The venerable Chevrolet Nova got its first styling refresh in five years in 1973. Some of this was done to accommodate larger bumpers, but other adjustments were needed to feature a new hatchback model. The seller’s car is one of the latter, which comprised about 25% of sales in 1973. The VIN decodes as a basic Nova with an inline-6, but it’s been turned into a sleeper with the import of a blueprinted 383 cubic inch V8 and a 4-speed transmission. Located in Mooresville, North Carolina, this wolf in sheep’s clothing is available through a dealer here on eBay. The ante is $19,995.
Chevrolet continued to sell a Super Sport Nova in 1973, but this car isn’t one of them. Someone has added an SS emblem to the front grille, but that’s about it. The I-6 engine and either an automatic or 3-speed transmission have been jettisoned for this crate 383 engine the seller says has been tested at 458 horses. So, with steel wheels and poverty hub caps and loads of patina in the paint, the car now has “sleeper” written all over. And it should easily outrun a stock Nova SS 350 from the day.
We’re told the hatchback is rare, but 91,000 copies built when new hardly make it a scarce commodity now. And while some of them were prone to leak in the back early on, this one doesn’t look to have had that problem. The odometer reads about 16,500 miles, but 116,500 would be more likely. Peaking in the window, the only giveaway to its power is the Bosch gauges that now reside under the dashboard. But maybe the sound from the long tube headers and dual exhaust will give it all away!
The body is good, with mostly just surface rust and a burned look to some of the original paint from being out in the Sun. The seller believes the driver’s side rear quarter panel has been treated to an older repair. The floor pans have been patched, so the automobile hasn’t been impervious to corrosion. There’s a lot of marketing-speak in the listing’s wording, but it still comes across as a decent muscle car with a newer interior that won’t break the bank to acquire.
💤 😴 🛌 🏁
Pull off the cheesy SS badge, fix some dents here and there, and she’s an awesome ride!
Like Shawn said above, ditch the SS emblem. This needs to be seen in person to verify the condition of the body and see how well it runs. I’d also want to make sure which 4spd transmission is installed. Lots of Saginaw’s wind up in cars built to be flipped. If the car runs well and there isn’t undisclosed rust it would be worth an offer, it’s close, but a bit too high. The 4spd is definitely a selling point with this car.
Steve R
l too would lose the SS badge. Looks like it could be a fine ride with some work. I do see some rust peaking through and remember what you see is only the tip of the iceberg. I like it, but don’t see $20k in value here.
Love it. I would do nothing but get rid of the badge.
Looks like a huge well played with Matchbox car.
This was my first car (not the exact one) Mine was maroon with a flat black back panel. 350 and auto on the floor. I have been looking for one like it for a long time. Here is a funny story we were out on a country road racing and doing burnouts, and there was a pop-out in the spare tire well that had been removed. I was doing one of those great power break burnouts and filled the entire inside with tire smoke. I had to stop and roll down the windows to clear the car out—ahh, good times, 17 and not a care in the world.
does this have a Plymouth engine it says 383 that’s a Chrysler
It’s a bored and stroked GM 350. The engine is a crate motor from BluePrint engines.
ok thanks for the update I always forget about the 350 never had one my memories are the 265 283 327 348 409 and last 396 and 427 that’s my memories had one of each
I just read an article on how Blueprint builds their engines. They can’t be cheap, and hand built to run strong.
At least half of the asking is tied to the engine. Blueprint Engine’s 383s are going to cost anywhere from 6K to 19K. https://blueprintengines.com/collections/gm-compatible?filter.p.m.custom.displacement=383+c.i.
Seventy two photos and not one showing the underside. That’s kind of surprising since the dealer seems to be transparent about the vehicle. Rust has obviously gotten a start on this car in the usual places. Hopefully the corrosion is minimal on the frame and chassis components. Of more concern for me than the bogus SS badge is the four wheel drum brakes. I would seriously consider a front disc brake conversion before any spirited driving. One thing that struck me about this car was the federally mandated five mph bumpers. My car crazy friends and I didn’t like them in 1973 and they don’t do anything for this car fifty two years later. We called them serving tray bumpers. Still, I think this would be a fun ride to knock around in; especially if the running gear checks out. GLWTS.
I wouldn’t be surprised if the dealer’s description is wrong about the drum front brakes, it has an aftermarket small diameter power booster with a new looking master cylinder that isn’t the style GM used on their drum brake cars. If it’s still drums up front, it’s an easy upgrade and is an easy way to negotiate for a lower price. I’d be more interested in whether the rear end has a limited slip carrier and the gear ratio.
Steve R
I also would be interested to see whether there were upgrades to the chassis so the car can handle the additional torque from that V8.
Bob we called them TAXI CAB Bumpers.
Serving tray bumpers, taxi cab bumpers, bash beams, Federal bumpers, its all good!
Those ‘69-71ish era dog dishes are too much of an indicator that something is going on. Needs the correct bow tie branded moons or even the later pointed garbage can lid looking ones. Cool color.
I’m missing something,didn’t they start the big 5 moh bumpers in ’74 ?
The word Hatchback and Classic should never be associated.
Other than the ’73 Z-28 Camaro and Pontiac T/A’s/Formula 400’s produced that year there really isn’t much else to talk about. Graduated HS ’73.
There’s a lot to like here, but not at $20k, sorry! Maybe if the body was in better shape, and if you’re going to put SS badges on it, the least you could do is upgrade the front bench seat to bucket seats with a console! At $15k, maybe, but $10k is closer to what I think it’s worth, IMHO.
Big nova guy . Love the hatchback. 20 gran for a car in that shape ? Not a fan of patina at all. Paint it and it’s worth it
Hatchbacks were not rare. Also since this is from Mooresville, NC, they left out the part where it belonged to Dale Earnhart’s neighbor’s, uncle’s, third cousin’s, son. That must be the rare part.
They seem to be now, I have not seen many listed. Mine had severe rust and I am sure many did as well.
Could be kind of a neat car, but I’m afraid that I just can’t abide by those bumpers.
Has anyone changed a big bumper Nova into a small (earlier style) Nova? If so was it a big project? Can it be done within reason?
Comet, I’ve seen articles that say 71-72 front clips bolt directly to the 73-73, sub-frame. I’ve seen a couple that way.
Would love to see the rear bumper as a 68-72 style. The shizz green has to go , maybe a lighter green to go with the interior. My sister had a 74 with the hatchback. Great little car : )
Haven’t seen a finished one of these for under $40K lately. Crazy