Raymond Arsenault on Life and Business: Hemmings Find of the Day

What’s kept this six cylinder-powered 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu two-door hardtop for sale on Hemmings.com from already succumbing to somebody’s desire to plant a V-8 under the hood? The largely original and well-kept condition might be a factor, but then again, hot rodders like to start with the best possible source material too. More likely it’s the fact that until last year or so it was a one-owner car, and that one owner liked it just the way she ordered it 40 years prior. From the seller’s description:

100 percent Original Condition–zero modifications except a newly installed Weber two barrel progressive (original carb and air filter included). Straight-Six (250 ci). Power steering. Original Mojave Gold paint. All-original interior throughout in 99.9 percent factory condition. Rust-free. Included: Original Protect-o-Plate w/ pamphlet and manuals. Only 3,786 Chevelle Malibu Six Cylinders were produced domestically in 1972 (out of the total 414,967 Chevelle models)

I am the third owner of this vehicle as of early August, 2015. The previous gentleman had it just under a year, kept it garaged except for occasional outings to the golf course, and held on to all maintenance receipts. Prior to him, it was owned by a woman who cared for it the majority of its life. I am well-aware that the straight-six is not a desirable engine option for the majority of Chevelle enthusiasts; however, survivors like these are increasingly rare and gaining much value. In general, you will be extremely hard-pressed to find many Malibus or Chevelles in this near-pristine condition and such low original miles. I personally would hate to see it become yet another big-block clone, but if that’s your ultimate goal as its future owner, you will likely have the most time- and cost-effective conversion you’ve ever done.