Hiding in this garage is a 1972 Chevrolet Nova that needs little to return to active service. The winning bidder needs to haul it away on a trailer or flatbed, but returning it to active service should be straightforward, with a competent new owner capable of performing the required tasks in a home workshop. It has a few cosmetic needs but nothing that appears to require urgent attention. The Nova is listed here on eBay in Sussex City, Delaware. Bidding sits below the reserve at $7,600, although there is a BIN of $10,000 for those viewing it as a “must-have” classic.

The supplied photos of this Nova are pretty deceptive because it carries a distinct green hue in some shots. This is courtesy of the prevailing light, with the seller confirming the paint gracing its panels is Pewter Silver. It retains a respectable shine, and leaving the exterior untouched, at least in the short-term, is viable. However, there are dings ad dents requiring attention, with the worst of these confined to the passenger side. The rear quarter panel has been impacted, as has the door. Both faults are repairable without resorting to panel replacement, and doing so would make an enormous difference to the overall presentation. The seller doesn’t mention rust issues, and no glaring problems are visible in the supplied photos. I always recommend an in-person inspection, but first impressions are positive. Most trim and chrome pieces look acceptable for a driver-grade vehicle, but the buyer will almost certainly replace the back bumper and taillight assembly when repairing the panel damage. The glass is in good order, while the spotless Magnum 500 wheels perfectly suit this classic’s personality.

The Nova is no fire-breathing monster, with the original owner ordering it equipped with the 250ci six and a two-speed Powerglide transmission. This was the most conservative combination offered by Chevrolet in 1972, with a ¼-mile ET of 20.3 seconds looking pretty unremarkable. However, it would be economical and function effectively as a daily driver. The seller says it runs and drives, although it requires a tune-up and brake work to be considered roadworthy. This is where some potential buyers might see this Chevy as a blank canvas. The drivetrain configuration ensures it isn’t a mega-bucks vehicle, but slotting something more potent under the hood would be easy due to the ready availability of “off the shelf” components. A small-block would transform the car immensely, but since the company was still bolting in big-blocks until 1970, that could be a viable option for those focused on pure performance. Speed costs money, and the size of their wallet will largely dictate the path the winning bidder pursues.

If the new owner wished to leave this Nova’s interior untouched, that approach would seem viable. The photo quality isn’t great, but they seem to indicate there are no glaring faults or flaws with the upholstered surfaces or dash. The pad isn’t cracked, and there are no signs of sun rot on the upper back seat. It isn’t loaded with optional extras, suggesting the original owner focused on affordability and practicality when ordering this classic. However, it is another aspect of the car that is a blank canvas if the buyer elects to follow a custom or SS tribute path.

What would be your plans if you found this 1972 Nova parked in your workshop? Would you address its shortcomings and enjoy it in its current form, or would you slot something more potent into its engine bay? If the second option seems irresistible, the world is your oyster regarding engine choices. The bidding action has been relatively modest, but if it is as rock-solid as the photos suggest, I expect the situation to change. Do you think people will continue to indulge in a bidding war, or will someone hit the BIN button if it hovers close to that mark? I won’t be surprised if that proves the case.