This ClassicCars.com Marketplace featured listing is a 1971 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu for sale in Aviston, Illinois. American cars were changing with the new federally mandated emission laws, and the Chevelle was no exception. Nevertheless, the Chevy muscle car was far from a wallflower.
Reality can be a double-edge sword. In the late 60s, muscle cars were brimming with power and presence. One could often smell the unburned fuel trickling out the tailpipes not too dissimilar from the stealthy, supersonic SR-71 Blackbird that dripped fuel until the inflight speeds and heat caused the lines to expand. But, the government saw that lead consuming cars were not ideal for humans and other living things. High-compression engines with ratios of 10.25:1 – 11.25:1 in Chevelle engines were downgraded to just 9:1.
Sadly, the other edge of the reality sword, advanced technology, was not yet available to satisfy desires of enthusiasts in the same manner as making cars run on unleaded gasoline appeased those tree-huggers, medical experts, and those committed to clean air.
However, the 1971 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu was still a mean machine. The second-generation Chevelle had a few design updates. Compared to the ’69, the rear pillar is blocky, and the leading edge loses the angularity that mimics the “A” pillar. Also, the front and rear bumper are redesigned. The front end shows single Power Beam headlights flanking a wider grille, in either chrome or blacked-out. This year also features integral turn signal/parking lights up front. The rear received dual, circular taillights integrated into the bumper.
Under the hood, all the engine choices complied with the GM mandate and horsepower suffered. The engine choices ranged from the inline 6 with 250 cubic-inches (4.1-liter) to the massive 454 (7.4-liter) big-block V8, and all the small blocks in-between. These could run on regular fuel, low, or no-lead.
Nowadays, we all want the thrill of a true muscle car, with real metal and chrome from the 60s and early 70s, but let’s face it, some could use a little refinement. This bold, blue 1971 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu fits the bill and doesn’t come up short on the upgrades that make this a car suitable for a new century.
Beneath the hood of this straight body with gleaming paint is a brand new 350 cubic-inch, V8 with just 3,500 miles on it, and three years left on the warranty! An Edelbrock four-barrel carburetor up front and a new dual exhaust in the rear is just what one would hope for. This gets the power to the wheels via a TH350 three-speed automatic transmission. Power steering and front disc-brakes make driving more, well, civilized.
The black vinyl interior could get hot, if it wasn’t for the modern, R134a A/C keeping it properly chilled. This also comes with an upgraded stereo, as well.
Even though this 1971 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu isn’t an SS, the dual black stripes and 15-inch Mag wheels complete the essence of what a muscle car should have. This offers all the muscle car fun without having to make excuses.
To view the listing on ClassicCars.com, click here.
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