This 1970 Chevy Nova isn’t a Super Sport, either factory or otherwise. It appears to be a regular Nova coupe with a 350 cubic inch V8, much like one we bought new in ’70. The seller bought it as a project a couple of years ago, and it may be an endeavor that’s not in his/her cards. While it wears more primer than paint, the body and undercarriage may be mostly solid, resulting in a good foundation for a restoration. Located in Manahawkin, New Jersey, this Bow-Tie has found no bidders so far here on eBay. Mitchell G. stays busy turning up tips like this!
The 1970 model year brought strong sales to the Chevy Nova, which had ditched the Chevy II moniker the year before. More than 307,000 assemblies took place in ‘70, and nearly 21,000 may have had the 350 with a 2-barrel which we assume is applicable with this car. The cars were changed little over the ‘69s, with different side marker lights and taillights coming to mind. The interiors were identical. Our Nova had a 2-speed Powerglide automatic, which was kind of odd with the 350 engine. That may be the case here, or a 3-speed TH-350 was installed instead.
Per the seller, this car has 20,000 miles, but that may be the odometer reading, and it could be on the second time around. It doesn’t run due to a need for “wiring,” but we’re told the motor turns over by hand. If it did, we don’t know if the auto could be driven down the street or if a mechanical refurbishing is also in the future. That may lead some buyers to opt for an SS clone or tribute instead of restoring the Chevy to original specs.
This car comes across as a stalled project. The body has had some rework done and new floor pans are there, waiting to be welded in. The carpeting is new, too, but the bucket seats are clearly not original and may just be propped up. The dash pad looks like it needs replacing. The Chevy sits on a set of Rally wheels, like the Nova we had. Green is said to be the color of the car, but without a cowl tag verification, it could almost have been any color when new.
The seller comes across a dealer, he currently has 5 other cars listed, more that have ended within the last 90 days, at least a couple of which have been featured on this site. This car is pretty rough for the opening bid, as for being turned into an SS clone, hopefully not. That trend can’t fade away soon enough. There are better Novas out there for the same price, or less. Patient and persistent potential buyers will do better.
Steve R
Shouldn’t the valve covers be Chevy Orange for that year indicating that the engine may be a later 350 and not original? Tranny looks to be a TH350 from a close up of the dash, has L2, L1
The Targetmaster engines sold by GM as replacements were that color, and this engine also appears to have an EGR, which first appeared in 1973.
And why would floor pans bee just tack welded in and then have the carpet put over them. Look like a stalled project that can be saved. They thru on some nice ralley wheels and tires to make it look better.
Not the o.e.m. engine. take a peak between the breather tube and inlet snorkel i see an egr valve that was not part of life in 1970
this guy is always pushing rough cars out to market. i think he is 1 of these flipper dealers. steals them cheap then clubs the buyer over the head. i use to do work for a person like that. i don’t like those tactics or being associated with a person like that. this guy is right outside of long beach island nj. nice salty air. the best kind of air for sheet metal. just as good as the liquid rust the poor on the roads before a snowstorm. this is a 4k nova at best
Can’t imagine why anyone would want to restore this Nova. Where’s the value in that?
A bit cheeky starting the bidding at 8,500 on a beatup compact chevy. Granted it’s got a 350 in there but what will it really take to get it running? Maybe, if you can get it for 2,500 or less … And then go build yourself a budget hot rod.
Better take a magnet in a sock to check for bondo filling in the rust holes under the fresh lt.grey primer.