The Chevy II/Nova was one of Chevrolet’s best-selling nameplates, running from 1962 to 1979 (and again later as a captive import in the 1980s). The last outing as a rear-wheel drive automobile began in 1975 when it was promoted as the “most changed” car in the Chevy portfolio. It was little modified going into 1976, the year the U.S. celebrated its 200th anniversary. The seller says this ’76 is a “bicentennial edition” but we’re having trouble determining if there actually was such a thing. It looks like an ordinary, basic Nova in Kaukauna, Wisconsin, and is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $7,000. This tip comes to us by way of “Lothar… of the Hill People”.
While there is speculation online of a “Bicentennial Nova”, most sources refer to the Spirit of America edition of the 1974 Nova. It was produced in anticipation of the 200-year party and was painted white with red and white stripes. That car more than looked the part and greater than 14,000 copies were built that year. Like the AMC Rebel Machine from 1970, you looked like you were driving a four-wheel American flag going down the road.
The seller’s ’76 Nova coupe looks like any other Nova. While it’s blue in color (including the interior), there is no reference to the bicentennial anywhere on the car that we can see. It has a basic 250 cubic inch inline-6 and it’s said to have had only two owners (including the seller) in its mere 27,000-mile existence. There is some literature in the mix of Chevrolet stuff that says “Spirit of 76” on it, but that’s as close to something different as it comes. So perhaps the seller is confusing the Spirit of America car for this one or perhaps there actually was a Bicentennial Edition. Or it was simply just built in 1976.
We’re told this auto has lived in a garage most of its life. And if it runs well, the seller misses the opportunity to drive it outside to take the photographs provided. Instead, the pics are all from inside a cramped indoor space. It looks good overall, although we wonder if some potential rust is starting to brew outside one of the fender wells and the plastic below the taillights appears to have cracked. Also, the seat back on the driver’s side has a small tear from where the shoulder harness may have rubbed. The car has been on the market for nine weeks, so do potential buyers have the same questions we do?
Nice it has the 6cyl I had a 77 with the 305 V8 it was the last dependable GM product I ever owned I should have kept it.
That quarter in the one pic has more bondo in it then an aging hollywood actress. Get the car out of the garage and take some pics.Empty the trunk and take out the mat, door seam trunk seam , lower fender and under car shots needed too.2000 to 2500 car imo.Cool car to LS and make a sleeper.Not worth 7k imo and it’s not a bicentennial edition.
I don’t know much about Novas (other than the Earl-Scheib-Special, Competition Orange 1977 model I owned myself) nor special editions but there was a 2007 post on StevesNovaSite that said this about bicentennial Novas:
“it does exist and is rare. its a 76 and i think it was mostly all interior with special strips.
theres 4 special editions for 4th gens that i know of.
the gold medalist. for Olympics(1976)
the spirit of America (i was wrong its 74)
and the bicentennial.
also the nova shark made for the jaws movie. (1976)”
I’m just glad I finally got another one of my tips published… it’s definitely a Red Letter Day for Lothar.
That straight 6 and low miles in a Nova coupe means it’s still a great car. Ruined rapidly trying to turn it into an overcompensating muscle boy car. You can’t sell the hot rods for anything any more. There’s millions out there already. What there aren’t much of are Nova coupes with straight 6 engine with fuel injection and CDI ignition kits already in existence. As for more pics, yes. As long as it’s got only typical parking lot and storage bumps and bruises, and only minimal rust, this is a great car to update and drive. Chicks like bench seats minus glass pack mufflers and V8 rod riot. Impressing women always better than hoping the fellers will want your big motor.
Every Chevy came with that Spirit of 76′ brochure at dealerships,MANY things had Spirit of 76′ stuff throughout the country in 1976..200th birthday.It’s a bog standard Nova,nothing wrong with that as i prefer the 75-onwards versions..but i’m weird :P
There is no disputing taste. I favor the Ventura II grill that had four horizontal slots. 1972 maybe? Perhaps it was the first grill I saw and I was imprinted on it like a gosling on its mother.
I am stumped by “bog standard”. Is it an acronym (bottom of group?) or does bog indicate the lowest level possible?
It’s not praise, for sure.
Thanks.
The way that Nova is outfitted it’s the lowest engine the basest interior and trim IE:bog standard.It seems to be lacking any noticable options.
Fewer upgrades and options = less to go wrong. The 4 cylinder is anemic, the 8 is terrible at everything. The straight 6 was perfect for the Nova coupe. Grandma had 2 different 4 door Nova’s both my dad bought brand new for her. The 6 cylinder was a smooth sled, too much power for grandma. Which means just right.
127k or 227 thousand miles, good little engine, but car is not in great condition, no where near 27k, 3000 dollar car maybe.
Cross threading? The asking price is $7k. Not a bad price. I agree it’s possible it’s a well cared for 127k miles car or sloppily stored by slow driver with bad eyesight 27k miles. $7k in either case is not a bad price.
Car bought in Calumet, Michigan in UP on Lake Superior according to owners manual. I went to college in Marquette near there in late 70’s/early 80’s. BRUTAL winters!!! Michigan uses a lot of salt. And listed in Wisconsin now, which isn’t any better. I know why pics are all taken in dark & no close-ups as Maggie mentioned.
I agree others on the poor presentation in a garage and the trunk not emptied. If you want to sell something don’t you clean it up?
I’m also a little suspect of 27k miles being the tear in the front seat and body issues. Of course, if it sat in a damp environment, that could explain it.
Those bicentennial models were called Spirit of America and the Impalas were dark blue bottom with a white vinyl roof and “Spirit of America” badging. This was a ’74 model I saw.I can’t remember how many years or models Chevrolet had of these but this particular car isn’t one of them.
I don’t like to beat up cars here, but this car sure seems to show that it has been repainted. Odd that the quarter panel fender edges are rusted through at 27k miles. Rocker arm cover that blistered and rusty? I agree with Maggy and others that more pictures are needed.
Its a bone stock, base model, 2 door, no A/C, 1500.00 Chevy Nova on its best day.
That’s the price every boy who wants to drop a V8 in it wants to pay. Obviously no resale value in V8 swaps, seller knows the value is updating it with stock drivetrain with some modern fuel and ignition updates. $7k would be reasonable if no structural or rust-thru issues. The person buying it is interested in the straight 6, one over Chevy’s better engines.
By 1974, it didn’t come with power brakes? I’m also concerned about rot, better pictures need to be taken. I know this, we all know this, and everyone else who may be interested in buying it knows this. When the seller gets no bites, he will have to do better.
I’ll start by saying that I like the car, BUT, the yellow writing on the fan shroud screams “junk yard parts” to me.
Doesn’t bother me, but represent it truthfully. And I’ve bought lots of junkyard parts. Don’t mind them, but respect honesty.
Good catch. Suggests engine fire or front collision. Possibly broken of radiator was pulled out and damaged original in the process. I said in other posts it’s a $7 car if no structural damage or rust-thru. But really need to see hood, trunk and door fitting among other views. It must be a chore for the seller, perhaps not deceptive. Just might have limitations on their abilities (age or handicap). Otherwise listing it at a healthy ask of $7 is hitting everyone as something they are hiding. While that’s possible, it’s like an internet blind date situation: Lie about how fat you are, when you finally meet, you’ve already told the other person you can’t tell the truth. So why even mess around to begin with?!!
If anyone is really interested in finding out if this is a true Sprit of ’76 model, there is a Facebook Group that might be able to help. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1678961905737084
If some buys this for $7000, I’ll sell em the empire state building for $3000… it’s a typical economical optioned nova.. run of tha mill in my opinion, it’s worth 2500 tops
Come up with a new script. That’s on every thread of every listing recently. The price paid is what it’s worth to someone. I don’t like lots of cars on here, including this one. I don’t dislike it either. Like my grandma having 2 of these, someone might be looking for a nostalgic experience. We don’t know. If it’s the original drivetrain, it has value with the straight 6. It was the perfect match for this car. Someone might remember a time when these were on every street block and that alone is what transports them. A junked out hot rod swap can’t offer that and other memory lane reasons to pay.
There’s no way that is a bicentennial nova they were white with red and blue ribbons with stars
Being from the michigan UP, and now being in Wisconsin, it is possible to have 27,000 miles and still be rusted. Not likely, but possible.
This looks like a 127,000 mile car to me though. 227,000 miles and it would be in worse condition.
You could always drop a Coyote 5.0 V8 with a six speed in it. HeHe….
I just like to take a jab at all the Government motors crowd always wanting to LS everything
I would think MANUAL front disc brake Novas & even Camaros are quite rare, due to the pedal effort needed. I would imagine it would not be that difficult tho to add a power booster – & this heavier gen Nova will probably be converted over, unless the new owner is up to the task.
The early pintos were not avail with power assisted brakes, front disc or 4 wheel drum – most people chose the latter due to less pedal effort required, despite longer stopping distances – & best to stay away from deep water & steep mountains with the latter. lol