What's your opinion of this eBay car?

[442w30]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Chevrolet...ht_54558wt_1167 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Chevrolet-Chevelle-Malibu-400-1971-Chevelle-Malibu-400-Covertible-COPO-Big-Block-RARE_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem19b769de4aQQitemZ1 10451351114QQptZUSQ5fCarsQ5fTrucks#ht_54558wt_1167 )

[RPOLS3]

Looks to be real deal Malibu 400 car. Im my opinion more restored than original but still very nice. Unusual options such as cruise control. Appears to be incorrect spare tire size, wonder why no posi sticker under the trunk, tires and wheels on car are not factory (I put same ones on my Malibu 400), SS exhaust tips are not correct. Mostly nit picky stuff. Looks like all hard to find stuff under the hood is there, would be nice to see engine #'s and especially carb # as that quadrajet can be expensive to find if not original.

If I recall correctly this same car was for sale at a dealer about 6 months ago.

Good luck

Jake

[MultiMopars]

This is just my OPINION.

First of all, as we know rare and desirable don't always go togather. That is the case for ME on this car.

My idea of a supercar (and the reason I joined this site) is a 60s-70s muscle car with at the very LEAST 375 h.p. and the torque to go with it, in other words, a BIG BLOCK. A 300 h.p. car is pretty anemic to me. The fact that it took a COPO order to get/make the car doesn't hold the same luster that I think of when I typically think COPO.

Then there is the color. Greens and Golds were very popular back in the days of these cars, but today MOST people want Red, Black, Blue or nearly ANY OTHER color other than Green or Gold. Oh, sure there will be a few that will chime in that they are sick of seeing the better selling desired colors, and like seeing something like this car. BUT, when it comes down to BUYING one, a lot of these guys will change their tune.

I looked at the car breifly and it appears to be a nice car, but it didn't hold my interest enough to read every word of the auction like I would if I really LIKE a car.

Nothing I would ever consider buying unless I thought I could make money on it, and then I would really have to think about it. I have a rule that I never buy any old car for resale that I would be unhappy with if I couldn't get it sold.

[Charley Lillard]

I dunno what makes it a COPO but it looks like a very nice car to me.

[motionwannabe]

Nice car but what makes it a copo? Malibu 400s arent that rare I dont think. I know a guy that has two of them. god I hope he doesnt see this on ebay he'll think hes the chosen one and sitting on a gold mine. YIKES http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[MultiMopars]

[ QUOTE ]
I dunno what makes it a COPO but it looks like a very nice car to me.

[/ QUOTE ]

It is a COPO because the engine was not available in that model. The only way you could get it was a Central Office Production Order (special order that was not on the option list.)

As I said above, NOT what you typically think of when you hear COPO e.g. 427 Camaro.

[Late BrakeU2]

So is code 43 in 71 mint green metallic and in 70 it was Citrus?

Cool car definitely would be the only kid on your block with one.

[370454s]

It is not a COPO!!! LS-3 400 was a Regular Production Option starting in 1970 Malibus. I looked at a 1 owner Chevelle almost identical this, except it was triple dark green. A member of our old Chevelle Club, Yesterdays Chevelles and El-Caminos,his mother bought the car new at Sunset Chevrolet in Renton,Wa. I saw all the paperwork for that Triple Green Convertible, no Special Order Stuff at all. No COPO period!!! The triple green one I refer to is in VA or MA and belongs to a Member on Team Chevelle Screenname REDMAN F-1.
Mike

[MultiMopars]

[ QUOTE ]
It is not a COPO!!! LS-3 400 was a Regular Production Option starting in 1970 Malibus. I looked at a 1 owner Chevelle almost identical this, except it was triple dark green. A member of our old Chevelle Club, Yesterdays Chevelles and El-Caminos,his mother bought the car new at Sunset Chevrolet in Renton,Wa. I saw all the paperwork for that Triple Green Convertible, no Special Order Stuff at all. No COPO period!!! The triple green one I refer to is in VA or MA and belongs to a Member on Team Chevelle Screenname REDMAN F-1.
Mike

[/ QUOTE ]


Maybe I mis-spoke. The ad is written to seem that the engine is the reason for COPO.

It MAY be that since it was a GM employee that ordered the car it was done through COPO simply for special handling. Just a GUESS. If that was the case it would really mean nothing regarding any special equipment not typically available.

[BJCHEV396]

I can't get past the baby puke green! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsdown.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif

[motionwannabe]

I have to agree!!!! The two I know of one is red and the other is dark blue both have the LS-3 400 and it was an RPO not a copo http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[MosportGreen66]

I am very close to this car if you need an inspection from an unbiased eye.

[olredalert]

-----Im struck by the strange arrangement of options. Remote mirror and cruise and then no power windows or tilt column or power door locks, but wait,,,it has AM-FM. I like the car, strange color and all, but I would get those floor-mats out of there. They clash with the other greens in there, dont ya know.........Bill S

[ANDY M]

This one is a survivor, lives here in Columbus.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a146/ameyers215/Maxton9-09001.jpg

[ohhawk]

Looks like a nice car and it probably is somewhat rare in its configuration. I would think the market for this car would be pretty narrow however due to the year and the overall color combo.

[jbsides]

Is there some style trim group difference between the Columbus survivor and the "COPO" car? Why the chrome strip on one, and "400 Malibu" on the rear of the front fenders versus the "400" on the front of the front fender. I am definitely no "Mr 70" when it comes to these cars...

JB

[m22mike]

The red car is a 70. The green one a 71. The trim on the 70 is Malibu specific for 70 only...I think...

[Pulnaway]

I e-mailed the guy asking about the copo and about how many were built and his responce was to look on the internet! lol

[442w30]

I had a more eloquent response from him, but I remain unconvinced. We'll see if he responds to my response...

[MultiMopars]

[ QUOTE ]
I had a more eloquent response from him, but I remain unconvinced. We'll see if he responds to my response...

[/ QUOTE ]

So, what is YOUR opinion on this car?

[442w30]

Well, I'm not a Chevy guy, but it's my understanding that there's nothing COPO about it because it appears that everything that the car is about was available to the guy on the street.

Additionally, there are no true production figures to show many were built; all there is to go by is the extrapolation done by Daniel Carr, which serves as a special-interest item and is nothing cast in stone.

I was just curious if I was on the right track or if I was mistaken. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

[MultiMopars]

[ QUOTE ]
Well, I'm not a Chevy guy, but it's my understanding that there's nothing COPO about it because it appears that everything that the car is about was available to the guy on the street.

Additionally, there are no true production figures to show many were built; all there is to go by is the extrapolation done by Daniel Carr, which serves as a special-interest item and is nothing cast in stone.

I was just curious if I was on the right track or if I was mistaken. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

[/ QUOTE ]



I think the COPO thing requires some more investigation for those interested. The sells says he has a lot of documentation, so if it truely is a COP order there MAY be some type of proof. However if it was simply because it was an employee car, that certainly doesn't put it in any kind of a value class for what we typically think of when we hear COPO.

[flyingn]

this Malibu IS a big block

[ QUOTE ]
This is just my OPINION.

First of all, as we know rare and desirable don't always go togather. That is the case for ME on this car.

My idea of a supercar (and the reason I joined this site) is a 60s-70s muscle car with at the very LEAST 375 h.p. and the torque to go with it, in other words, a BIG BLOCK. A 300 h.p. car is pretty anemic to me. The fact that it took a COPO order to get/make the car doesn't hold the same luster that I think of when I typically think COPO.

Then there is the color. Greens and Golds were very popular back in the days of these cars, but today MOST people want Red, Black, Blue or nearly ANY OTHER color other than Green or Gold. Oh, sure there will be a few that will chime in that they are sick of seeing the better selling desired colors, and like seeing something like this car. BUT, when it comes down to BUYING one, a lot of these guys will change their tune.

I looked at the car breifly and it appears to be a nice car, but it didn't hold my interest enough to read every word of the auction like I would if I really LIKE a car.

Nothing I would ever consider buying unless I thought I could make money on it, and then I would really have to think about it. I have a rule that I never buy any old car for resale that I would be unhappy with if I couldn't get it sold.

[/ QUOTE ]

[RPOLS3]

Is Rainer anywhere to chime in on this? He knows these Malibu 400's pretty well too.

Here is a link to his site:

http://malibu400.com/

Jake

[wheelhop]

I sent this seller an email and asked him why he was calling this car a copo and told him I thought he was misleading people? He responded back rather rudely and said it was a GM executive special order and mentioned the special suspension. He also told me to not email him again!
Well, I emailed him back and told him this car could have been ordered by anyone off of the street and was not a COPO!

I'm waiting for his reply.

[MultiMopars]

[ QUOTE ]
Is Rainer anywhere to chime in on this? He knows these Malibu 400's pretty well too.

Here is a link to his site:

http://malibu400.com/

Jake

[/ QUOTE ]

I know it is a big block, but it is only 300 h.p.

[Bill Pritchard]

Our local Chevy dealer in Aurora, IL in 1971 sold a whole bunch of Malibus factory equipped with the 402 (marketed as a '400'). IMO the car is not a COPO, as the engine carried the LS3 RPO designation.

[Late BrakeU2]

[ QUOTE ]
Well, I'm not a Chevy guy, but it's my understanding that there's nothing COPO about it because it appears that everything that the car is about was available to the guy on the street.


[/ QUOTE ]

If it can be proven F41 was only availible with RPO Z15 it supports the sellers claim. The build sheet clearly shows employee's name it matches the POP so who knows?. It's an interesting car for sure,great paper,but if it's that original why do you finish it with ralley wheels,T/A's and maint free batt? As far as the engine it's been established LS3 was availible in a Malibu through 72, so it's about as COPO as an LM1 in a 69 Camaro.

[MultiMopars]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Well, I'm not a Chevy guy, but it's my understanding that there's nothing COPO about it because it appears that everything that the car is about was available to the guy on the street.


[/ QUOTE ]

If it can be proven F41 was only availible with RPO Z15 it supports the sellers claim. The build sheet clearly shows employee's name it matches the POP so who knows?. It's an interesting car for sure,great paper,but if it's that original why do you finish it with ralley wheels,T/A's and maint free batt? As far as the engine it's been established LS3 was availible in a Malibu through 72, so it's about as COPO as an LM1 in a 69 Camaro.

[/ QUOTE ]


I see complaints about this stuff ALL the time on these forums. I just don't understand WHY people have such a problem with it?
The wheels may be a personal choice of the owner.
I too like to use radial tires on my old muscle cars for daily driving as they make a HUGH difference in the way the car drives.
Batteries (like tires) are a consumable wear items that don't typically last all that long. Especially the very expensive restoration batteries which are notorious for crapping out earlier than other "regular" batteries which are far less expensive.

The bottom line here is that it may or may not be important to a buyer. If it is a deal breaker (which would be stupid) then the buyer and seller could certainly negotiate the price based on the value of those few items. It is not like a color change from the original the car was born with that is a major undertaking and quite expensive to correct. The items listed above are a total of about $1500. to rectify and that does not account for any salvage value of the parts removed.

BTW, IF this car was painted red, black, or blue "I" would actually pay more for it than the born in green it was supposed to be. There is just no accounting for taste is there? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif

[PeteLeathersac]

Aside from the Copo tale and a few details I like it too...including the color!.
If the great paper is genuine it's really too bad the guy doesn't just let the car stand on it's own!.

Here's a bit more on it's recent history..

Posted for sale here for $35,990..
http://testing.ecarlist.com/showroom/120...400-Convertible (http://testing.ecarlist.com/showroom/1206/vehicle/202846/1971-Chevrolet-Chevelle-Malibu-400-Convertible)

Listed on pg. # 27 of this link as sold at auction in Jan. '06 for 45,900..
http://www.rickcarey.com/MarketJournal/CCOMJ2006/RuppKruseFtLauderdale010806CCOMJ.pdf

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif
~ Pete

--------------------
I like real cars best...the REAL real ones!

[Mr70]

This is another example of a seller stretching the facts a bit and getting in the way of a really nice car.

Chevrolet made 9,791 <u>CONVERTIBLE</u> LS-3(BB 402),L-48 &amp; L-65 equipped 1971 Chevelles.No breakdown exists on specific engine to body.
Chevrolet made 17,656 LS-3 (BB-402) equipped Chevelles/Elcaminos &amp; Monte Carlos in 1971.
Chevrolet made 64,182 LS-3(BB 402) equipped Impalas in 1971.
Chevrolet made 1,533 LS-3(BB 402) equipped Camaros in 1971.
That's a total of 83,371 vehicles with the 300Hp/LS-3 (BB402) for 1971.

His 550 claim is way off balance,as he's probably referring to the 548 produced CLS suffixed LS-3 Chevelles.Those came with the RPO MC-1 Heavy Duty 3spd.M/T.His is carrying an Automatic,of which 80,697 1971 Chevelles/Elco/Monte C.-Impalas &amp; Camaros did,coded CLB and available in all bodystyles.
His M-40 TH400 came behind 21,333 1971 Big Block Chevelles.
The F-41 suspension was not Z-15 Super Sport specific in 1971.You could order it with any V-8.
16,994 1971 Chevelle/Elco/Monte C. came with the optional RPO U-14 tach &amp; gauges,and you didn't have to order the Z-15 Super Sport pckg.to get them.

Although close in shade,1970 code 43 Citrus Green metallic has a different receipe the 1971's code 43 Lime Green metallic and both are different from 1972's code 43 Gulf green metallic.

Although a fine example,it doesn't look to me like there's anything specifically "COPO" about this Chevelle.Everything was available as a public RPO.
A former GM employee might have ordered it through a dealer channel to get a GM employee discount,but I doubt he filed a Central Office Production Order for that.
..and that's a 1970 version USA-1 Taiwan reproduction license plate.

[RPOLS3]

Here are production figures from Rainer's website
www. malibu400.com

Did not format real well but the first # is manual trans, 2nd # is auto trans.

1971 Models with LS3 Engines

Manual Trans Auto Trans
Chevelle 300 Deluxe 2-door coupe 33 77
Malibu 2-door coupe 562 1287
Malibu Convertible 15 35
Chevelle 300 Deluxe 4-door sedan 29 67
Malibu 4-door sedan 119 278
Malibu 4-door sport sedan 66 155
Chevelle station wagon (including Nomad,
Greenbrier, and Concours models) 127 293
Totals 951 2192

Rare and desirable are 2 different things. They made some 3 speed manual transmission 67 Corvettes which are rare - but not many people want them.

Jake

[442w30]

[ QUOTE ]

If it can be proven F41 was only availible with RPO Z15 it supports the sellers claim.

[/ QUOTE ]

Well, there are two points here:

1) If you're going to make such a grandiose claim as a COPO, why not back it up correctly?

2) If true about the suspension and the SS package (I personally doubt it), who cares? It's an interesting talking point, but it doesn't all of a sudden make the car more valuable heads-and-shoulders above any other Chevelle ragtop.

From Mr. Dykstra:
[ QUOTE ]
Here are production figures from Rainer's website

[/ QUOTE ]

But those are statistical estimates and not real numbers, so I don't think it is worth repeating something that people are using as factual information.

[Mr70]

The F-41 suspension was not Z-15 Super Sport specific in 1971.
You could option it on ANY Chevelle V-8...16,431 NON SS's did during 1971.

[442w30]

That's what I figured!

[RichSchmidt]

Unless it is totally bogus,this car is still something special.A bigblock convertable A body is something worth investing in.Despite the claims that it take at least 375 hp to be a supercar,maybe that defines super,but as a muscle car,this car offers far more appeal.if you lined this thing up against an LS6 car right off the showroom floor in a drag race this car might actually win since both cars are traction deprived,but this car would need less radical gearing and could better utilize an automatic trans.As far as I am concerend this car is way more driveable then any "super car".Solid lifter engines with no AC, that need tall rear end gears just to feel fast,are loud and now require race gas just to drive on the street arent something that appeal to many buyers,even many investors.If this car is as original as the seller claims,with all that paperwork,this car is something special,that might be worth more to some then a restored L78 car with a non numers block,or no paperwork,or extensive sheet metal replacement.

As far as the owner claiming it is a copo,it doesnt sem like that is the case just because the options werent listed as part of a package.To me a real COPO is a batch of cars that a dealer ordered that were totally outside the scope of RPO.This is still a very sharp car none the less.

[MultiMopars]

[ QUOTE ]
Unless it is totally bogus,this car is still something special.A bigblock convertable A body is something worth investing in.Despite the claims that it take at least 375 hp to be a supercar,maybe that defines super,but as a muscle car,this car offers far more appeal.if you lined this thing up against an LS6 car right off the showroom floor in a drag race this car might actually win since both cars are traction deprived,but this car would need less radical gearing and could better utilize an automatic trans.As far as I am concerend this car is way more driveable then any "super car".Solid lifter engines with no AC, that need tall rear end gears just to feel fast,are loud and now require race gas just to drive on the street arent something that appeal to many buyers,even many investors.If this car is as original as the seller claims,with all that paperwork,this car is something special,that might be worth more to some then a restored L78 car with a non numers block,or no paperwork,or extensive sheet metal replacement.

As far as the owner claiming it is a copo,it doesnt sem like that is the case just because the options werent listed as part of a package.To me a real COPO is a batch of cars that a dealer ordered that were totally outside the scope of RPO.This is still a very sharp car none the less.

[/ QUOTE ]

I don't think that anyone is discounting the fact that the car is not a somewhat desireable car. heck, it IS a big block convert Chevelle.

You may be a little behind the times with your other comment. There are MANY of these old hipo big blocks that run on pump gas and have street manners due to quenck motor building. They came from the factory with street legal exhaust and most any of these old cars regardly of big or small block/h.p. were available with a varity of gears. A/C was and IS a preference of the buyer/owner and I don't think it has a place in this senario. The factory typically limited the availability of A/C on the engines with hi rev cams so the belts would stay on and the compressors would not fail.