This 1971 Chevy Nova looks like a fairly basic car for its day. But it has a 350 cubic inch V8, an automatic transmission, and power brakes, at a minimum. And it’s yet to be converted into a Super Sport clone and, hopefully, it will not go down that route – if the important hardware is numbers-matching. Located in Monterey, California, this Nova needs paint and an interior, but the rest appears to be a solid foundation. This Chevy is available here on craigslist for $14,000 OBO. Thanks for the killer tip, Tony Primo!
Nova sales dropped by a third in 1971, but that may be because of labor issues at General Motors that year. Production bounced right back in 1972, and the 1970-72 models were virtually the same cars with minor nuances. 25,000 Novas had the 350 V8 that year, whether a 2 or 4-barrel (the latter reserved for the SS). We owned a ’70 Nova with the 350X2, and it was a great car (even with a 2-speed Powerglide automatic; why did I ever sell it?).
We’re told this automobile runs and drives (how well?), and the suspension has been rebuilt. That may be because the odometer is on its second time around, somewhere past 100,000 miles. No mention is made of any mechanical work needed, so we assume most of the buyer’s efforts will be dedicated to the blue paint and passenger compartment. The bench seat is rough, and at least one door panel is missing, so you’d better figure on tearing it all out.
On the plus side, the body is solid, and there’s no sign of corrosion. I’d go with a redo of the original color and replace the black steel wheels with a set of Rally wheels with raised white letter tires. Even keep the proportions the same as the current rear wheels are wider than those on the front. My vote is to avoid going down the SS clone route, mainly because there are already a lot of them out there, and this one seems solid the way it is.
Paint the car and restore the interior and drive it. Looks to have a warmed over small block in it already…
Please. They want $14k for this wreck. Thanks, but I’ll take the Apollo from a few days ago for 5 grand more.
This looks like Axel’s car from Beverly Hills Cop.
14 Large may be a bit wishful but as mentioned, “it appears to be a solid foundation.” I concur and have certainly seen worse. And any part for this, being mechanical or interior for that matter, is uber-avaible – and not very spendy.
Okay, it could definitely be worse. But $14k?? No way.
Jenny Summers: “I remember you used to drive that crappy blue Chevy Nova. What are you driving now?”
Axel Foley: “Same crappy blue Chevy Nova.”
Not the first time this car has been on here, I thin it was about 6 months ago maybe a little longer. Look like it is the same seller too. At that time they were asking very high price for the car too. Just because it is old does not mean it is. Worth that much. You can find really nice Nova’s as in the 20 to 30 K range.
And you can find really nice editions of their off-shoots (Apollos, Venturas, and Omegas) for even less. Might even find a nice Arcadian!
Jeez… Almost seems like yesterday you could buy these cars for 500 bucks…
It looks like nice car to finish fixing up. But its a common car back in its day and over priced for a common car. Now if it a “real SS” , people would think differently. Say its a rare…muscle car. The price would be a higher crazy price. Back in 1988 I sold a 1970 Chevy Impala Custom Coupe for $1500 that I had 12 yrs.. Back in its day, a common family car. 2door, trunk slept 6, 2 barrel 350 V8 (original), Turbo Hydra-Matic transmission, single exhaust. The breather cover said 250HP on it.
i sorry but 14k for a clapped-out beat-up nova just because it has 350 in it. no way. maybe 3k and that’s stretching it
Looks like the Nova Eddie Murphy Drove in Beverly Hills Cop.
14k may seem steep until you start shopping and see what a roller costs. I bought a 70 that looked like a wheelbarrow (front suspension was off the car). and it was $8500. If I had a desire to drive a Nova without several summers of rust repair (and still not running), maybe 14k ain’t so bad. At least the person gets instant joy and the fixup, repairs, upgrades can come at a reasonable pace. If you pay less than 5k, you may need to bring a shovel, as the market is steep with sellers that smell the blood in the water, market wise. I know a person needs to be reasonable for their own personal economy, but when it comes to cars, that verges on laughable when your facing the fact that there are only so many left. My car is a day 2 special and I can’t wait to apply all of the various upgrades that I have planned. It’s far from economical, but it will be a blast to drive and more importantly, the pride of taking something that a lot folks get ruffled by (the money side of it) is priceless. Mine isn’t a restomod, but an amalgam of stuff like a new (rebuilt) muncie m20, full leaf springs, a warmed over 350, a 1965 2 spoke Chevelle wheel etc. It’s taking all of the cool features of other Chevy models and some Nova upgrades and building a “day 2” with respect to the bowtie. So, maybe 14k ain’t so bad ; )
Looks almost exactly like the one I just picked up for $2200, except I didn’t get a motor or tranny.
I love “The Club” on the steering wheel. Good thing they installed it, before someone stole the other door panel.
Does the 700lb bear that was living in in for 5 years come with the car ?