Finally, a third-generation Chevy Nova that likely isn’t going to be made into an SS 396 clone. It has too many doors for that, but it does have a 350 cubic inch V8 engine, which would make it a peppier family car. It was restored at least 10 years ago but the vehicle wasn’t treated well and many of its cosmetics need to be done over again. It drives fine, so would you restore it or use it as a daily beater?
The 1972 Chevy Nova was little changed from the 1971 model which itself was very similar. Now set up to run on low-lead or no-lead fuel, the 350 V8 was rated at a mere 165 hp, but part of that was the shift in measurement to SAE net specifications. And that was with a 2-barrel carburetor, the best you could do without ordering the SS 350 (which had a 4-barrel). Despite the lack of changes, the Nova continued to sell well at nearly 350,000 units. Of those, 89,500 had 4-doors (with slightly more than half having the 307 or 350 powerplants).
This car was recently acquired by the seller from a couple of friends. We’re told the machine was restored about 10 years ago but was left outside and Mother Nature worked her negative magic. The mileage is said to be less than 5,000, but we assume 105,000 is more like it. The engine and TH-350 automatic transmission are up to snuff, so it’s just the looks of the vehicle that are problematic.
The interior was completely new a decade ago – from top to bottom. But now one seat is faded, and the carpeting has run its course, but the rest seems to be okay. The body now has its share of dents and dings, and the paint looks to have orange peel on the upward-facing surfaces. And rust is starting to creep in here and there. This is a restorable project, but would you have more in the car than it might ever be worth? From Dos Polos, California, this Nova is available here on eBay for $5,450 OBO.
Russ, you said there’s no danger of making this a clone, and yes, it would need to be a 2 door, but last year at a car show, I saw a 70 nova 4 door with a 396, 4 speed, and bucket seats. It had the SS hood, but none of the badges. The build was meticulously done, and the crowd at the show bypassed all the standard fare just to drool over the nova, myself included.
Must have been today’s younger drivers drooling – they all dislike getting into the back seat of a 2 door – i have YET to see a new TWO door Bronco on the road. That won’t last much longer.
As an owner of a ’22 2 door Bronco, I agree with you – not too many takers, which means 2 things:
– I never see myself coming and going, like with the 4 doors.
– Ford will stop making the 2 door model soon enough,
Too bad it doesn’t have the 153ci Iron Duke 4 cyl with a 4 spd, then it would be really rare. Great motor IMO
This car is really rough for the asking price, rusty in several places, paint is shot, bumpers need straightening and re-chromed, needs interior work and who knows what else. If it runs well it might make sense as a $2,500 beater, but unless this is your dream car you’d be better off starting with a project you really like. Over the last 50+ years there have been countless desirable cars produced, many can be found in the neighborhood of this cars asking price, better to start with something you like that makes financial sense.
Steve R
Does the auxiliary power unit parked on the sidewalk come with the Nova?
When I saw’r the “twice pipes”, I feared the worst. Someone stuck some high falootin’ tugboat motor in an otherwise mediocre car, but t’was not, just a good old 4 door Nova, the kind most of us remember. Grandpas Nova was a 2 door, and we never could figure that out. He was always a 4 door guy, no exceptions. I suppose he figured, we grandkids were grown, no need for a 4 door, and possibly kicked up his heels some, that grandma would allow, anyway. “Daily beater” is a bit much, but yes, I would consider this, if I had any traveling to do. Everything today is 2 door Novas with big motors, so refreshing to see this, it’s a fantastic find.
Having trouble believing this car was “restored” ten years ago. Looks more like a 105K mile car that was never touched. As it sits it needs $15K of work to be a nice $7K four door Nova when done. No thanks.