The third generation (1968 to 1974) of the Chevrolet Nova was a very popular compact car. In 1969 alone, Chevy sold more than a quarter million copies – and 17,000+ were Super Sports. Years later, regular Nova’s would become targets of cloning as performance models because the VIN wouldn’t give the cars away – at least through 1971. This nice, driver-quality ’69 Nova is badged as an SS (but likely is not) and has an off-period drivetrain. Located in Omaha, Nebraska, this Cars & Coffee Chevy is available here on craigslist for $24,000 (another great tip brought to us by Rocco B.).
From the VIN on the dashboard, this 1969 Nova was built with a V8 engine (307 or 350 cubic inches under the hood). The seller says a 327 is there now, but it was replaced in the lineup by the 350 a year earlier. It’s paired with a TH-350 automatic transmission, also likely a substitute. That’s not all that’s been changed as the paint was finished in blue originally, but it is white now (with a few nicks from the passage of time).
The odometer reads 88,000, but parts of the Chevy may have been used a lot less. We’re told it runs and drives great and is ready to head out for wherever you might want to explore. That’s supported by some recent work which includes a tune-up, brakes, gas tank, a rebuilt carburetor, and new aftermarket wheels. The interior appears tidy with a bench seat instead of buckets.
There is no reason for you to have to do anything further if you like what you see. Yet the seller says it would be ripe for a restomod using an LS engine or some other more modern powerplant. If you’re not in love with the wheels, the seller can make a swap and shave off a few bucks. But I llike the Nova just the way you see it.
Vin shows it to be at least a V8 car.
Since 327 wasn’t in the novas of this year. It was likely a 307 originally maybe even a 350.
10 bolt rear end and manual drum brakes usually mean lower end models.
Body looks great!
The car would look better without the SS emblems. The grill emblem is easy to remove, hopefully the one on the taillight panel was installed using adhesive rather than drilling holes. Once removed no one can call it a clone and it won’t represent something it’s not.
It looks like a good cruiser/driver. I keep the wheels on it since the alternative offered by the seller are fake Centerlines, not real as is stated in the ad. It’s somewhat overpriced, but sellers figure they’ll need to negotiate. There are a lot worse cars for similar money, if someone is within a few hours drive and looking for a Nova, this would be worth looking at.
Steve R
Nice car, and I bet ball to drive.
Ugh. Why do people do this? Clones are counterfeits. The original Nova in the same condition is of much greater appeal
It was in the fall of 1969, the 70 models were appearing at dealerships so left over 69 models could be purchased at a somewhat reduced price. I drove over to Brooks Biddle Chevrolet of Bothel, Washington in my old 1964 Ford Custom 500. It wasn’t long before a salesmen walked up to me and started showing me all the new cars they had; a Z-28, and a few others, then he showed me a leftover dark green with black vinyl top and rally wheels 69 Nova. It had a dealer installed 396/375 with 4 speed and black bench seat. I fell in love with the car and after arranging financing the $2700.00 dollar price tag it became my first bran new car. I was 22 years old, married with 2 baby’s and a worked at Boeing building 747 airplanes. Life was good for a few years. We bought a house near Sand point area of Seattle for $13,950.00. Life has taken a lot of twists and turns since then, but it’s been a beautiful journey. I’m going to turn 78 next month, and live alone in my paid for house in Houston, Texas. I fell in love with cars at an early age, and have owned many nice classics throughout the decades.
God Bless America
Great story johnmloghy.. I remember my Dad taking me down to Suburban Chevrolet in Hopkins, Minnesota in 1972 to look for my first real car at 19 years old..his friend, a salesman there, knew I was leaving soon for Vo-Tech school for an auto tech degree. so he took us around back of the used car building where trade-ins were stored- a 1970 El Camino SS396 was there..Opening the hood revealed a disassembled, bare block 396- said it was a housewives grocery getter and it overheated on her- the mechanics figured the block was cracked thus it was deported to the “junker” pile. We cut a deal, got it home and I soon found out it was only blown head gaskets..Long story short, I put it back together, raced it first year of Tech-School while also working in a gas station to pay the bills, then I sold it…Best car I ever had..
I second complement on Johnmloghy’s story . John do you remember that crazy Chevy dealer in the Seattle area , Dick Balash that did those crazy commercials where he would hit new cars with sledge hammers. He had one where he said he would throw the radio in for free , then proceeded to through the radio into the car breaking the window . Oh the good old days !!
Yes Robert I do remember those crazy commercials. I worked the swing shift (3:30-11:00) at Boeing so I didn’t see a lot of regular tv shows. When I got home I always watched the late show with Johnny Carson. My most memorable episode was an interview with John Denver after he wrote Flying on a jet plane.
God Bless America