The fourth generation of the Chevy Nova (1975-79) was its last as a rear-wheel drive vehicle, yet it was as popular as the cars that preceded it. Chevy cancelled the Nova to make way for the FWD Citation, which proved to be less popular and reliable (I owned one and quickly disposed of it). Located in Manchester, New Hampshire, this basic 1977 Nova looks good for its age, though the interior needs a makeover. It’s only available here on craigslist for $10,000 and may only have 53,000 original miles.
With the 1973 energy crisis still in people’s minds, smaller cars continued to prevail in dealer showrooms. More than 365,000 new Novas found homes in ’77, and 161,000 were 2-door coupes like this one. And of the overall Nova pool, 202,000 of them had a “Turbo-Thrift” 250 cubic-inch inline six, a design whose roots dated to the early 1960s. So, it was a simple engine to work on and got good gas mileage, by the measuring stick of the day.
We don’t know the history of this 48-year-old Chevy. The options list probably had only a few boxes checked, including an automatic transmission, power brakes, and (maybe) power steering. It’s said to be a good running car that could be as from the factory, though the UPS brown paint looks too shiny not to be a repaint.
The plaid upholstery will have to be redone, and we wonder about the tires (loads of tread left, but the pattern appears to be an older design). The only other possible downside is the lack of a title (aka “missing”). Does that mean it was misplaced or simply one was never issued, as this is a 1970s New England car? Kudos to Tony Primo for a tip that may be more than a granny mobile one day.
In the same spirit as the Dodge Dart w reliable, thrifty six cylinder. Affordable basic as you said Dixon, transportation.
Seller has a strong case of Barrett-Jacksonitis.
The interior is awfully rough for ~53k miles. The lack of any external brand/model callouts does indicate a repaint.
The seller’s has set a rather optimistic asking price for what looks like a gussied-up beater.
Latest-year three-on-the-tree column shifted vehicle I ever encountered in the wild was my friend’s ‘77 Nova. Great car! Had those same seats.
A power steering pump is easily seen in the picture. I agree the interior is very rough, and no title complicates things.
The body looks good with all that new paint. If only the inside was as sharp. There once was a whole generation of people for whom a car with power steering and brakes, automatic, tinted windshield (you could still order it that way) and presumably a radio, was considered loaded. I believe by this time the rear spring issue was resolved.
Being from the snow belt that car has to be all puddy. The quarters, fenders abd doors were devoured by road salt .
ten grand for that? get outta here!
And people in Hell want ice water.
Mom?
Very optimistic on the asking price
this guy is off his rocker 10k for this. i just don’t think so.
I ordered a 1977 Nova 2 door coupe. Exterior was dark blue metallic, and interior was same pattern except in black and gray. Mine had painted rims (same blue metallic) and dog dish hubcaps. I checked the boxes for the 305 V-8 (with power brakes as part of the package). Auto, ps, pop out rear windows, no a/c and no radio. It put in my own radio w/8 track player. I also had the dealer rust proof the car. The 305 had decent power but wouldn’t win any stop light drag races. I have a lead foot (with the tickets to prove it ) and managed 19 mpg on the interstate. I loved that car but finances made me sell it in 1981. I lived i Iowa and at 4 years there was no rust. I had no problems in 4 years. Btw I paid about $4,300.
Manchvegas, my old stomping ground. The only way it is worth that much is if it is still all steel – a rarity there.
I have to say that this is the first time I’ve seen a speedometer that only goes up to 80. They mostly went to 85, so that the federally mandated 55 speed limit could be emphasized in a bright color.
It must have been a 1977 only thing.
My friends mom bought one for the family of teenagers. Man that car was indestructible. Was a mid blue car, just like the St. Louis Metro Police Department.
If there was a 1977 Nova that didn’t dogtrack I never seen it. That is the biggest problem with them, but it was normal with all of them. So was it engineered that way?