9k Mile Time Capsule: 1977 Chevrolet Nova Concours

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Chevrolet has produced a few memorable Chevy II and Nova offerings over the years, including some fun Super Sport packages and performance options.  However, numerous buyers viewed the car as simply a compact that provided affordable transportation, with a considerable amount leaving the assembly line without very many bells and whistles.  That mindset changed in the mid-seventies when Chevy began offering a higher-trim package called the LN, or Luxury Nova, which was soon renamed the Concours.  Located in La Canada Flintridge, California, this 1977 Chevrolet Nova Concours here on Craigslist is described by the seller as a time capsule, and it’s probably one of the finer examples still in existence, with the asking price of $13,400 reflecting what a beauty this one remains.

Tony Primo, thanks for another great find here!  This one is said to be a veteran-owned, all-original California car, with just 9,600 miles racked up since new.  The seller says the exterior has never gotten a respray, and the paint, chrome, and even the wheel covers still seem to be well-preserved.  I’m not sure why, but the side moldings on the front fenders appear to be just a slightly different color than the rest, although the body looks very straight and the seller confirms there’s no rust on any of the panels.  While often problematic, the plastic around the front and rear bumpers seems to be in decent shape as well.

Equally impressive is the inside, with a more luxurious feel than you’d find in an ordinary seventies Nova.  The cloth fabric on the seats looks almost like new, seeming to be a good indicator that the low-mileage claim is likely accurate.  All of the door panels are trimmed nicely as is the dash, with the pad surviving just as well as most of the other interior components, but the glove box door could stand some refurbishing.  This one looks inviting to crawl into, with plenty of comfort to last for hours of driving, although it lacks many of the power accessories that would be found on most autos branded as luxury cars nowadays.

Perhaps a bit disappointing is the engine, which is the base inline 6 instead of one of the optional V8 offerings that could be had in ’77.  The six-cylinder produced 110 horsepower, so you’re probably not going to win many races here, but with less than 10k miles there’s likely lots of life left for the next owner to enjoy.  While there isn’t much overall to find fault with on this 1977 Chevrolet Concours, it could be priced a bit much, as J.D. Power lists the high retail for a 4-door sedan at $5,900.  However, with the low mileage and excellent condition, maybe this one will end up finding a buyer at more than twice that amount.  How much would you be willing to spend here?

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Comments

  1. Driveinstile DriveinstileMember

    This Nova really looks like the real deal. It sure looks like it has low mileage. The only thing I see is the glove box door. Im wondering if the original owner had something like a calendar taped to it or something. That little 250 straight six may not be powerful but it will run a long time. I cant believe this was squirreled away somewhere all these years and so well preserved. Even the bumper fillers look good.

    Like 14
    • JDC

      It is beautiful! This and the earlier posted Concord would be great cars for someone to own that wanted to experience the 70s. Hopefully, that glove box just needs some Goo-Gone.

      Like 7
      • Bob_in_TN Bob_in_TNMember

        And add a nice Granada or Monarch to your collection, and you would have a representation of an emerging market segment: the luxury (or at least nicely-trimmed) compact.

        Like 0
  2. StanMember

    Nice 👌

    Like 5
  3. Howard A Howard AMember

    Nah, I just don’t think so. 109K miles for a car this age still is not unusual. Gas tank been out, and underside shows more than 9K wear. Regardless, it’s a heck of a find, and probably the nicest rendition of a Nova you’ll find.

    Like 4
    • FenderUnbender

      A 77 Nova would never look this good with 109k miles on it. This was a time that a car with 80k was high miles and over 100k was ready for the junkyard.
      This one looks 100% like the miles are accurate.

      Like 6
  4. Joe

    That whole front passenger fender looks a little off.

    Like 2
  5. rustylink

    My buddy in high school had this exact same model. It was quite the snoozer but reliable and had AC. He got about 20 mpg. It would be nothing I would want to own but to each his own.

    Like 2
  6. ken

    too much $ for a 4dr pimped up nova. it is nice but not 13.5 nice

    Like 4
  7. Dave

    1977 Chevy 250’s were blue not red.

    Like 0
  8. Michael Tischler

    Something isn’t right…front clip ?
    Both fenders ?

    Like 1
  9. Dean

    This car has way more miles on it than 9,000 miles!!! I would bet that the odometer has at lest 109,000 on it. Just by looking at the underneath of the car and also the heater hoses have been replaced it never came out of the factory with red hoses plus the screw type clamps and the radiator hose has been replaced also with screw type clamps. The valve cover has been repainted red, that’s not factory red paint it’s to bright of red. Maybe worth 2,500 that’s not a new spare tire in the trunk ether. I’m not trying to burst somebody’s bubble but it’s got way more miles on it than they are saying. Who ever buys it good luck hope you get your moneys worth.

    Like 3
  10. George Mattar

    Was assistant service manager at a very busy Chevy dealership in 1977. We sold many Novas ro mostly old ladies. These things were junk then. Cheap parts cheaply made. And as commented here, ALL Chevy engines in 77 were corporate blue. Just another old car whose owner thinks it’s cool. You drive this at today’s speeds and lunatics going 98 mph in new Kias and you will be run off the road with that engine trying to keep up.

    Like 0
  11. mick

    I agree, too many things add up to way more than 9k miles or premature new parts or possibly a complete respray.

    Like 0
  12. JoeNYWF64

    IMO, a much better choice/value than a Seville – plus a 2 door & lot more options were available. & with a 350 chevy, it had to be faster than the very heavy Caddy. Could you even get these comfy seats in a regular Nova?
    Not sure if any Concours were built with a 4 speed manual trans or F-41 suspension.
    That huge heavy sidways muffler saps power & the pellet cat conv only makes things worse.
    Not crazy about the IMO too thick wheelwell moldings.

    Like 0
  13. TIM HAHN

    I had a red 1978 4 door with 10,000 original miles. I was asking $3500. No one would believe the mileage and called me a liar. I think I sold it for about $2500. to a fellow from Virginia. He took it coffee with friends and a couple parades even. He passed away, who knows where it went.

    Like 0

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