The rear-wheel-drive Chevrolet Nova was nearing the end of the line in 1978. Two years later, it would be replaced by the front-wheel-drive Citation (which was a disappointment, IMO). The seller’s ’78 Nova looks like it was once a grocery getter with four doors, an inline-6 engine, and an automatic transmission. Complete with patina, the car needs some cosmetic care but may otherwise be fine for cheap wheels. Located in Portland, Oregon, this project is available here on craigslist and can be had for $3,200 or a trade.
In 1975, Chevy redesigned the Nova as an RWD for the final time. The sheet metal was new, but the rest of the car felt a lot like 1962, 1966, or 1968 when the cars were reworked the other times. There wasn’t much new about the engineering, with the 250 cubic inch six-banger supplying power to two-thirds of the cars leaving the assembly line in ‘78. Overall sales were down as the 1978 Nova was the only senior product that hadn’t been downsized (the Impala in 1977, Chevelle in 1978).
The seller describes this car as “excellent,” but that’s an overstatement. The interior looks good, and the car runs well, but the blue paint is faded, and some bodywork is needed in the driver’s side front quarters. The odometer reflects 57,000 miles, though there is no proof of accuracy. The seller is anxious to trade for another vehicle (what kind?), so he/she leaves the impression of being a dealer or a flipper.
This is an original Chevy except for the aftermarket wheels and exhaust (adds 10 mph, right?). You could restore the Nova, but it gets back to the issue of the number of doors and the current engine. Maybe using it as an everyday beater would be fine, as it doesn’t seem to have any non-mechanical challenges. The seller says that delivery is possible, but with what limitations? Points go to “Curvette” for another vintage tip.
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