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Barn Find Hatchback: 1976 Chevrolet Nova

There’s something immensely appealing about a good, basic (and cheap) entry to muscle car ownership. While this 1976 Chevrolet Nova hatchback doesn’t bear any special numerals or letters after its name, it at least has a manual transmission hooked up to a small block. Find it here on eBay with a $2,695 opening bid and no reserve.

Coming from the dry climate of Idaho means the Nova is largely rust-free, with good floors in the cabin and the trunk. Paint is believed to be original and is nicely faded. Tires are described as “decent” and the Rally wheels come with a matching spare. A new windshield was recently installed, and let’s not forget how cool it is to own a Nova with a hatchback.

The interior is a mixed back, with late model buckets swapped in (which are surely more supportive than what was in place originally) but the door panels are missing. The seller says all the parts missing in pictures are included, like the headliner. A new seal for the hatch is included, along with new window cranks.

While we’re used to the Nova in coupe form, the hatchbacks are a pleasant combination of the classic Nova looks with a body that still stands out as uncommon considering the era in which it was made. I’m helping to sell a pair of them as part of the large Georgia collection that’s been listed here as a Barn Finds Exclusive – feel free to reach out to me if you’re looking for a project.

Comments

  1. Avatar bobhess Member

    My dad bought a Pontiac Ventura version of this car with the 400 V8 in it. He liked the hatch back because he could haul all of his stuff to restore an old boat… and because it was fast.

    Like 0
    • Avatar James Martin

      Just peurchaced a 75 omega with a factory 3 speed. Was the 5 speed an option on this car? And a 400 ?

      Like 4
      • Avatar Ralph

        The 5 speed in Oldsmobiles was Starfire and Cutlass, I don’t think that you could have had it in the X-body but I would have to check

        There was no 400 engine available in any of these, even the one year GTO badged Ventura made due with a Pontiac 350.

        I assume your Omega has the 3 speed on the column?

        Like 0
      • Avatar Blyndgesser

        There was a five speed option with the 260 V8 in the Omega one year—1976 I think.

        Like 0
  2. Avatar Alexander Member

    Dash pad appears to be missing too, along with the seatback cardboard in the cargo area. I do like this car…the 14″ rally wheels are actually from a Buick of this era but look okay.

    Jeff, do either of the hatchlings you are selling in Georgia have manual transmissions, straight 6 engines, or both? Any special options on either of those?

    Like 1
  3. Avatar TimM

    My mother had the Pontiac Ventura hatchback as well and I really liked that car right up to the time my brother wrecked it!! She then bought a 74 nova 4 door!! Same motor same trans and the Ventura seem like a better car

    Like 0
  4. Avatar bobhess Member

    Ralph, I stand corrected on the 400.

    Like 0
  5. Avatar James Martin

    My omega has a 3 speed on floor , so kind of a cool rare bird.

    Like 1
  6. Avatar Stevieg

    James Martin, when I was growing up I had a neighboring family that I hung out with. The daughter was my age & the son was 1 year younger, and I was friends with both. Anyhow, their Mom had a 1975 Omega coupe, burgundy with a matching vinyl corduroy like upholstery, had the 260 v-8 with floor shift 3 speed. I thought that was the coolest car! Subsequently, I really love your car too. Hard to tell from the picture of yours the condition it is in, but it doesn’t matter. Thank you for the memories!

    Like 1

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