So, do you like this 1970 Chevy Nova? Yeah, me too. Would you like to own it? Same here. The difference is that I won’t get to own it, but there is a chance that you might. The Nova isn’t completely original, but it is a very tidy and solid classic that needs nothing. Well, I guess that it needs nothing but a new owner. This is a car that is ready to be driven and enjoyed immediately. It appears to be rust-free, and the engine bay houses a fresh 396ci V8. All of that sounds pretty attractive, and if you are interested, you will find the Nova located in New Haven, Connecticut, and listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding on the Nova has reached $21,300, but the reserve hasn’t been met.
Normally with cars like the Astro Blue Nova, I’d start by looking at the exterior, but this time I thought that we might take a bit of a peek underneath. I mean, just how good is that? The floors look wonderfully clean and crisp, with no evidence of any rust issues. The owner also supplies photos of the trunk, and its condition is just as impressive. He refers to the Nova as being unrestored, and also claims that it is 90% original. Given the fact that you will shortly see that it has received an engine transplant, I am happy to accept the claim that the body is original. When we look at the exterior, the panels are straight and free of any obvious rust, while the paint is clean, consistent, and has a nice shine to it. From an aesthetic and structural standpoint, I really can’t see much to criticize with this classic.
Decoding the Nova’s VIN reveals that it is equipped with a 6-cylinder engine. Well, no it isn’t. That has definitely gone, and in its place, we find a fresh 396ci V8. Making this all the more attractive, the vehicle also comes equipped with a 4-speed manual transmission, power steering, and power front disc brakes. It really doesn’t matter how you look at it, this combination sounds like it would provide hours of entertainment and enjoyment. The entire drivetrain and all of the suspension components have been cleaned and detailed within an inch of their lives, and all are in as-new condition. The owner doesn’t provide any information on how well the Nova runs or drives, but I’m betting that the 396 probably sounds pretty sweet rumbling through the shiny new dual exhaust that we can see snaking its way under the vehicle.
Frustratingly, none of the interior photos that the owner supplies are particularly good, and this one probably rates as the best of a bad bunch. As a bit of a compromise, I have included a couple of extra interior detail shots below. This just allows you to gain a better insight into the condition of the interior. What this photo does show is that the dash is clean and free of cracks, the headliner and door trims look really good, while the small patch of the seat that we can see is pretty indicative of how nice the entire interior is. Even more impressive is the fact that all of the upholstery is claimed to be original. Interior upgrades include a sports wheel, a set of aftermarket gauges to monitor the health and well-being of the 396, and a Hurst shifter for swapping cogs. It isn’t fancy, but it continues the Nova’s overall theme of being clean and crisp.
I guess that we now reach the point where we are forced to ask the inevitable question: What is the Nova worth? That’s actually a tough call because if this was a genuine SS 396, in this sort of condition we would easily be talking values of $50,000 or more. It isn’t a genuine SS, but it is a project car that appears to have been put together with a lot of care and attention to detail. With cars like this, we have to consider those aspects that can be referred to as “the one-percenters.” These are the tiny areas where the owner has gone to that bit of extra trouble to ensure that everything is as close to perfect as possible. If I get really harsh, then I can spot a couple of truly minute flaws that would potentially need to be addressed. The thing about these is that they are so insignificant that the new owner could rectify the lot in one weekend. That says a lot for the current owner’s eye for detail. Bearing in mind the fact that this is a car that has never needed rust repairs, and how original the interior trim is, I would expect that somewhere in the vicinity of $30,000 might be about right. The thing is, it will take the right set of buyers with a car like this. Get the right ones, and that figure is a real possibility.
Got to be one of the best I’ve ever seen. Everything done right.
I LIKE everything about this one! GLWTA! :-)
Man a 4 speed and a bench seat makes me moist
An interesting analogy , for a, man(?) Now if you had an XX chromosomal pattern, that would make some sense in a risque kind of way. On another topic, I never cared for a stick with a bench, always bumping my hand on the seat, much preferred the shifter on the wheel. Never understood why we got away from that, a much more practical arrangement.
Much cooler than our green, 307, 3 spd. on the column was.
“wants nothing”? Well maybe a drive shaft.
Minute flaw. Rectified in one weekend. :)
I agree with His bobhess.
wow !!
I really like it as well, but if it was my car I would have not made yet another clone SS – I would have kept the SS doodads off and just run it as a nice Nova with big block.
Nicely done!! Bidding is over $24K and reserve is not met.
Love the blue interior. You don’t see that in many cars today.
Gosh…….those were the days.
I had a 1968 model in these same colors. At the time, it was only about 6~7 years old and was at least this clean. Mine was the 230 cu. in. 6 cylinder with a power glide on the column. It also had the extra side trim as this one does. I’d like to have it back but, I’m sure it’s a washing machine by now.
Kind of biased since I’ve had Novas since ’78 – but this one is perfect .
Around 1974 My uncle had a 1970 Nova SS 396/4-speed/factory buckets/console/gauges/ it was silver with a black vinyl top and black inside. That was Perfect ! And fast
The problem with owning that nice Nova, I would beat the snot out of it! Main reason I sold my restored 1966 SS396 Chevelle 25 yrs ago. Put all the money into the car just to run it to the ground.
My first car was a 70 Nova. Loved that thing. I want this sooooo bad!
I love it! I’ve owned two Novas, both had bench seats;
A 1969 230 6-cyl w/3-speed on the column
A 1970 Factory L-78 Super Sport w/M-20 & 3.55 posi that was shockingly quick.
I traded it for a 1970 LS6 Chevelle SS454 back in the 80’s and to this day I still miss that car terribly.
New Haven is less than 30 minutes away from me and it’s giving me thoughts I shouldn’t have. Luckily for me (and my marriage), I am not able to swing it…….at the moment. Heh-heh-heh
I keep waiting for one of these to show up with complete a Z/28 power train and suspension. I think all of the pieces would just bolt in.
Odd i see RWL tires on only 1 side of the car – tire installer screwed up?
Odd the front replacement carpet & dash is black & not blue – no blue dashes being made? Or a lot more money than a black one?
I would like to see a race between this 396 & an identical nova with the new 400hp/400 ft lb torque “traditional” small block 350 from year one.
How long will the 6 cyl 10 bolt rear last behind a 396?
Not sure but there might still be 6 cyl mono leaf springs out back.
That soft seat material is nice, but hardly factory stock.
Does this Nova have a carb or aftmkt fuel injection?
https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/2rkAAOSwZ2lebosO/s-l500.jpg
I don’t mean to be a party pooper but this isn’t an “… original only once” and “un-restored” vehicle as the seller states. Granted it’s a very nice SS clone and the engine/trans swap aside,
– the clean and black underside has obviously been cleaned and painted
– the brake booster is painted black which is not correct but can be tossed under the engine/trans swap
– the fabric of the seats is of a noticeable different shade than the door panels and the pattern is one I haven’t seen before. Was fabric offered in ’70 6 cyl Nova’s?
– the trunk splatter paint looks new and thick after 50 years
To me this car is a partially restored clone. I’m no expert but I do have a ’70 Nova SS bench seat M21 car since ’81 so I tend to look at all Nova’s and notice these things. Again, it’s a nice car and ‘ya all probably surmised the “original” and “un-restored” kinda rubbed me the wrong way. Thank you for tolerating my little rant :)
I agree, Original is a pretty loose word here. Are the rims (wheels) Buick? Looks like it to me.
396 Nova sure looks strong. To all the folks out there that dislike or roll their eyes at the big block swapped street machine just remember one thing…if not for someone’s interest in the hot rod hobby this original 6 cylinder grocery getter would be a refrigerator by now, or worse recycled for a rice burner.
That’s the way a Nova should look right there, sexy attractive but not overboard with a lot of makeup. Thanks.
I can barely remember driving off the showroom floor with my new SS396 350hp forest green Nova. It had rubber flooring and a green vinyl top. Although it had a four speed and positive (which I made sure when I left the dealer) the sticker price was $3,552.00. I remember cause my parents would only let me spend $3,500. I talked them into the rest. Anyways what a car! I had a lot of trouble with that car, motors and numerous other things. But good luck in bidding! I loved that car. It ended up in Va. totaled at 108 mph.
Although it says the suspension has been detailed, I am wondering what has been done to beef it up for the weight and power of the 396? Same for the rear end. If its “90% original” from base model the six banger that is a potential fly in the ointment.
All it needs is a console and buckets and I’d be happy.