Although many enthusiasts focus on the two-door variants of classic cars, some find a four-door more practical. If you’ve ever struggled to maneuver a small child into the back seat of the former, you’ll know how difficult it can be. If you’re in that situation, this affordable 1972 Nova Sedan could be a worthwhile project. It is a solid car with a V8 under the hood, and its needs appear cosmetic. The seller listed it here on Craigslist in Hollister, California. They set their price at $5,500 and make it clear they aren’t interested in trades. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Rocco B. for spotting this beauty.

It is unclear whether this Nova has spent its life in California, but its lack of significant rust could be a fair indication. The seller admits there is surface corrosion in a few spots, but the floors and underside are rock solid. The panels sport a selection of minor bumps and bruises, but addressing these in a home workshop is possible. The Midnight Bronze paint has seen better days, and the buyer will almost certainly apply a fresh coat as part of their build. Some trim pieces are missing or damaged, including the bumpers. Whether they are restorable is doubtful, meaning the buyer will probably source replacements. They might strike gold on one of the online auction sites or a local pick-a-part. Otherwise, reproduction bumpers are available for between $250 and $280 each. The tinted glass looks excellent, and the car rolls on Black Rally wheels, adding a touch of menace to this classic.

For some potential buyers, it’s what this Nova features under the hood that might make it hard to resist. The original owner ordered it with the optional 350ci V8, the most powerful motor offered by Chevrolet in the Nova Sedan in ’72. It sends 165hp to the road via a three-speed Turbo 400 transmission. Although a ¼-mile ET of 16.9 seconds may not seem impressive by modern standards, it compares well with the competition. For those craving improved performance, there is no shortage of aftermarket components that could wring more from that small-block. It’s also worth noting that this car is in excellent mechanical health. It runs and drives perfectly, allowing the buyer to immediately revel in the classic motoring experience while developing a plan of attack to transform the Nova into a head-turner.

The seller admits this Nova received a prior retrim, which seems to present acceptably in the limited interior shots. There is wear on the outer edge of the driver’s seat, but an upholsterer may be able to replace the offending panel reasonably cheaply. The back seat and door trims look okay, with the seller indicating the dash and headliner are also good. The car features factory air conditioning and an aftermarket stereo with speakers mounted in the front doors and rear parcel tray.

If you have a young family, this 1972 Nova is a vehicle the entire clan can enjoy immediately. The harsh reality is that it is unlikely to become a mega-bucks classic because the four-door models tend to sell for around 50% less than the two-door variants. That means that unless the new owner intends to keep the car for an extended period, they may need to be careful not to overcapitalize on their build. They could minimize the costs by performing whatever work is within their capabilities and only employing professionals for the tasks they cannot tackle. However, sometimes owning this type of car is about more than dollars and cents. If the entire family becomes involved, it is an experience upon which it is impossible to place a price. Would that be enough to tempt you to pursue it further?