1972 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu SS Convertible

Description

GM really got things right with the 1968-72 A-bodies like this gorgeous 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu SS convertible. Perfectly proportioned and able to accommodate any engine on the roster, they were the ultimate factory-built custom cars. Today, convertibles like this fully-restored beauty are just about the most fun you can have with your clothes on.

To many, the Chevelle was the ultimate A-body, and this '72 certainly lives up to the reputation. A lot of folks prefer the single-headlight look of the '72s, and combined with the striking code 48 Sequoia Green paint job, complete with white SS stripes, the result is a car that gets noticed everywhere it goes. The sheetmetal is in excellent condition with laser straight gaps and body lines, and the paint was expertly applied to give it a show quality look that we simply couldn't find a flaw in. Nothing's perfect of course, but at this price point, we are frankly shocked how fantastic the finish is. The paint is modern urethane, so it has an impossibly brilliant shine, and with the stripes embedded under the clear, the look is seamless. SS upgrades include the blacked-out grille, hood pins, and a cowl-induction hood, and there are few more menacing views in a rear-view mirror than a snarling Chevelle thundering up behind you. It's also got some very nice chrome, particularly the bumpers which shine up well, and there's something special about fresh chrome on a dark car that really gets attention. And of course, this is a highly-desirable drop-top, with a white vinyl top and matching white boot cover.

Handsome green buckets wrap around an optional center console, giving this ragtop an interior to match its spectacular bodywork. Replacement seat covers with supple inserts, plush carpets, correct SS door panels, and even correctly date-coded seat belts give it a new outlook on life, and the upscale trim of this particular Chevelle makes it feel like a much more elegant car. The factory Rally instruments (tachometer included!) inside the SS dash bezel give a comprehensive look at what's going on under the hood, and the horseshoe shifter that manages the automatic below is a big fan favorite. A newer "retro" AM/FM/AUX stereo was fitted to the dash in the correct factory location and provides the soundtrack, the SS-spec steering wheel is installed on a tilt column, and modern Vintage A/C system keeps things nice and cold inside. Overhead, there's a white power convertible top, complete with glass rear window, and you'll be pleased to see that the trunk is outfitted with a well-installed mat and space-saver spare tire and jack kit.

Open the cowl-induction hood and you'll find a thumping fresh 350 cubic inch V8 GM crate motor that was installed only 4,362 miles ago and is neatly dressed in Chevy Orange war paint. Effortless and easy in everything it does, this powerful small block pulls the convertible around with enthusiasm. Some of that is due to the 4-barrel carburetor and performance intake manifold, the latter of which was painted Chevy Orange to blend in with the block and valve covers, although the air cleaner is still the original black snorkeled unit that looks great. The engine bay is nicely detailed and in great condition, suggesting that someone spent a lot of time and money getting it into shape not long ago. Underneath you'll quickly note the beautifully finished floor pans and suspension components, and the stainless steel dual exhaust system pumps through Magnaflow mufflers, so it certainly sounds like all the horsepower showed up to party. A TH350 3-speed automatic transmission and 12-bolt are rugged enough to take anything you throw at them and power steering and power front disc brakes remedy what was one of the Chevelle's lone shortcomings. To finish off the look, this droptop was lowered 2-inches on Torque Thrust-style wheels with Bowtie center caps and wrapped in staggered 235/45/17 front and 255/45/17 rear performance radials.

A gorgeous convertible with plenty of horsepower, what better way to enjoy a sunny day? Sweet droptops like this never last long. Call today!