What’s special about a 1974 Chevrolet Nova four-door sedan? Nothing really except that Chevrolet sold about 391,000 Novas in a recession year and that had to be comfort of some degree. The Nova SS coupe was still available in ’74 and with its 185 net HP, 350 CI V8 engine, it would scoot along OK, not what it had been in prior years but you had to play the hand you were dealt in that era. The four-door sedan, however, was the bread and butter model that moved the metal. And anymore, you hardly ever encounter one. But they are still out there and here’s an example, located in Gibbon, Nebraska, and available here on eBay for a bid of $2,500, no reserve and 50, yes 50 bids tendered so far.

The Nova started life in ’62 as the Chevy II but by ’69 the Chevy II name was banished to the ash heap of discarded automobile model names and it shouldered on as the Nova. At one time Chevy II/Nova models included a two-door hardtop, a two-door sedan, a convertible, a four-door sedan, and even a station wagon. By ’74 a two-door coupe and a four-door sedan is all that were left. According to Wikipedia, the 1974 base sales prices were between $2,810 and $3,105 and the average auction sales price, as of 2013, was $11,338. I guess we’ll see about the auction sale price,  I imagine this example will drive that average lower.

This ’74 Nova stands out for no reason other than its yellow finish which Chevrolet aptly referred to as “Bright Yellow”. Looking around the edges of this Nova, it appears to have had a repaint, at least in places, and the seller attests to that fact – yes, it has been completely repainted. The body of this Chevy is pretty straight and seems to be free of rust and any obvious crash damage. Even the side trim pieces that have a tendency to go missing in car washes are still attached right where they belong.

For power, this Nova has the standard 350 CI V8 engine under its hood but I believe it is the 145 net HP version. The Nova employed the 307 CI V8 as its standard eight-cylinder powerplant from its inception in ’68 but by ’73 the 307 had strangled itself so the 350 stepped up to the plate for ’74 as the standard V8 engine. While not a world-beater, it will move this Nova along pretty well. The seller states, “Car starts cold and cold idles well. Runs down the road very well- drives straight and brakes straight. Runs well at road speeds. Has a dead spot in carburetor when accelerating from idle.” All positive news; the dead spot can probably be resolved with a carburetor rebuild and a fuel line flush. The seller adds that this Nova does have a new fuel tank. As is usually the case, the transmission is a Turbo-Hydramatic 350, three-speed automatic.

The interior looks like Zorro has paid it a visit with all of the slashes in the front seat but beyond that and the stalactite headliner, it’s not in bad shape. The carpet, in particular, still looks sound. The seller claims that this Nova only has 68K miles on its odometer so the interior wear is probably more a function of its 46 years of age than from use. It is a power steering, power brake and A/C equipped car but the A/C needs a recharge.

The seller likes this car, he tells us that, “It’s a ton of fun to drive around in because it’s like getting in a time machine. Acts exactly like I remember the Nova’s performing when I was young. I really think you could drive it anywhere without trouble.” I have driven many Novas of this vintage and I wouldn’t exactly refer to them as fun but they were solidly built, well-driving cars and good value, at least 391,000 buyers thought so. It is a very different driving experience from what you’ll encounter today in a modern car and if it’s a slice of yesteryear motoring that you are looking to enjoy, this Nova may well be an inexpensive way to experience it. Interested?