1971 Chevrolet Malibu Convertible with LS2 engine

Until that moment It’s easy for humans to just go with the flow and be part of the herd. Those who stand out do so because they approach life differently. This also applies to the hot rods and custom cars we build—a lot of it feels the same way. Those who show creativity may be more likely to catch our attention, like our Pick of the Day, a 1971 Chevrolet Malibu Convertible powered by an LS2. It’s listed on ClassicCars.com by a seller in Jacksonville, Florida. (Click on the link to view the listing)

Starting with the 1962 Lotus Elan, hidden headlights quickly became a “fad,” followed by the Chevrolet Corvette. This styling feature continued into the early 2000s. Mainstream adoption of hidden headlights seems to have started with the 1965 Buick Riviera, and Chevrolet, the most mainstream brand, never jumped on the bandwagon like other manufacturers. We all know that the 1967-69 Camaro with the Rally Sport package had hidden headlights, and the 1968-69 Caprice and 1969 Kingswood Estate wagon, which were less common, had this package as an option.

Note that the Chevelle never had hidden headlights. It also seemed to eschew other trends of the era, such as spoilers. Even the air intake system (which had been available on the GTO since 1965) didn’t become a reality until 1970. The Cowl Induction system, introduced in 1972, became one of the most efficient systems on the market.

In 1971, Chevrolet revamped the Chevelle, reflecting influences from the 1970-½ Camaro, including its dual headlights and round taillights. Under the hood was another major change, as GM decided to introduce a low-compression engine a year ahead of federal mandate. The Super Sport also became a watered-down version, now featuring 350 twin- and quad-cylinder engines in addition to the big-block. The LS3 400 (actually a 402ci) was rated at 300 horsepower, while two 454s were available: the LS5 454, which increased 5 horses to 365 horsepower (although this was advertised rather than on paper), and the LS6, which dropped to a still-respectable 425. For some reason, however, the LS6 was only installed in the Corvette.

Coming full circle, we now have a very nice LS2-powered 1971 Chevrolet Malibu Convertible with seemingly hidden headlights. Obviously this wasn’t offered from the factory, but the builder created a classy look that gives it the feel of a 1969 Camaro RS. “The nut-and-bolt rotisserie restoration was completed in 2015 by Mike Staveski of RMR Dream Cars/Time Machines in Hudson, Florida,” the seller says. “This 1971 Chevrolet Chevelle was a standout at the SEMA Ignited after-party on Friday, November 6, 2015, which drew hundreds of people. The car was also the star of the Atech Motorsports booth at SEMA, wowing onlookers with its blend of classic Chevelle styling and 21st century craftsmanship.”

Power comes from an all-aluminum LS2 with a Rootes-type Magnuson supercharger and is mated to a 4L60E four-speed automatic transmission. At the rear, you’ll find a 12-bolt rear with 3.73 gears and Positraction. Other features include four-wheel disc brakes and QA1 adjustable coilover shocks.

Finished in black with ghost SS stripes and red accents, this Chevelle looks gorgeous with its full-width grille and modern design…plus, it has SEMA credibility! Creativity and quality don’t come cheap, however, which is why you’ll need $114,999 to own this particular Chevelle.

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