We’ve featured a few fourth-generation Chevrolet Novas on Barn Finds through the years, and I’m often surprised by how much these 1975-79 examples sometimes exchange hands for, even base models with some having six-cylinder power. It’s not unusual for a bone-stock, mid-to-late-seventies Nova to fetch more than $10,000, but with a gallon of orange juice now selling for nine dollars at my local supermarket, I guess that’s a sign of the times. However, for my Nova money, this 1975 model here on Craigslist seems like a lot more fun and plenty of bang for the buck, offering over 600 horsepower for an asking price of $15,500. This one’s in Tucson, Arizona, and we’d like to thank reader Tony Primo for spotting this cool Chevy and sending us the tip!
Providing power here is a 355 CI V8 featuring a Weiand 177 supercharger on top, with the seller claiming a horsepower number in excess of 600. That seems like a wise choice, as the 177 is a Pro-Street unit, known for delivering up to a 40% power increase but retaining a car’s everyday streetability. A water/methanol injection system is part of the package, along with headers feeding into exhaust pipes that include electronic cut-outs, making this one capable for both street and strip use. There’s also a Turbo 350 automatic transmission with a 3500 stall converter, plus a positraction rear end with 3.73 gears inside.
Unfortunately, some of the photos provided aren’t of the greatest quality, but they ably show that the body appears to remain solid and in good condition overall. This one’s a factory hatchback model, but the hood is aftermarket, a fiberglass unit with a 2-inch cowl. That, combined with the pins, fender racing decals, big-and-little wheel combo, plus the air shocks, is more than sufficient evidence to let other drivers know this is no ordinary Nova!
This is the best interior shot we get, which shows some niceties such as a console, bucket seats, and a B&M shifter. Some aftermarket gauges and a steering wheel have also been added, making this one about as much fun inside as everywhere else. Sadly, the owner mentions that he has developed some health issues, and now wants the car to go to someone who will drive and enjoy it. I’m not spotting much anywhere not to like here, with this 1975 Chevrolet Nova checking all of the right boxes in my book. What are your thoughts?
Very nice. looks like great workmanship and it’s not over done. Good asking price too.
Amazed the Turbo350 can handle so much twist.
Hey Stan. I’ve heard many years ago that the THM 350 can be built up to handle some serious power. I think it sapps a little less power than say a THM 400. At least, thats what I’ve been told.
A still lighter in weight powerglide saps a lot less power.
My brother had a monte 350ci and turbo 350 he put in the shift kit and could get some nice chirps going into second. he put a cam and other performance parts and of coarse nitrous. he went through a few rear ends.
Does the a/c work ? that mouse will generate some heat like frying pan hot in a couple months!
Adding to your orange juice comment, I just returned from LOWES, I saw a 16lb bag of some version of Scotts grass seed with “the everyday low price” of $126 , YIKES ISYN
I’d rather pay those dollars for a nice stock Nova. This thing is a mess.
Check the junkyards, they’re full of themecause nobody wants them!!!
I had a much loved 76 Nova Concours 4door. 305/2 barrel. Luxury interior like a Caddy. Total dependability and plenty of power. Poor man’s Seville! I’d love to have one today.
So did i and i’d love to have it back. It went in a divorce. I wouldn’t really want a super charger eating up fuel and the extra expense of maintenance. Mine did everything i asked. Nice rice, comfort , decent mileage and could still cruise at 90 on the interstate.
I had a very stout TH350 behind a 350 in a 65 Chevy Nova in the 80’s and that trans is STILL in that car. The 10 bolt posi rear blew but never the trans.
I had a 78 Custom, after a rebuild with Corvette heads and intake, cam, 650 double pumper, and dual exhaust, it was a screamer. Until one night I was out doing burnoffs and grenaded the Borg Warner 4 speed, lol!
Always loved the lines of these cars, pretty straight forward but sharp. I had a ‘77 Nova Concours back when I was in late teens early 20’s. Paid 1500 for it. Came equipped with the factory L48/350 4bbl, factory 4 speed, posi rear with pw and F41 suspension. Had a hole in the D/S floor with we patched with a “no parking” sign. Car was alot of fun. Ended up rebuilding and boring the motor 30 over and swapped the Saginaw for a Super T10. Edelbrock, Blackjack headers and a bunch of other speed parts and bling from a performance shop VanIdersteins in Ramsey,NJ (long gone). Car was a lot of fun