While the American performance car scene wasn’t dead by 1974, its condition was probably critical. The enthusiasts were still there, begging for new models that would pin them in their seats. However, tightening safety and emission regulations added weight to these cars while simultaneously sapping engine power. That would have been the case with this 1974 Chevrolet Nova when it was shiny and new, but the current owner has added upgrades that give it the power it deserves. With the hard mechanical work complete, they feel it is time it went to someone who can administer the automotive equivalent of a facelift and Botox to regain its lost youth. The Nova is listed here on eBay in Wind Gap, Pennsylvania. They set a BIN of $14,900 but will consider offers.

Cosmetically, this Nova has a few needs. The seller states the Medium Dark Green paint is original. It shows its age and would benefit from a refresh. However, the buyer has some rust issues requiring attention before they pick up the spray gun. It has afflicted a few lower body areas, like the rear quarter panels, but the problems aren’t extensive. I feel that patches would consign them to history, meaning there should be no need for panel replacement. The listing indicates the floors, trunk pan, and body mounts are rock-solid. If that is true, most of the rust problems could be attended to in a home workshop by someone with reasonable welding skills. The trim and glass look fine for a driver-grade vehicle, while the Rally wheels and new Cooper Cobra radials add a touch of aggression to the appearance.

Although the Nova’s interior isn’t spectacular, it has no apparent needs beyond a cracked dash pad. The upholstered surfaces are in good order, as is the carpet. The dash is free from cracks and other problems, and the gauge cluster features a factory tach. There are no aftermarket additions beyond the display unit for the EFI system, with the factory radio occupying its rightful spot in the dash. If the new owner spends $340 on a new pad, this interior will present well for its age.

The most potent engine Chevrolet offered Nova buyers in 1974 was the legendary 350ci V8. Tightening emission regulations meant it delivered 185hp, resulting in a ¼-mile journey of 16.9 seconds. That may have been good enough to satisfy most owners, but not this one. The engine bay now houses a 383 Stroker that inhales deeply via an Atomic II fuel injection system and sends spent gases away via Summit headers and a 2½” Jegs chambered dual exhaust. Between those two items, we find Liberty aluminum cylinder heads with roller rockers, a Scat cast steel crank, I-beam conrods, forged flat-top pistons, and a Trick Flow hydraulic roller cam. With a few other peripherals to help its cause, that 383 sends 460hp and 499 ft/lbs of torque to the 8½” Auburn Posi rear end via a TCI Super Street Fighter Turbo 350 transmission. To avoid unnecessary power loss, cooling duties fall to an electric water pump and fan. Tackling the build as a total package, the Nova features power steering, upgraded power front disc brakes, tubular upper and lower control arms, new springs, new rear shocks, new rear bushes, and tubular subframe connectors. The seller claims they spent more than $20,000 on this classic’s drivetrain, and with the cylinder heads retailing for over $900 per pair and the EFI system adding around $1,500 to the tally, the claim is plausible. They ensured every aspect of this Chevy was properly tuned and bug-free, saying the car runs and drives perfectly. The lack of significant rust means the new owner could enjoy the available performance immediately, turning their attention to the panels and paint as time, circumstances, and finances allow.

If this 1974 Nova were 100% original and in spotless condition, it would struggle to command a price far beyond $12,500. However, it isn’t factory-fresh, and the new owner has cosmetic issues and rust to address. Although the photos aren’t conclusive, the listing suggests the second problem could be tackled with patches rather than wholesale panel replacement. It may make the BIN figure seem excessive, but the mechanical upgrades are a game-changer. They cost the seller a considerable sum of money, meaning the new owner won’t need to spend a dime on the drivetrain. Would that thought be enough to convince you to pursue it further?