Chevrolet’s second compact, the Chevy II, debuted in 1962 (the first was the Corvair). Over time, it would evolve into more than an economy car, especially when it came to the 1968 redesign. Before you knew it, you could get a Nova Super Sport with either a 350 or 396 cubic-inch V8 engine and a 4-speed. “Project Nova” took this at least one step forward by taking what may have been a grocery getter and turning it into a pro-street car of enormous power (generating a lot of press in the process). “Project Nova” is ready to move on to a new home from its current domicile in the Arts District of Los Angeles, California. It’s available here on craigslist for $62,200, $100k less than what we’re told has been invested in the hot rod. Thanks for the cool trip, Pat L.!
The seller says that “Project Nova” may be the most publicized Nova ever. It’s said to have been the subject of at least two dozen magazine stories, internet blogs, YouTube videos, and so forth. We did a little research trying to find out about the roots of the car, and the most definitive story we could find is a “wrap-up” piece in Motor Trend from 2013. But even that didn’t tell us the history of the car before it become “Project Nova.” Nowhere on the car today do we see Nova badging as it was the upscale version of the Chevy II before 1970. Chevy II badging does appear on the car, so maybe it was a Plain Jane driver with a 230 cubic inch inline-6 before it transformed into what you see today. Do any of our readers know?
In any event, the saga of the build took about four years. Popular Hot Rodding Magazine took this project under its wing and the physical work was done by Outlaw Motorsports in Riverside, California. If the project was completed in 2012, then work must have begun in 2008 when the machine was already 40 years old. Estimates are that $160,000 in parts and labor went into this build intending to produce a machine that would not only race but also be civil on the roadways as well.
Parts for the build were sourced from just about every “big” name supplier you can think of, including, Edelbrock (fuel injection), Detroit Speed, Dart, Nitto, Wavetrak, Hooker, CPP, Flowmaster, Billet Specialties, PerformaBuilt, and more. The Dart SHP 400 is credited with producing 523 hp at 6,200 rpm and 523 lb.-ft at 4,400 rpm (with overdrive). Awaiting installation is a new-in-the-box vintage air conditioning system.
We don’t doubt the significant investment that went into this build. And the asking price of a little more than a third of what could have been spent to get to where you see today may not be excessive. You would have a one-of-a-kind Chevy Nova that you could drive to car shows and then pick up some bread and milk on the way home. Don’t forget to check out the extensive wrap-up to assess this amazing vehicle, at least what it was up to nine years ago.
Nice find Pat L. and good write up Russ. With today’s prices, this car could still be considered a deal.
https://youtu.be/WnN7CIa5NEA
Here is a great way to understand-buy it done, same a lot of $$$$$ and you get to enjoy it now. I guess there are the people that enjoy the build, but this is a great machine, and looks done well. Heck someone put $160.000 or more and 4 years of time. I really like this nova and would love to have it.
A magazine quality built up Nova redesigned to run very hard and very quickly. I dare ya’.
nice!
In the ‘wrap up” story there is a picture showing the bracing (that matches the passenger side bracing in the pictures above) on the driver’s side. (For some reason it does not show in the driver’s seat picture above. Was it removed for that picture?) Each time I climbed over it to enter or exit the vehicle I would wonder if my money was well spent.
Really boss car, just not one for a really old guy.
Look at the side bar again Mike, it has a pin on the end. You can swing it out of the way to get in. You don’t have to climb over it.
Thanks Tony.
I now would be very interested in this car if my finances allowed. Unfortunately, from a monetary standpoint, I chose the wrong parents. That’s okay though, as in every other way they were excellent.
Nice build. Anything with a
Chevy II or Nova badge is aces with me.
building a 74 nova SS hatchback with 396 and factory air. Just buy a good car, stand back and throw money at it ’til it’s done or you run out of money! Don’t need that much horsepower, but I bet it’s fun!
My first car was a 73 Nova Hatchback, with bucket seats, floor shift, sport mirrors, and a blacked-out rear end. Would love to find another.
Seems to me the price of this car is very fair. If you like (I DO ) and have the money (I Don’t) , Why Not !
If I had that kind of money I would put it in a truck that would haul what I needed instead of putting it into the gas tank and insurance cost. It would take 1 careless driver to ruin that investment.