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1997 Chevy Malibu Cruiser SEMA Concept Up For Sale

The late ‘90s and early 2000s were an interesting time to be a car enthusiast. The release of the original The Fast and the Furious movie in 2001 brought underground car modding and tuning culture into the mainstream, and the effects of that shift can still be seen today. The 1997 Chevy Malibu Cruiser SEMA Concept is a prime example of popular car customization trends from that era, and now, it’s up for grabs in a new online auction.

The rear of the 1997 Chevy Malibu Cruiser SEMA Concept.

As one might expect, the 1997 Chevy Malibu Cruiser Concept showcases extensive modifications both in aesthetics and performance. It includes an upgraded 3.5L V6 engine (originally displacing 3.1 liters) enhanced with an Aerodyne turbocharger, bespoke manifolds, and custom intake piping, paired with a four-speed automatic transaxle.

Visually, the car strikes a bold pose with its “Sublime Lime” paint, complemented by revised bumper covers, side skirts, and a carbon-fiber rear spoiler. The introduction of a raised hood, aftermarket fuel filler door, and tinted windows alongside transparent taillight lenses contribute to its classic tuner look. The vehicle sits on 19-inch Mille Miglia wheels covered by a mixed set of Nexen and Venezia tires, while the body sits on a lowered suspension. SSBC four-wheel disc brakes featuring polished calipers and slotted rotors provide the stop.

Interior upgrades follow the popular modding trends of the era with four Sparco racing seats wrapped in black leather, a full-length center console adorned with carbon-fiber trim, and multiple technological enhancements, such as a Kenwood Bluetooth head unit, powerful amplifiers, and dual subwoofers.

Notably, this vehicle was featured in the February 2002 issue of HCI – Hot Compact & Imports magazine. GM originally assembled the vehicle as a concept for display at the 2001 SEMA show.

Now, the 1997 Chevy Malibu Cruiser SEMA Concept is up for grabs in a new online auction at Bring A Trailer, presenting only 15,000 miles on the odometer and a clean Carfax report. As of this writing (4/16/2024), the highest bid of 12 placed thus far is set at $6,950. The auction is set to end on Thursday, April 18th.

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Jonathan is an automotive journalist based out of Southern California. He loves anything and everything on four wheels.

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Comments

  1. Not a bad looking car/concept. But man, those nasty taillamps were such a fad and went out (thankfully) as fast as they came in. Never liked them. This would have looked nice with a smoked/darkened red with the amber turn signal taillamps.

    Same thing with the dorky Escalade taillamps that are so cheesy. That’s why I think the GMC and Chevy versions are much better. Well that and 20 grand less for the same box.

    Reply
  2. Love that red Eldorado in the background. Yum.

    Reply

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