71 chevelle or chevelle malibu

[griffin31]

I recently bought a 71 chevelle. How do i tell if its a Chevelle or a chevelle malibu? From what I have read a malibu is just a different trim package. The reason I am asking is I went to NADA.com and under passenger cars it has just chevelle and in average condition its worth $5836 with a 350 engine. But under Chevelle Malibu its listed in average condition at $9833 with a 350 engine. both 2 door hard tops.
what is the difference in the trim and why is it worth so much more?

[chevellebob]

I've just joined this Forum so you've probably gotten your answer by now but I'll reply anyway. I've just acquired a 71 Chevelle and had done some research and this is what I found. 1971 was the first year that you could get a Chevelle SS without it being a 396 or higher. You could order it with a 350 and it came with the SS emblem without any cubic inch designator. 1971 also had a Heavy Chevy in addition to the Malibu and the Chevelle family.

The Malibu was mainly a trim package and I think sold for more than the Heavy Chevy. I'm not sure if it sold for more than the base SS and would guess that it depended on the options of the two models. As far as I know the Malibus all had the Malibu emblem and I think there was a designator in the VIN number. Check out the web site for Team Chevelle, I think they have good information.

Now, my opinion...don't worry about what NADA has to say about the value of your car. It doesn't matter what they list it for. It only matters what you can sell it or buy it for. At the Barrett-Jackson auction this week a 70 Chevelle went for $1,150,000 and I'll bet the buyer didn't check with NADA or Kelly Blue Book before he placed his winning bid. The point is that these cars are valued based on the condition they are in and the desire of the seller to own them. I'll bet your car is worth way more than NADA says so just enjoy it until you get ready to sell it and then look on Hemmings and Old Car Trader and the other For Sale web sites to see what similar condition cars are going for. That's your true reference...the current market. Good luck and have fun!