Third-generation Chevy Nova’s would run from 1968-74 and be the most popular for the nameplate. If you ordered a Super Sport version in the first three model years, you could choose from a 350 small block or 396 big block V8. This beautiful version from 1970 is equipped with a 427, which had to be a replacement when the car was restored in 2016. But the workmanship looks stunning and this should be a car capable of chewing up a lot of asphalt. Located in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, this Nova is available here on craigslist for $29,500. Thanks, Pat L., for another great find!
The Nova, especially the ’69-72 editions, are popular cars for being cloned. The phrase “tribute car” is also used. This often occurs when regular street Nova’s are restored and converted in Super Sports with powerful engines added. Purists would argue that this is heresy, but it does increase the supply of these sought-after cars. The seller offers a beautiful machine with a five-year old restoration which presents well. As the Nova SS models for 1970 could only be had with a 350 or 396 engine, this motor is not original to the car. But was the car originally an SS that had a bigger engine added or is it a clone or tribute car? We don’t know and identifying these cars as the real deal is an imperfect science. The badging can be a giveaway, but this car checks out properly except for the engine script on the front fenders.
At any angle you look, this Nova looks spotless. Whatever rust or other issues it may have earned prior to 2016 have been left in the past. The red paint is quite shiny, but we’re not sure of the shade as Cranberry Red is listed in the Chevy cross-reference charts and this color is lighter than that (Cherry Red?). There are a couple of spots on the right rear quarter that might have some marks, or it could be the lighting. The black interior looks quite inviting, with later model or aftermarket bucket seats resting where the original buckets or bench would have been. The console and woodgrain trim are nice touches, and the addition of the extra gauges is wise with an engine of the car’s displacement.
A Turbo-Hydramatic (TH 400) takes care of all the shifting for the driver and power steering and brakes are present to help with the heavy lifting. The power booster for the brakes looks different than the stock edition for that era of GM cars. The odometer reads 15,000 miles, which we assume was reset in 2016 when the car was restored. So that indicates just 3,000 miles/year of use since then.
1970 Chevy Nova production was just over 254,000 units for both 2 and 4-door versions. When ordered as an SS with either the 350 or 396 engines, the number drops to only 19,500 copies. So, the addition of tribute or clone cars to the gene pool has made them quite available when you start looking for one online. You can find a ’70 SS in great condition for $30,000 and up, and the real deal in excellent shape will be north of that. Most of these cars will be 350s or 396, clones or not. But a 427 will be harder to find.
It would be hard to build this car for the asking price. Nice car
Yes. That asking price is stunning. For the price of family sedan, get a hot rod. Not original etc… just 7 liters of American muscle.
If this was mine (I wish!), I’d get rid of the SS and Yenko badging, assuming they are not original, and just let the “427” badging and engine speak for themselves!
I’d ditch the Yenko badges but glad to see the sub-frame connectors in the c/l ad, probably need them with the torque it produces.
Just bought it, thank you for the lead.
Dang! I wanted to see more photos!!!
Nice score.
That’s great to hear. I hope that it runs as good as it looks.
Good job! I’m jealous. I’ve owned all the 3rd gens except the 71 version.
I love these cars. I’ve got a 69 396 now with no plans to ever part with it. If it is as nice as it appears Arthell64 us right. Again, good for you & enjoy!
jealousy. lol congratulations
Congrats. enjoy
Congrats! Looks like you got a great deal.
Looks like you got a good deal. Congrats, it’s a great looking car and should be a ton of fun.
That Nova is done Right. Gotta be the nicest one I’ve seen. Way to go!
Way to go, djgriffiths! I hope everything works out, and congratulations !
is it just me ….how could you try to sell a car like this with the appropriate videos !
My first car was a 69 Falcon wagon with a 302. I wish I still had it, but such is life.
If I squint really hard and spin around really fast I can see the similarities there.
😌🥰congratulations 🥰❤
It’s either a genuine Yenko or a tribute car. Anyone ever try contacting Yenko Honda in Canonsburg, PA to see if they have kept a registry?
If this was a real Yenko car, it would’ve been six figures, lol.
Super sharp car ! The only thing I’d change is repainting the front valence under the grille ; they were all silver .
Must be sold, no longer on CL..
Good job, I’m jealous!
I’ve owned 4 3rd gens & still own a 69 with the 396. No plans to ever part with this one.
If the car is as nice as it appears Arthell64 is right.
Again, good for you & enjoy.
If I remember Yenko built around 50 427 Novas but actually said they were to dangerous of a car and stoped making them.If it scared a man like Don Yenko it must of been a real depends filler for any one else.
I think Chevy missed out on marketing gold by not building this car and calling it the Supernova!
There’s no way this was a Yenko but I wonder which 427 it was rebuilt to represent, there were several different hp ratings, most were 390 hp but a few were the 425 hp. If it were mine & I’d started from scratch anyway, I’d have built it to the L-88 specs, which was rated at 435 hp @ only 5200 rpm, but peaked @ 7000 rpm for at least 550 + or 565 hp.
This car looks great. I”m seriously looking for a 3Rd gen Nova myself now. I’ve owned Camaros,Chevelles, Corvettes and even a 67 Nova SS, but never a 68-72 Nova. I’ve got a beautiful complete small block ready to drop in if anyone can provide me with a lead on a clean shell. Also what year was the best for the gen 3”s as they all look the same to me?? Thanks,Greg W Holyoke,Mass
I have had a few novas 68,70,and the last one a 78. They all were great cars except for the lack of traction in rain, snow or the big horsepower issue.Good tires are your friend with these cars Always more fun with a manual trans. Really they are all the same from 68 to 79.