1975 began a new generation for the Chevrolet Nova, appearing a bit more modernized on the outside than its predecessor. The coupe featured a fresh side look with an extended window behind the door, along with a restyled front end and upgraded taillights. The SS package remained available, but by this time, all it got buyers in terms of performance was a heavy-duty suspension. This 1977 Chevrolet Nova seems like a fun weekend cruiser that would be right at home at local car gatherings, or it might even be a candidate for a daily driver. We want to thank Barn Finds reader Tony Primo, who spotted this one and sent in the tip!
With only 50,000 miles of travel, the body appears to remain straight and solid, and that blue paint seems to live up to the seller’s claim that it’s in great shape. By this period, the Nova was forced to wear guards on both the front and back bumpers, but they blend in pretty well here, and even the plastic fillers below the grille and rear lights seem to remain in good condition. The Chevy rally wheels and white letter tires give this one a classic look from the side angles.
It would have been nice to find a 350 under the hood, but this one’s got the next best engine you could get in a ’77 Nova, a 305 V8 that was factory-rated at 145 horsepower. This one’s about as clean in the bay as it is outside, and judging from the slight overspray, I’m guessing it hasn’t been all that long since the block got some fresh paint. Unfortunately, there’s no A/C compressor, but with the low mileage, plenty of good life may be left for the future owner.
Things inside are fairly plain, with that front bench about as basic as you’ll find. The dash has at least one crack, but this one is approaching the 50-year mark, so for the age, the interior is probably still in acceptable enough condition overall for a driver. This 1977 Chevrolet Nova is located on the East Coast in Chesapeake, Virginia, and can be found here on Craigslist. Is the seller’s asking price of $8,550 reasonable for what you’re seeing here?
Thankfully there is a picture of the speedometer to verify mileage. Thoroughly uninspiring, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing if you are looking for a relatively inexpensive car from the 1970’s or earlier. Worth a look if you live in the area. I’d pay close attention to the quality of the paint and body work, around here there are a lot of quick flips with the same overall presentation as this car. As with any used car, approaching it with a skeptical eye is the the buyers best interest.
Steve R
Well since odometers back then didn’t have the digit for 100k miles and above having a picture of the odometer really proves nothing. It could be 50k, or 150k or 250k.
That was my point.
Steve R
Steve R.- Sarcasm is tough to gauge when you don’t insert the rolling eye emoji…lol.
I made a vow to myself to never ever use an emoji.
Steve R
To be perfectly honest, I have NOVA interest in this vehicle or anything like it! 😉 😜 😅 🤣 😂 Once again it’s revolting! 🤮.I’m on to VERSAILLES! 🏰. Regular commentators, have a laugh on me! 👍
It’s always good to have you here, Rick. Even if it’s not your kind of car.
Gee, TANKS! Always try (sometimes others patience) to add some FUEL to the conversation! As I’ve often said, Every one deserves a right to his own opinions! Even if they provide differences. That’s what is the most significant, even if it’s not a NOVA idea!👍. Always believe Life’s a ⛽ GAS! TANKS again! 🤣 😂
🎵 My kind of car 🎶is one that has Style and class!🎵 And it has OTT Land YACHT pizazz 🎶 Each time I roam, Barn Finds feels like home! 🎵 Land YACHTS are My kind of car! 🎵 Love attempting a Poem on Barn Finds. LINCOLN, what a Luxury car should be and ONCE was. Later, I’m driving my Town Car on my way to VERSAILLES! 😉 😜
In the county where I lived in the 70’s, Nova sedans were the Sheriff Dept. cruisers. I got to ride in the back of one, one time. It was kind of cramped.
I’m 6’5″. My ride in the back of a Nova was a ’75 driver ed edition. I thought the 9C1 police package moved the rear seat back to better accommodate passengers.
I don’t beleive passenger comfort is paramount in any police car.😁
https://i0.wp.com/www.curbsideclassic.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Nova-rear-seat.jpg?ssl=1
From the Motor Trend article on the development of the COPO 9C1 special Police package. Shows the set back rear seat.
As to cramped interior, 🎵 Blame it on🎵 the BOSSA🎵 NOVA! 🎵 No magic 💃 🕺 dance. 😉 Don’t believe EDIE would find this a GORME treat!
Maybe I’m too jaded, but it looks too good to be true. The paint looks better than it probably came with, and those seat covers don’t look original to me. Under the hood is far too clean and fresh, that was all repainted, very nicely, I’ll add. It’s not a factory A/C car, that is why there’s no vents or compressor. Still, it is a very nice looking car, and I hope it finds a good home, after a good buyer looks it over very carefully, and knows what he is buying. To the seller’s credit, it is not outrageously priced.
It is located in Va. but sports a Pa. inspection sticker. HMMMM. If it was originally from Pa check the floors and sub frame for rust.
This was one of my favorite rentals to deal with while working at Avis in 1977. Although we advertised specializing in Chrysler products at the time, the “lean burn” system was troublesome, often leaving renters stranded. I remember most of our Novas having 305s. They were a joy on I-5, as we flew to LA often, Bringing rentals back to the Bay Area
That seat upholstery looks pretty plain for even a base Nova.
My first thoughts are run from this one, the more I study the pictures the worse it gets. Cheapest possible upholstery flip job on the seats, mismatched trim panels on the doors, quick and easy spray-bomb engine paint, who knows what kind of bodywork covered up by black undercoating on the wheelhouse inside the trunk, inside bottom of the doors are starting to rust thru the new paint. Everywhere that did not get new paint shows the poor condition before the respray, filler panel below the back glass and the inside of the left fender to name two spots.
I’m done, I could go on and on as I keep looking but it’s enough for me to lose all interest.
About as basic as basic gets. Seat covers must be aftermarket. I’ve never seen factory seats with no stitching of any kind, just one big sheet of vinyl? Appears to be nicely preserved, but I have never heard a Nova enthusiast saying the late 70’s versions were their favorites. Peak Malaise Era. The 77 Monte Carlo, Malibu Classic, Cutlass, Grand Prix and Regals had some flair to them. This is just a car. Nothing more. At least the asking price isn’t too crazy, although I’d predict they will get offers at $5,000 or less.
Surprised at the somewhat negative comments. If it was on my local C/L I would certainly go take a look at it.
One of the neatest factory options I ever found while ‘boneyarding’, believe it or not, was in a 75 Nova. It was a factory or more likely a dealer installed AC Delco tachometer that was installed very neatly above the ashtray complete with a factory wiring connector so I knew it was the real deal.
For the condition of this NOVA I think this one SIVA.
Well I like it. Fair price. Not perfect, but nice ‘77 Nova. First car was a ‘78.
I for one prefer the later novas like this. I love the paint color and with a bit of resto-modding it will be even cooler. If it were mine I would add the crager ss wheels and silver racing stripes and a cd stereo and call it done.
I drove one at work, all day, every day. All my tools in the trunk. I don’t know what engine it had. Was fairly comfortable and it had a/c. Never got stuck in snow. Maybe the extra weight had something to do with that. I think it had a posi rear. Occasionally sounded like a coffee grinder cornering. I mentioned it to a company motor pool mechanic. He said drive it. Never let me down. Wanna talk about the Pinto I drove?