While it may require some bodywork, rust repairs, and detail work to complete it, this 1974 Nova is nothing if not lion-hearted. The owner has commenced a mechanical transformation of the car that should transform it into a healthy performer. Located in Canyon Country, California, you will find the Nova listed for sale here on eBay.
It looks like someone has commenced work on the body of the Nova, and one task that they have performed is the removal of the vinyl top. There is a small amount of rust to address in the bottoms of the quarter panels, the bottom corners of the doors, and the bottoms of the fenders. None of these spots are particularly bad, and I think that all could be addressed with patches rather than major panel replacement. One thing that I do like is the chrome wheels. I think that they just look right on a car of this vintage. The only thing that we can’t really be sure of is the condition of the floors and frame.
This is where things get interesting on this Nova. Originally fitted with a 350ci V8 and a 350 column-shift auto, both items have now been scrapped. In their place are a 454ci big-block and a Turbo 400 transmission with a B&M Quick Shift. There is some detail work to complete on this installation, as the car doesn’t currently have a driveshaft, carburetor, or exhaust manifolds. However, with these items fitted, this Nova should be one healthy performer.
The interior photos are a bit lacking, but the Nova is fitted with a black interior that the owner says will need a good clean. There is some seam separation in the headliner, but I think that this could be repaired without having to replace the entire headliner. From what is visible in the photo, the door trim and seat look okay, and it looks like the dash pad is free of cracks.
When completed, this Nova could potentially be a very attractive car that is capable of some really healthy performance. With that 454 under the hood, I think that it could be a hoot to drive. It will probably never be a mega-dollars car, but with a BIN price of $3,150 or the option to make an offer, it could still be an enjoyable project.
Big thing IMO would be how it handles with that extra weight on the front end unless it’s planned as a strip only car? That’s a bunch of extra weight out there and if the suspension isn’t configured right it would drive like a pig on ice IMO.
I think it would make more sense to put a healthy SMC in it if that’s the direction the buyer wants to go with it.
I was about to say the same thing about the added weight
I believe they came stock from the factory with a 454-400. So the front end package shouldn’t be to difficult.
396, yes, from 1968-1970, even those were nose heavy.
Steve R
I had a ’70 Nova SS with a big block and it certainly wasn’t a car suited for a road course. Even with 60 series tires on the back and 70s on the front, it was a handful. I would hope the seller upgraded the springs in front for the added weight of the 454. I liked the raw power of the big 396 I had but you had to use caution if you didn’t want to swap ends.
This Nova has a lot of potential but obviously with missing parts the engine is a bit of a mystery. Otherwise, the price seems fair. Hate the bumpers, though.
Looks like the same nova my friend in MI did all the exact same modifications. I was offered the car for the price of $500 in 1980.
So how many different cars made this nova?
Actually it shouldn’t be that bad to drive, my father has a 69 nova with a 454 and its a nice car to drive once you get used to the torque.
I bought a similar one for $400. PO said there was a tapping from the engine and he couldn’t keep it in time. The tapping was the cam gear/chain grinding against the cam cover and that movement caused the timing gear to move. New cam thrust button, replaced cam, swapped drive gear on the distributor. Had a hard time keeping the rear end pointed the same direction as the front. Sold it for $900 a month later.
I had a 72 Nova that started out with a 250 straight 6, I put a 455 out of a Oldsmobile Electra 225 in the little beast. The car handle great after I put some after market rear suspicion on it, ran wide tires under the rear-end it ran like a dream. I could pass anything on the highway except for the gas pumps!! The total cost for the Nova I had about 5K in and sold it for 15K some years later.
I bought a 71 SS for 2200 a few months ago no powertrain I’m building a 383 and backing it with an I-ROC 5 speed gearing will be 3:23 and a FI-Tech injection on top budget is 8500 I just got the title last week
My chevelle even when I had a small block in it was always trying to spin around, Now I have the big block in it, but I don’t drive it like I use to. But I agree it would be better with a small block, you can get all the power you would want to have for the street out of a small block and more, no reason to go to a big block
I’m a big fan of the big block chevy. Yes, you can make great power with a small block. Doesn’t sound like a big block though. I hear all the worry about handling and weight. Doesn’t matter to me and the way I drive. I enjoy the visceral sounds and feel of impractical fun cars. I do big blocks for my toys. I drive my well scienced, reliable economical late model for getting through the daily grind. Jus sayin
When you look at the photo of the engine bay, that fan is so big that it looks as though you could drive this car without a transmission fitted.
I would be worried about sucking in motor cyclists at the traffic lights.
I see a late 70’s early 80’s truck engine in that photo… may have the infamous peanut port heads which can just be thrown away.