory-style catalytic converter still in place. Simple hubcaps and blackwall tires emphasize the car's simplicity, and we wouldn't want it any other way.

Collectable? Maybe not. Cool? Depends on who you ask. Affordable fun? Absolutely! This Malibu will bring back memories for many and offers a great alternative to the more familiar cars of the '70s. Call today!