- Seller: Michael L
- Location: Dunlap, Illinois
- Mileage: 18,556 Shown
- Chassis #: ZDM906SC2
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 902-cc SOHC 4-Stroke V-Twin
- Transmission: 6-Speed with Dry Clutch
Life has a habit of throwing us curveballs, sometimes scuppering the dreams of enthusiasts planning a project build. Such is the case with this 1977 Chevrolet Nova. The owner has visions of an LS-powered classic dancing in his head, but changed circumstances have forced him to shelve his plans and place the Nova on the market. The build hasn’t reached the point of no return if someone prefers a faithful restoration, although the lure of a V8 may prove irresistible. The owner has, therefore, elected to list this classic with us at Barn Finds Auctions.
Chevrolet introduced its Fourth Generation Nova range for the 1975 model year. It marked a significant change in the company’s design philosophy, adopting a more “European” look for its latest offering. Buyers could select from three body styles, with the first owner selecting this 1977 Coupe that left the line finished in Buckskin Metallic. As the foundation for a project build, there is much to like about this Nova. Its panels are remarkably straight for a classic of this vintage, and most of the paint retains a warm shine. The horizontal surfaces exhibit deterioration, but stripping these areas as part of a high-end build could be tackled in a home workshop. However, its strongest attribute could be the lack of significant rust. There is a small area of steel penetration in the spare wheel well, but the floors, rails, and panels are clean. The glass is in good order, and the custom Raceline billet wheels add a sense of purpose. Those preferring a more “stock” look will welcome the news that the original hubcaps are among the collection of parts that are sitting in the trunk. It is worth noting that the trailer that this Nova rests on isn’t included in the deal, and the winning bidder will need to arrange a means of towing this classic home.
Hiding under this Nova’s hood is its original 250ci six-cylinder engine that the first owner teamed with a three-speed Hydramatic transmission, power steering, and front disc brakes. The six produced 110hp according to the company’s 1977 Sales Brochure, providing acceptable performance. The owner confirms that this classic ran until the carburetor began leaking. It and a rebuild kit are in the trunk, and the winning bidder will need to source the bolts required to lock the power steering pump back into its mounting bracket. New tires will go on the shopping list because while the ones on the vehicle hold air, they are dry and cracked. The brakes work, raising the possibility that achieving a mechanically roadworthy state could be an achievable short-term goal. However, the owner had grander visions for this Nova, which some potential buyers may find irresistible. Chevrolet engineered these cars to receive a small-block V8, and the owner planned an LS transplant. That process would be straightforward and could unlock performance well beyond what buyers received in 1977. The parts for such conversions are available “off the shelf” and is an option worth serious consideration.
The Nova’s interior shows its age and should be considered a blank canvas requiring restoration to present at its best. The first owner teamed the exterior Buckskin paint with vinyl interior trim in the same shade with a bench seat. Encouragingly, I had no trouble finding several suppliers who stock seatcovers, door trims, and other upholstered pieces in the correct materials and colors. The prices look extremely competitive, making a faithful approach viable and affordable. Alternatively, throwing caution to the wind with cloth or leather might be an option to consider. Regardless of which path the buyer takes, the interior could look pretty stunning.
We see a few promising project candidates at Barn Finds, but this 1977 Chevrolet Nova looks like a gem. Its lack of significant rust is a strong point, as is the ready availability of parts required to create the classic of your dreams. More importantly, there are no tasks in this build that would be beyond the skills of a competent enthusiast if they prefer the hands-on approach. This would remove labor costs from the equation, potentially allowing them to splash a little more cash on parts and material than they might originally plan. The owner had dreams of a purring V8 under the hood, and you could make it a reality. Combining those reasons makes this Nova worth more than a passing glance.
Bid On This Auction
Willamina bid $100.00 2025-04-02 08:31:10
For anyone wanting to keep it simple, as odd as it seems now silver with the beige interior was a listed combination for them. Maybe with some period-looking brown and orange graphics – as subtle as a vinyl pinstripe or as splashy as to mean putting new paint on half the car – to tie it together.
I can see some of the plastic grill, I assume the rest of that front end and tail section are included. How about the inside door panels? Where you gonna find those? Its not like a 1969 Nova, i can find all that stuff but for a 77? AS much as I like the humble 250, a stout V8 would seem the way to go. Better have a thick wallet. Not just for that LS, will need a new tranny, plus a whole new stout suspension or you will be sorry. Same with the brakes. All can be done, but in the end, will the numbers work? Only if it is your hobby and money matters not. I can see some newly retired guy puttering away on something like this if a new Nova was his dream ride in high school, but if you have to pay for a lot of the work and plan on a flip, your a big dreamer.
With all the disassembled projects, if the parts removed were not “bagged and tagged”, then welcome to your jigsaw puzzle! As stated by Jerry, locating OEM nuts/bolts/clips and the other myriad small needed items for reassembly is going to be difficult. GLWTA!! :-)
GM called this silver exterior color Buckskin? I had one in this color with a bright red interior. Got me through my final year in college. Pretty much a base model but with Chevy rally wheels and a 305 (?) under the hood.
I was looking at the description and it says 902cc SOHC V-Twin and six speed w/ dry clutch? I was hoping there was a motorcycle engine swap under the hood!
That data block is dead wrong. Doesn’t anybody proofread?
I didn’t think today’s seat covers fit THAT bad.
These were pretty good simple cars. Last of the ones you could fix pretty fast and easy. I’ve saved a few for family to hopefully take interest in someday and build a few hotrods for the Grandkids maybe.
I’ll drag it away and he gives me two hundred???