This front-on shot of this 1974 Chevrolet Nova Custom tells us far more about this classic than you may first realize. Take a close look. Do you see any chips or paint imperfections? You don’t? That’s unsurprising, because this Nova has led an extraordinarily sheltered life. It has never seen snow or rain, and is about to clock 17,000 original miles. It is a stunning survivor whose cause is aided by the small-block V8 under the hood. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this stunning survivor listed here on Craigslist in Kimberly, Wisconsin. The seller set their price at $38,000, indicating that the figure is firm.
Chevrolet’s Third Generation Nova range appeared in showrooms for the 1968 model year, but one of the most significant changes occurred during the 1973 facelift. The company introduced a Hatchback variant to the range, which remained available until production ended in 1974. This Nova Custom is a final-year Hatchback with a story to tell. The seller has listed it on behalf of the owner, who has been its custodian since Day One. They ordered this beauty in Medium Red, a color guaranteed to turn heads. What makes this classic special is that, apart from the Cragar wheels, it is a genuine unrestored survivor. It has never seen rain or snow, remaining safely tucked away in a warm and dry garage when not prowling the streets. Even its on-road activities have been relatively few, with this Nova about to roll over to 17,000 original miles. That equates to around 334 miles per year, which is extraordinarily low. Therefore, finding anything worth criticizing is seemingly impossible. The paint looks flawless, the panels are laser-straight, and the underside shots reveal floors that are clean enough to eat off. There is no evidence of surface corrosion, let alone penetrating rust. The trim looks terrific, and the glass is clear.
The current owner must have liked the feel of a V8, as this Nova is equipped with a 350ci small-block. Its specifications are unclear, but that year’s Sales Brochure confirms that it should deliver at least 145hp to the driver. A three-speed Hydramatic tackles shifting duties, while the Nova also scores power-assisted steering and brakes. The seller doesn’t mention verifying the evidence for their mileage claim, but the spotless engine bay makes it plausible. The Nova is said to be numbers-matching, and although the car’s mechanical health isn’t mentioned, I see nothing to indicate that it is anything but a turnkey proposition.
Scrutinizing this Nova’s interior reveals something important. If it isn’t a genuine low-mileage survivor as claimed by the seller, someone has spent a small fortune on a restoration. The interior is another aspect of this classic that appears perfect, but I believe that is because this Nova really is an original classic that has led a sheltered life. The herringbone cloth is free from wear, as is the vibrant Red carpet. The dash and pad are perfect, and the only additions are designed to protect this beauty. They include a wheel wrap and rubber floor mats. It isn’t loaded with options beyond an AM radio and a rear defogger. Taking this Nova to a Cars & Coffee will undoubtedly draw respectful comments, but the number of those will certainly grow when people discover the truth about this classic.
Placing a value on some classics is relatively easy, while others pose unique challenges. This 1974 Chevrolet Nova Custom falls into the second category, due to its condition and odometer reading. The seller’s price is far beyond the top end of the market and exceeds Hagerty and NADA’s values for a pristine example. However, many classic purchases are made with the heart, and not the head. Do you think someone will follow that approach, or will compromise be the key to this Nova finding a new home?
This is one VERY nice Nova; spec’d exactly like I’d want! Not fond of the wheels, but everything else is great, and it’s a hatchback! Realistically, I think the pricing is high. GLWTA!! :-)
I’m pretty sure if it doesn’t have a 350 badge above the front marker then the v8 is a 307
There were no 307’s in ‘74.
Flipping the air cleaner lid over adds another .00578 HP.
First thing that came to my mind was flipping the air cleaner lid, lol
The red carpet isn’t original. The only ’74 Novas with red carpet were the “Spirit of America” versions.
I would rather pay 40s for the Spirit of America version Nova,,,,
Chevrolet offered red or blue carpet with black interiors on Camaro, Nova and Vega.
Nothing in the ‘74 brochure about that.
CCFisher is right about no red carpet except for Spirit of America Novas.
I have a vague memory that during the ’74 run, the front-fender “350” nameplates went away–bragging that engine up as the base V8 probably wasn’t such a good idea in 1974.
I don’t think my dad’s ’74, with a 350, ever got more than 14mph. He had always had full size Chevys, but decided to downsize as gas prices went up. I remember him being more than a little disappointed.
Posting deleted… My first car memories were of the ’73 Nova Custom my parents bought new. I was just 2 years old and we had it until I was 8. I recall ours being a darker red with a black vinyl top and sunroof, The sunroof was offered on some other GM’s of that time and had a special name for the option (? saw one featured on here recently). Ours had the 350 emblem, can’t recall if it was above or beneath the front marker lamp. I believe this would have had the rally wheels with chrome trim rings as ours did. I cried when dad traded it in on a 1980 Plymouth Volare. The Nova was just a much cooler car to be seen in for a young kid, but the exhaust valves were failing on it. Back then in Ohio, a muffler replacement was a fairly common need every couple years or so due to rust out. My dad believed an incorrect muffler was installed at the local Muffler King, resulting in too much back pressure, causing the valve issue. I often wonder if running unleaded had anything to do with it (?)
My first car was a ’73 Nova Custom hatchback, bucket seats, a dark magenta with the blackout on the rear taillight panel, sport mirrors, and auto on the floor with the console. Someone installed a sunroof, air shocks, and chrome wheels. I also had the 350 numbers on the front clip. I hated selling that car, but I had to pay for college. It had pretty bad rust in the hatchback. I have spent a lot of time looking for another.
Many early 70’s (and earlier) cars had problems with unleaded gas. Installing the hardened valve seats as part of a valve job was the fix.
The EPA mandated that all cars sold in the USA after the 1970 model year (September, 1969) had to be able to run on low-lead or no-lead gasoline. This 1974 example certainly qualifies. Note the Federally-mandated “Bash Beam” 5 mph bumpers at both ends of the car. 1973 only had the big bumpers in the front end of the car. The body style changed in September, 1974, with the advent of catalytic converters for the 1975 model year.
Nice car but the seller is a dreamer
I’ve got an all original 74 SS Hatchback that I got in 2018 that I’ve been redoing ever since. It has the 350 emblem above the side marker light.
IMO way too much money for this car. low miles yes but close to 40k. no way there are better cars for that kind of money
I bought a yellow one in 79 and I paid 1800.00
Actually the HP for the ’74 350/4bl. was 185 net. (https://oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Chevrolet/1974_Chevrolet/1974_Chevrolet_Nova_Brochure/1974%20Chevrolet%20Nova-10-11.html)
And could be more now, with the usual modern upgrades to the engine and exhaust. EFI, with headers, duel exhausts and some judicious machine work on the heads to bump up the compression ratio and make this puppy breathe better! It will be both way cleaner and more powerful than anything the Engineers could have hoped for in 1974. The primitive anti-smog gear of the era really cut the power output on these engines! Fortunately, modern technology giveth what the EPA taketh away, LOL!
Elwood Blues speaks the truth! “It’s a ’74, so it’ll run good on regular (leaded) gas!”
IMO, this vehicle is worth a little more than half the asking price.
25K would be all the money in the world for a 74 Nova no matter how nice.
In 73, with the advent of the colonades being released Olds offered a flip up sun roof called the vista vent.
Too bad its not a 72 or older as the 73-74 style bumpers just ruined the Nova, and most cars really. Really nice car but seems a little steep! I do love Nova’s but oh, those bumpers.
Yes, you’re right, but I think that pre-’73 bumpers will bolt on, if you can find a set! Maybe some NOS parts or reproduction parts.
Nice clean Nova but way too high too high 15k-20k range. Clean but no A/C which is ok and carpet and seats do not match.
I did not like these back in the day. Now I get them and think there neat. (The small bumper Maverick just entered my chat LOL). Truly grooving on that seat fabric. This is a nice old Nova for sure.