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
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
Both are great time capsules!
