1972 Chevelle Malibu

[Sweet1183]

So I'm looking for some feedback from the experts on a 1972 Chevelle Malibu that I am looking to buy. The car has a 327 in it(F code). Turbo 400 tranny with a B&M ratchet shifter. Swapped from column to floor shifter. The sale also comes with a '72' coded 396 big block that has not yet been opened(on an engine stand with no carb but everything else). The crank turns so not frozen. The body is in ok shape with decent paint. So my question to all of you is this a good deal at $13K? Thanks in advance!

[Dave B.]

It's hard to say what's a good deal without seeing the car in person. Without even one photo, it's nearly impossible. We all know that pre-'73 Chevelles are expensive, so a running, driving car with an extra engine may not be overpriced at $13k - as long as it doesn't require any major body or mechanical work.
One other thing to remember is that, if the interior needs work, upholstery can get very expensive very quickly! If you're serious about making the car look first-rate and it needs interior work, be sure to look at upholstery prices before you buy the car. You'll probably be shocked!
The 327 would be a '69 or earlier engine. There were no 396s in '72 - Chevrolet went to 402s in 1970, but still labeled some engines as 396s. The suffix code on the 'ledge' in front of the passenger-side head will tell you how it started life.

Good luck with your Chevelle if you buy it!
Dave B. (who's owned a '72 for a lot of years...)

[gmtech1]

Originally Posted by Dave B.

It's hard to say what's a good deal without seeing the car in person. Without even one photo, it's nearly impossible. We all know that pre-'73 Chevelles are expensive, so a running, driving car with an extra engine may not be overpriced at $13k - as long as it doesn't require any major body or mechanical work.
One other thing to remember is that, if the interior needs work, upholstery can get very expensive very quickly! If you're serious about making the car look first-rate and it needs interior work, be sure to look at upholstery prices before you buy the car. You'll probably be shocked!
The 327 would be a '69 or earlier engine. There were no 396s in '72 - Chevrolet went to 402s in 1970, but still labeled some engines as 396s. The suffix code on the 'ledge' in front of the passenger-side head will tell you how it started life.

Good luck with your Chevelle if you buy it!
Dave B. (who's owned a '72 for a lot of years...)

Great info, Dave!