The Chevy II/Nova would be the GM division’s second foray into the new compact car market in the 1960s. Although its first — the Corvair — sold well enough, it was unconventional compared to other competitors like the Ford Falcon. So, Chevrolet added a second compact in 1962 called the Chevy II, with a water-cooled front-mounted engine (the opposite of the Corvair). It was well-received and stuck around through 1979. This ’73 Nova has been sitting for a couple of years and was acquired from its original owner. Needing some TLC, this Chevy is near Kissimmee, Florida, and available here on craigslist for $6,600. Another tip compliments of Barn Finder Pat L.!
From a sales perspective, third-generation Nova’s were the most successful (losing the Chevy II designation to the Nova in 1969). This batch was built from 1968-74 and accounted for more than two million automobiles. The 1973-74 models received a noticeable facelift, in part to accommodate bigger bumpers fore and aft and the addition of a 3-door hatchback to the coupe. Buyers still couldn’t get enough of the cars and 1973 would be its 2nd best year at 369,500 units, of which 104,000 had the L65 350 cubic inch V8 (145 hp SAE net) like in the seller’s car.
This ’73 apparently was a single-owner auto until recently. It’s been dormant for umpteen months and has just 60,000 claimed miles to show for it. We get the impression that it doesn’t run but could with a new battery and fresh gasoline (after removing the old stuff). The body is said to be rust-free including the floor and frame, although there is likely some surface on the sheet metal. The original Beige or Light Yellow paint job has seen better days and part of the exterior side trim is missing. But the car sports Rally wheels at all four corners, though missing some brightwork.
After (or before) you get a new coat of paint applied, some work in the interior is needed. The front seat covers will need to be redone (if you can find stuff to match the back) and the rest may just need a thorough cleaning. The seller refers to this car as a great “father and son project” so there may be work needed than meets the eye. No photos are provided of the engine compartment, so we don’t know how rough that may look.
Looks like it has great potential. GLWTS!! :-)
“posting deleted”.
Must have been the shiny tires. Deal closer for sure.
The Nova was one of the better cars GM made. Not too big, not too small and the boxy shape made the most of its compact dimensions. Drove an L6 insurance rental car briefly and loved the steering feel, parking and visibility. The V-8 would have been better. It looks like surface rust underneath the car, no pictures of the engine bay as stated, not sure if the Nova runs and mileage claims on a half century old car are a crapshoot. Bottom line: a wonderful car to save and drive for shows and daily in summer but would cost me a fortune to buy it, get it running safely and attending to body and mechanical fixes since I am not trained to do all that work myself.
Ugh, the federal gov and their stupid 5MPH bumper mandate ruined the looks of so many fine looking cars in the early 70s. Exhibit A above.