Helping Friend Sell '81 2-DR Malibu... Need Help

[Bill in Grand Rapids]

I am new to this forum, trying to help a 75 year old friend sell his 1981 2-door Malibu. I’m a “car guy” (although not a Chevy expert) and think this car may be just as likely to sell to someone who wants to put a big block (or healthy small block) in it, as it would to someone looking for a really nice driver.

This car is the base model Malibu, bench seats, 229 cu. In 3.8 L V6, automatic, air, crank windows… you get it: a “bare bones” car. 86,000 miles.

What’s unique about it? This car was always stored inside, seldom driven in the winter and was meticulously maintained. No accidents, original in all respects except tires,shocks, maintenance items. Records of every fill-up (including gas mileage) were maintained, original bill of sale, all GM shop, repair and body manuals included. Until the photos were taken, the hub caps have been off the car its entire life. In other words: those “dog dish” hub caps are perfect! All repair and maintenance records maintained. Runs perfectly.

The interior does not show any wear. All original paint… no rust anywhere. A few small “dings” in a couple of spots… and some very small paint chips above front bumper, etc.

OK. I happen to be partial to another car brand (let’s call it “Brand X”). If this car was brand X, I’d buy it in a heartbeat (no pun intended) and put a “real” motor in it. The car is like a time capsule: looks and runs like it was hardly driven. I think the photos show that… but if not I can take more.

I am asking for help. As you know, its darn near impossible to find solid pricing information for a car like this one. I want to help my friend get a fair price for it. Based on what I’ve described and what you are seeing here (photos)… can you suggest a price range that would be reasonable? Once I can determine an asking price, I thought I would offer it here before putting it on Craig’s list.

Thanks in advance for your help. BTW: do you agree that this car is a great candidate for an engine swap? Or, do you think it will sell to someone who wants to drive it like it is?

Regards,

Bill
Grand Rapids, MI

[SafariWagon]

That thing is sweet! Love the poverty caps. Since it is a V6 with air, I would guess around $4500 maybe 5K tops. You can get it , it will just depend on how long you want to wait to sell it. It would probably be a easier sell if it were non A/C and already had a SBC. Nice car! Those 3rd and 4th high mounted tail-lights scream G-Pa fresh!

[Longroof79]

Wow!! That car is absolutely pristine, and should be quite desirable. I think it should easily fetch in the $4500-$5000.(or more). price range. The color is gorgeous as well. Maybe try placing it on Ebay. Craigslist will generally attract scammers and tire kickers.
It would be a perfect candidate for a nice smallblock crate motor. My tongue is hanging out looking at the pics.
It would make an awesome sleeper.

[Longroof79]

Another thought. Try placing it on Maliburacing.com

[hecx78malibu]

That's a nice car, and 4500 to 5000 sounds about rite...

[tc1959]

Thats nice I wish you were closer to AZ I would like to find one that nice to build for my Wife.

[Ribbedroof]

Nice car, should bring 5K without breaking a sweat.

I would not agree with the A/C bringing the value down, at least in my part of the country

I wouldn't expect a lot of serious action from forums, and craigslist is too local...this car IMO needs the national exposure that ebay can provide. Let the buyers set the price.

There's a minty fresh one on now that is breaking the bank, although it's WAY "newer" than this one (but for me, this one has better colors) and a manual trans

Good luck, shouldn't be too hard to find a new home for it.

[84dragcutlass]

Thats really nice, should sell fast. A survivor like that id leave it alone and all original, the value will only go up

[Longroof79]

Here's a low mileage (on Ebay) '79 Malibu bringing stupid money. Granted it's a beautiful, desirable car, V-6, stick shift , no A/C. but I can't justify that kind of coin. Obviously there's people out there that will pay dearly for a nice piece.
So maybe Ebay is the answer for you. $5000. is a bargain for that car.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Chevrole ... 500wt_1064

[Blake442]

Sweet Malibu! Both are great time capsules!
Now I'm starting to think I need some body-color steelies and dog dish caps for my wagon lol...

[Ribbedroof]

Now I'm starting to think I need some body-color steelies and dog dish caps for my wagon lol...

[Longroof79]

Sweet Malibu! Both are great time capsules!
Now I'm starting to think I need some body-color steelies and dog dish caps for my wagon lol...

I'm actually going to paint my steelies body color with dog dish caps.
Years ago when I had rallye wheels on the car, I painted them body color and used police caps.

Awhile ago when I was looking for a set of dog dish caps, a guy contacted me with a set of Olds dog dish caps. I'll see if I can find him again if you're interested. They looked pretty nice too. They were just like the ones that were in that fastback Olds coupe.

[SafariWagon]

I don't know where the 16K+ number for the ebay car in Des Moines Iowa comes from. My bet is whoever "bought" it knows the seller really well. Here is what appears to be a very clean wagon with a factory stick. Been for sale in Mnpls, Mn area for 2+ years. Last advertised price I saw was $6500. No price listed now. If he was around $4500-5k it might of had a chance at selling by now. With as popular as wagons Have become I would guess a factory manual wagon to be comparable to a coupe. http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/c ... 15551.html

[Bill in Grand Rapids]

I just listed this car in the GBodyForum classifieds at this link:

http://gbodyforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=39786

Asking $4,750.

Thanks to all who replied to my request for help!

Bill
Grand Rapids, MI