This 1970 Chevrolet Nova appears to be a blank canvas project for its new owner. With its motor and transmission now a distant memory, the buyer could create the classic of their dreams. However, it is also a genuine mystery machine, raising as many questions as it answers. Therefore, it might require some intensive investigation to uncover this classic’s true story. The seller has listed the Nova here on eBay in Hooper, Nebraska. They set their BIN at $6,250, emphasizing that the figure is non-negotiable.
Introduced in 1968, Chevrolet’s Third Generation Nova range remained on sale until 1974. The company made such minor cosmetic updates in 1970 that it was difficult to distinguish vehicles like our featured car from the previous year’s offerings. This Nova appears to have led a colorful life, both literally and figuratively. The existing paint shade isn’t original; the Cowl Tag confirms that the first owner ordered the car in Forest Green. That color is visible where the original vinyl top was removed, but whoever performed the color change didn’t ignore the door frames and other less accessible areas. The panels are surprisingly straight, with no major dings or dents. Rust is often a concern with these classics, and this Nova isn’t immune to it. The images reveal areas in the lower extremities, the rear wheel arches, and the floors. However, there is no evidence of structural problems, allowing someone with respectable welding skills to eliminate the rust relatively cheaply. The glass appears to be in good condition, and most of the trim should be acceptable for a driver-grade build.
This Nova is consistent, because its interior is as tired as the exterior. Featuring a bench seat, the seller has partially dismantled the interior. However, the listing images suggest that the removed parts are present and included in the sale. What can’t be ignored is how tired everything looks, so budgeting for a retrim would be wise. The buyer could adopt a faithful approach, but there is scope to add bucket seats and the trim material of their choice.
Okay, this is where the Nova becomes a mystery machine. The seller listed it as an SS 350, but I’m not convinced that it is. The engine and transmission are long gone, but the exterior doesn’t sport any SS badges, and those on the front fenders indicate that this classic left the line powered by a 327ci V8. I tend to believe the seller’s statement that it featured a four-speed manual transmission and power front disc brakes, but the SS claims would require further investigation. Regardless of the truth, the lack of an engine and transmission would allow the buyer to bolt whatever takes their fancy under the hood. They could opt for a small-block, although the Nova is a prime candidate to become an SS 396 tribute.
It will be fascinating to gauge your views on this 1970 Chevrolet Nova. Do you believe it is a genuine SS 350, as claimed by the seller? Or are the fender badges a more accurate guide to the car’s original specifications? Whatever the truth, the reality is that since it can never be a numbers-matching classic, the buyer could let their imagination run wild as they return the car to its rightful place on our roads. That raises the question of what you would choose to do if this Nova found its way into your garage. Would you return it to its factory form, or would the lure of creating a fire-breathing monster be irresistible?
Bought one of these in the early 80s for 500 bucks. It had a 350 with a 3 in the tree and it could bring the front tires off the ground.👍
This was featured on this site late October 2025, it “sold” for a high bid of $7,850. There were a lot of interesting comments worth reading.
Everything SS, that is either important or expensive to replace is missing. The VIN doesn’t verify if it left the factory as an SS, there is no way to verify it without some form of original paperwork such as a POP, window sticker of sales receipt.
Steve R
Love the sheet metal and pop rivet panel in the tranny hump too,….
With all the rot scattered everywhere throughout the body this is a big nothingburger: hard pass on this at the asked price,….
I’m wondering now if the current owner purchased this on a whim and, after finding out what he Really baught, is trying to recoupe some of his loss?
The seller has been buying and selling cars for years. I used to watch his eBay listings, but he moved away from thing I thought were interesting. He may know the cars history, which doesn’t count for much in its current condition.
Steve R
So, a shell of a Nova for $6250? What a joke. By the time you bought everything else to make this a decent car, you’d have way more into it than it’s worth.
If there was at least an engine somewhere, then that would be cool. But at this price for a car with no engine, that’s too much. The price of the car is hinging a lot on SS stuff that’s not there.
Too bad it wasn’t a base nova and then they were selling it for maybe $1500-$2000. That would be a nice blank canvas for somebody or you can make a replica of the Nova from the movie Death Proof since it’s missing interior parts.
I am with JDC above. There’s really nothing here…..
That certainly doesn’t look like an SS gauge cluster, either.
Hmmm… Interesting… I got a 327 motor and tranny sitting in my hoarder pile somewhere… Price might be a tad high, but, body looks tight, and they ain’t making these no more…
Go get ’em, Tiger!
Not a SS. All SS’s came with 12 bolt rear, multi leaf springs. Could have been changed out but hard to believe someone would have taken the time to replace a 10 Bolt rear-end. Mono leaf springs. Car is to far gone.
The rear end would have been among the first thing stripped from this car. It would have been a direct bolt in for a first generation Camaro, and is supposed to be the same overall width as 55-57 Chevy. Before aftermarket housings became common about 20 years ago you’d easily get $1,000, possibly more for a complete drum to drum 12 bolt posi from a Nova like this.
Steve R
Looks like a rust bucket to me.
Not a SS. All SS’s came with 12 bolt rear, multi leaf springs. Could have been changed out but hard to believe someone would have taken the time to replace a 10 Bolt rear-end. Mono leaf springs. Car is to far gone. Not a SS. All SS’s came with 12 bolt rear, multi leaf springs. Could have been changed out but hard to believe someone would have taken the time to replace a 10 Bolt rear-end. Mono leaf springs. Car is to far gone.
Ummm, no. Hard pass. It’s basically worthless.
Side note, I remember when the price is right came out and gave away Nova’s. They were like 1800 to 2500 brand new. I think the show first aired in 72, but still…
Base price for a 1970 Nova coupe was $2,503.00 before shipping and options.
No 327 in 1970.
Front fenders are either 1968 or 1969. In 1970, Chevy changed the front side light from a large rectangle to a shorter, longer one. If the engine size required a call-out, the displacement was shown in cast numbers above the side light.
This car is just all over the place. Like others have said, it’s a Frankenstein of parts from various years and too rusty for the asking price. 500 and it could be an okay donor for a few odds and ends.
This looks almost nice compared to the 68 Firebird featured today!