From its inception in 1962 through to 1979, the Chevy Nova was one of America’s most popular compact cars. The third generation was produced from 1968 to 1974 with a major styling update in 1973 to accommodate bigger bumpers and a new hatchback body style. This 1974 Nova is the Custom model, which has had a recent rebuild of its 350 cubic inch V8 – and it has a rare 4-speed manual transmission. Other than worn upholstery at 186,000 miles, this Chevy presents quite well. Located in Peyton, Colorado, the 2-owner Nova is available here on craigslist for $18,000. Thanks for the interesting tip, Pat L.!
The 1973-74 Novas (formerly Chevy II in the 1960s) were bigger and bulkier than before, but that didn’t deter sales which would set a record in ‘74 at more than 390,000 units. But some of that was attributable to the mass movement of buyers to smaller, more fuel-efficient cars in the aftermath of the 1973 OPEC oil embargo. Upwards of 40,000 of the compacts built that year were the Custom model with a higher level of trim, like the seller’s vehicle. Only 4,667 Novas came with an M20 4-speed manual transmission that year which was generally found in a Super Sport. So, for the Custom, we assume it was a rare selection.
This Nova had its V8 rebuilt within the last 1,000 miles. At the same time, the clutch was redone. It has power steering, but we’re not sure about the brakes. We’re told this machine only had two owners across the nearly 50 years since it was built. You’ll cruise in style with an aftermarket stereo system that was added to the automobile in the 1980s. The heater controls have a couple of missing sliders that you’ll want to replace come the Winter.
The body and burgundy paint look quite solid on this Chevy. We’re told there has never been any rust or other body damage, but no mention is made of any respray. The paint vs. the mileage and interior aren’t quite in sync as the bucket seats will need attention while the exterior does not. A documented paper trail will follow this Nova to its next home, and it sports a new battery and fresh fluids. We’re told this is a car that you should be able to hop into and drive anywhere.
Dirty engine compartment with only 1000 miles on” engine rebuild”.
Correct me if I’m wrong , but wasn’t 1974 the first year of HEI ignition ?
Too bad the interior wasn’t detailed
Nope on the HEI at least on the ’74 Nova. One of my friends bought a new ’74 Nova SS, 350/automatic. It had the Delco Uniset points and they crapped out several times on a road trip.
1975 was the first year for HEI on the Corvette. I don’t know if other GM cars had it that year.
HEI ignition was not available on the Nova in 1974. It was optional on Cadillac. Rolled out across the board at GM in 1975.
My ’74 had points and a button.
I purchased a brand-new 1974 Camaro 350 4 barrel/auto and it came with a points distributor but I remember the window sticker had a credit for the HEI distributor that wasn’t installed. So maybe there was a supply issue with the HEI’s back in the day. ( I think I still have the original window sticker around here somewhere ).
My ’74 firebird with 400 4bbl motor has HEI – it’s a mid model year build – in May or June ’74, Pontiac changed over to(was never optional) HEI on its big v8’s, except sd-455.
I believe Chevy also switched over to HEI mid model year on z28, & 350 & 454 corvette motors
That’s a NASTY engine bay for a 1000 mile rebuild, I interior ( seats ) are going to need redone . Unless something special has been done during the rebuild (?) you have less than 200 ponies, And half of them are used to carry the park bench bumpers.
I can not stand sellers saying, just add Freon to non working air conditioners, and just rebuilt engine , provide proof from dealer or mechanic or show all parts receipts if you did it yourself. Just a plain lie! Just me.
Rattle can re-build.
In the airplane business that’s called a “Krylon Overhaul”!
It must have taken 30 years to put the 1000 miles on that “rebuilt” engine.
They’re probably full of crap, unless they document anysi called, rebuilt, I’m not believing it, the price is astronomical also, it should be cut in half, id like to see the trunk, and undercarriage also!
Not everyone climbs into an engine bay for
detailing after its removal. Yes, they should
have, but most apparently, did not… oops.
I see no brake booster; not really necessary.
Their price is abit strong, but it looks good.
Tremendously dislike those bench bumpers!
Putting old hoses on a rebuild?the top radiator hose and heater hoses look very old.would have to see all the receipts for the engine rebuild and clutch.looks like a real shadetree job under the hood,wonder what else isn’t right with this car…
Oh, those ugly bumpers!
Tuck the back one by trimming the bumper bar and without the shocks, save 120 lbs. Install 72 front bumper and grille, save another 80 lbs. Add 396 engine to bring ride height back where it belongs.
I had a 73 hatchback with auto on the floor in this color, I sure would like to find another. Buckets, sport mirrors, big ole chrome traction bars, air shocks, limited slip. It was a fun first car. We were on some back country roads doing burnouts, there was a plate missing in the lower compartment of the HB, and the car filled up inside with tire smoke, and we were laughing our asses off as we were rolling down the windows.