Hi Dave,
Yes, it's an automatic. It's a very nice looking car and the engine sounds great. Started right up when you turn the key and give it a little gas. Seems to idle fine and doesn't threaten to shut off when idling down to a stop sign.
Maybe it's got that shift kit in it. Someone else mentioned that those improve shifting but I'll tell you that hurst shifter....I don't know. I just don't like it. I'd rather take that out and replace it with just a easy type shifter.
So you think $8k isn't too much for this car? Will it hold that value in years to come even though it's a 71 Chevelle Malibu (not an SS)? I do realize that I'm going to have to put money into it. It has a few little minor things like the rear view mirror bolt needs to be replaced and the back window area where the pioneer speakers are someone put white fur instead of liner around them. Some other odds and ends, etc.
I think if the owner agrees I'll see if he'll meet me at a local mechanic's. Since he can't get any history on the car because he won it I wouldn't mind a mechanic looking at it and at least being able to tell me what's what and what it may need...etc. Stuff like compression, HP, tranny. Stuff like that.