New Hampshire Dealer Keeps '69 Chevelle Malibu SS 396 Sport Coupe, Won't Sell for $38,000

As far as I can tell, prices have held steady when it comes to vintage rides, but that won’t stop certain people from trying to land a fully refurbished icon like this 1969 Chevelle Malibu SS on the cheap. We’ve actually followed this listing relatively closely and it was one low-ball offer after another.

The fact that its reserve wasn’t met comes as no surprise, and some people went on to comment about how sorry they were for not getting the chance to bid (for various reasons).

Strangely enough, the highest bid maxed out at $38,000, which let’s face it, is chump change for a Chevelle Malibu SS on the "nice side". We’ve seen a bunch of them that literally sold for twice that amount, although this particular one may not be $70-$80k worthy – maybe $50,000 though? What do you guys think would be a fair price here?

While you mull that over, let’s take a closer look at the specification. The car was factory-finished in Fathom Green and was allegedly repainted in the 1980s. Visual cues include the white side stripes, a twin-domed hood, black grille and taillight panel, hideaway windshield wipers, chrome bumpers, and the Super Sport 14” wheels with Firestone Wide-Oval tires. This Chevelle also comes with power steering and power-assisted front discs.

Meanwhile, both the front and rear bench seats are upholstered in black vinyl, which works well together with the color-coordinated dashboard, door panels and carpets. Other noteworthy features include the AM radio, a heater, lap belts, plus an aftermarket tachometer and readouts for the water temp, voltage, and oil pressure. All in all, the cabin looks tremendous.

As for performance, this Chevelle is fitted with a Turbo-Jet 396 ci L35 V8 engine, factory rated at 325 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, with everything going to the rear wheels via a Turbo Hydra-Matic three-speed automatic transmission. This thing is a straight-line beast, with plenty of pulling power. All the more reason to pay over $38k for it – I mean honestly, we usually argue in favor of buyers over dealerships, but in this particular case, the dealer (based out of New Hampshire) was totally right to call off the auction.

Show me something nicer

Fine, if you insist. Here’s a 427-powered 1968 Chevelle Malibu Sport Coupe that sold for $47,000 last year. This had an interesting power unit, built by Keith Black Racing Engines and featuring tubular headers, dual electric fans, a Holley Quick Fuel carburetor, Edelbrock Tarantula intake, high-performance cylinder heads, plus a custom exhaust system with an X-pipe and Black Widow mufflers.

Meanwhile, this Forest Green 1970 Chevelle Malibu SS 396 fetched $75,000. Enough said.