The Chevrolet Nova got a more modern look when the fourth-generation cars were introduced in 1975, arguably not quite as cool as their predecessors but perhaps a bit more sophisticated when it comes to styling. At first glance, there doesn’t appear to be a whole lot particularly special about this 1978 sedan, and subsequent viewings don’t reveal much more than a small faded brown family cruiser from the late seventies. However, this Chevy does have a V8 under the hood plus it’s currently running and driving, so for $750 or the best offer, this one seems like some decent cheap transportation. Barn Finds reader Rocco B. thought so too, and we’d like to thank him for sending in the tip!
We get little information on the car’s background or how long it’s been located in Northern Ohio, but to be so near Lake Erie the body seems to have held up generally well overall, as many seventies cars near this area suffer from rust issues. I’m not spotting much corrosion here, at least not obvious, as the panels still seem to be somewhat solid. The paint appears like it has oxidized over time, but this one’s got the sports mirrors and rally wheels outside, so even with an inexpensive respray I think this Nova might look pretty good.
As far as optional inside equipment goes, there’s more in here than I was expecting. Most of these sedans probably came with a bench seat, but the upholstery does have more of a pattern than I would think is the base level, although it’s showing some wear on the driver’s side. A further examination of the interior shows power door locks, a rear window defogger, a tilt steering column, and air conditioning, and I think that might even be an AM/FM/8-Track in the dash, so as far as most Novas from this period go, it’s kind of loaded.
The base engine in ’78 was an inline 6, but it’s nice to find a 305 V8 here instead. A 350 was also available, but the 305 came within 15 horsepower of the larger V8, so it should perform adequately in a car this size. The seller lists the mileage at 88,603, though there’s no word on if that’s actual, but for $750 OBO this seems like a fair price even if the odometer’s on the second go-round. This 1978 Chevrolet Nova can be found here on Craigslist in Westpark, Ohio, and I’m guessing it’ll sell fairly quickly. What are your thoughts on this one?
For $750 it’s a steal!
Tilt wheel and power locks in a Nova, quite unusual. The steering column is probably worth $750 to a Nova owner who wants an original tilt column. A/C, too, this could be a fun toy.
This is what these cars should be going for. Nice to see someone not trying to get $7500 for it.
I had a one owner red one like this for sale here. Dry Montana car with 10,000 original miles. I was asking $3500. NO one would believe the mileage was original. Finally sold to a friend for $2500.
Had a 76Nova Concours 4dr. A grama car. A/c, tilt, 305/350. But I just had to mess with it….black wheels with dog dish, blacked out windows and a couple short antennas and instant Narc Car!
Was a fun and reliable car for 15 yrs. Sold it for $3500 in 2000 which is what I had paid for it.
Four doors don’t get much love, I hope that this one finds a new home! It’s priced right, a perfect starter car for entry into the classic car hobby, you can drive it while you restore it, as parts are plentiful and cheap. This one is a blank canvas, you can go from mild to wild, but I’d be inclined to tread lightly, unless a detailed inspection shows significant rust that can’t be seen in the pictures. New seat covers and carpets will go a long way towards freshening the interior, and try polishing compound on the outside before springing for a new paint job. Electronic engine controls are a bolt-on to improve typically horrible mid-70’s drivability, and upgrades to the intake and exhaust will make the most of that small-block Chevy’s power potential. If I didn’t already have a project car, I’d be all over it!