The third generation Chevy Nova (1968-74) was the car’s most successful in terms of sales. In fact, in 1974, they enjoyed their best year, no doubt due to the OPEC oil embargo that saw buyers flocking to smaller cars. This ’74 Nova has been sitting out in a field in Sherman, Texas and is said to need carburetor and suspension work, but it may go past that. And there is no title, either. The car is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $3,000.
Chevy’s Nova started out as the Chevy II in 1962 when the Corvair was too unconventional for some compact shoppers. The Chevy II (later Nova) would be a mainstay at GM through 1979 and made a comeback in the 1980s as a rebadged Japanese import. 1973 brought the first restyle of the Nova since 1968, which involved changes to both ends to accommodate larger bumpers (those ‘70s Federal mandates) and a bigger greenhouse, i.e., side window openings. The following year would see little changes, the most noticeable being those ill-fated weight-sensitive relays in the front seat that prevented the cars from being started until the driver’s seatbelt was fastened. The requirement was quickly repealed, and they disappeared.
By 1974, there was only one V8 engine offered in the Nova, the 350 cubic inch edition that put out 145 SAE net horsepower with a 2-barrel carburetor. That’s likely what’s in the seller’s car since it’s not an SS and has dual exhaust sticking out the back. This car, with a reported 12,000 miles on the odometer (or 112,000), is sitting in a Texas field with stabilization issues said to be caused by bad rear air shocks. That could be the problem, but without getting it up on a lift, you can’t be sure there isn’t more going on there. No photos are given of the interior, so we don’t know if any issues are lurking there.
There are hints of rust here and there, especially in the lower front fenders, which was typical of these Chevies. The color of the car doesn’t look like a factory color, although Bright Yellow might be close. Given the extra chrome trim between the side windows and the back glass suggests this car started out as a two-tone job or one with a vinyl top that was removed and then the whole car repainted. The seller says this Nova needs a carb, so that means it doesn’t run. But is that all it would take to revive this Nova? Hagerty says a ’74 Nova in fair condition could bring $5,000 and the average value is $8,000, so you could quickly be upside down getting this one presentable and back on the road again.
Not a bad field car.
Thr price without title is high though..
The drivers rear looks like the problem is more than a bad air shock. That doesn’t really matter, no title equals, no interest. This car is too generic and overpriced to have to deal with getting a pink slip yourself.
Steve R
There are two of these that are complete together (with all the wheels) in a field near me. Good bodies on both. Guy wants $800. for the pair. Both have inline sixes and bench seats a mile long. Super plain inside like an old hospital. I have certainly resisted because I am not into disco nogos. Then everyone else who are car people that seen them have too.
The above car is slumped over in the front as it is pretty clear the front wheel is laying on the ground next to it. The lower A frame sunk in the mud. So you have your work cut out building it to move it then trying to get a title once you get home.
In this pandemic I would rather spend the money on a pinball machine.
Where are you located? Call me please. I may be looking for a good parts car.
Thanks,
Nick
five one eight three seven eight zero four four one.
“Super plain inside like an old hospital”. I like that.
imo…the “bumper cars” are ugly
The entire drivers side of the car is sunk into the ground. 99% sure its rusting from the bottom up. Without pics of the underside, it’s not even worth wasting time considering.
I was told long ago to never buy a 1974 anything. Something about the emissions equipment, or the de-tuned engines. ??
Those bumpers are really fugly, more so on a car as small as the Nova. What in the world were they thinking? I am not an Automotive Engineer or designer. But there had to be a more attractive way to provide safe 5 MPH protection . I hit the bottom facia on a new Honda Accord with my Gran Marquis ( I have size 15 feet ) and it caused 500.00 damage, and I wasn’t going over 5 MPH. The big 3 ( or 4 then ) really ruined the appearance of so many vehicles with that stupid mandate. But what they say about big feet is true, you wear big socks.
I think that it is very telling that it is the color of a lemon
Actually, there were other 350s than just the 145 horse 2bbl. There was a 160 350-4bbl for California Novas, and the 185 horse 350-4bbl was the top engine, and it could be had with a 4-speed. Unless this Nova has that latter drive train, this is not worth saving, just a parts car, in my opinion.