We’ve recently seen a few examples of the Third Generation Chevrolet Nova at Barn Finds, and this 1969 example doesn’t pretend to be something it isn’t. It is a rock-solid vehicle with a V8 under the hood and a genuine 29,000 miles on the clock. Its needs are relatively minor, and since they aren’t urgent, the buyer could address the shortcomings as time and circumstances allow. The seller has listed the Nova here on eBay in Strasburg, Virginia. They have received no bids on an auction that opened at $25,000, but they do provide a BIN option of $42,000 for those wishing to bypass the auction process.
Okay, what makes this 1969 Nova special? The car spent most of its life in Southern California, meaning that its rust is confined to one tiny spot on the driver’s side front fender. Otherwise, this baby is as solid as the day it left the factory. That is an important attribute for those unable to undertake potentially expensive restoration work. The seller confirms that the car received a repaint in its original LeMans Blue in the 1990s, and the lack of deterioration is indicative of a classic that has been treated respectfully and protected from the worst that Mother Nature could throw at it. The panels are straight, and the vinyl top is in as-new condition. Someone added Rally wheels that don’t look out of place. The trim looks exceptional for a vehicle of this vintage, and there are no visible glass shortcomings.
Apart from the lack of significant rust, this Nova’s greatest attribute could be its numbers-matching drivetrain. The first owner teamed a 307ci V8 with a three-speed automatic transmission and power assistance for the steering and brakes, producing a car offering a fairly effortless driving experience. The 307 was the entry-level motor in the V8 arsenal, delivering 200hp and 300 ft/lbs of torque. The car won’t offer the level of performance of an SS, but it should still motor along at 70 without breaking a sweat. Apart from being original, the other ace up the Nova’s mechanical sleeve is the fact that it has a genuine 29,000 miles on the clock. I know that some might question that, but the seller emphasizes that the figure is documented. They also include the original Window Sticker, Dealer Order Form, and Protect-O-Plate for those who crave paperwork. The only non-original items are the modern-style exhaust and the front brakes that have been upgraded to discs. While the seller supplies no information on the vehicle’s mechanical health, I expect nothing but good news for a Nova within this price bracket.
Aftermarket changes to this Nova’s interior are restricted to the under-dash gauge cluster to monitor the car’s mechanical health. I always consider these a wise investment from an “insurance” perspective that can be removed if the buyer prefers originality. Otherwise, this interior is as it left the factory. The first owner equipped the car with bucket seats, a console, an AM radio, and Blue vinyl trim. The vinyl is in good order, although there may be a small rip or hole in the outer edge of the driver’s seat. Otherwise, there is little deserving criticism. The dash is in good condition, the carpet is free from significant wear, and the wheel is crack-free.
I do not doubt that we will have some readers who will look at this 1969 Chevrolet Nova and immediately have visions of an SS tribute dancing in their heads. Those feelings are understandable because it would be ideal for that approach. However, the numbers-matching drivetrain, low odometer reading, and overall solid nature will lead many to believe that preservation is more appropriate. It might not possess the presence or performance of the SS, but its positive attributes more than compensate for that. Do you agree, or would the tribute path be impossible to resist?
A very ambitious price to be asking on this car. I like the Nova but definitely think it needs some work done to be asking even in the 20’s from normal wear from being drove. I question the mileage with odometers that rolled over in the earlier days and hope that he has documentation to prove it. The 200 horsepower small 307 was not the power and handling other GM cars had to offer. I wish the owner good luck with the sale. I remember the Nova’s being sold in high numbers and seen on the streets back in the day.
That was the shifter and console I had in my 73. You don’t see them too often.
I thought the opening bid was a stretch then I saw the BIN! Good luck with that.
Thought that too, thought the same about the $38,000 1970 Chevelle featured on this site a couple of days ago, but it now says “sale pending.
Steve R
I’ve never seen a factory center console in a non SS 3rd gen. Nova. And I’ve seen & owned a lot of Novas. Good luck.
There was another non-SS 69 Nova featured on this site in January that had factory buckets and console, the ad even included the original window sticker. It was a nice car, highly modified with an LS6. I think the asking price was high-50’s to low-60’s.
There used to be a guy a couple of blocks down the street with a 69-72 non-SS Nova with buckets and console, that’s the only one I ever recall seeing equipped that way in person.
Steve R
I replied, but maybe because I linked it to youtube, it did not allow it. There is a 73 with the factory console and shifter at one of the classic car places, it is also in the catalog. Funny thing was mine was a custom with maroon paint, blackout taillight panel buckets and sport mirrors. I can not find the color listed anywhere,e but I know it was original.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ce6zNmb3t-Q Here is a link to a car that has one. Mine was a 73 Custom, sport mirrors, bucket seats, had the blacked out tail light panel, Auto console on the floor, 350 2 barrel and turbo 350 and was Maroon. The 73 catalog shows the console in the cars but a different style shifter. They also do not show the paint option, but I had to repaint a doo,r and we went and got the color. This was my first car and although I am old I remember what it had in it.
I think everyone on remembers their first car no matter how old we are.
The girls who may have ridden in them? Maybe. Lol!
First year with fed. mandated headrests.
Unlike so many other power enthusiasts, I’m an original leave it alone guy. My Dad had that 307 in his ’68 Impala and it seemed to be plenty. Heck, at least I finally got a radio and after some honking from yours truly, a rear speaker!
I like how the original buyer tricked the interior with the console & buckets. Looks like the drivers seat may need a panel replacement at the very least. And whoever had this, the placement of aftermarkets like the guages & the overflow reservoir put some thought into the appearance. Nicely done. And while I usually like the exhaust to exit inside of the back bumper, once again, nicely done. They fit.
Good looking car.
lill better shape than the other today.
Still, I’ll take 1st 2 gen’s ‘nice square lines”.
Bucket seats (A51) were NOT SS-only, though they were 2dr. coupe-only.
Friend of mine had a 1972 nova with a 350engine/350 trans with a/c power steering and manual drum brakes with the auto floor shifter like this one. Sold the car last year for 10,000 dollars and the we both saw it on another web site the next month for 16,500. It was a running car with torque thrust 14 inch rims from the 1970’s