In its ninth year in 1970, the Chevy Nova compact was still one of the company’s best-selling cars. More than 300,000 copies were dispatched through dealer showrooms that year, it’s the third biggest year up to that time. The car was little changed over 1969, the most noticeable minor detail being larger side marker lights. This 1970 example decodes as having a V8 engine when new, so the 350 cubic inch motor under the hood could be original. Though other parts of the car are not.

Other than saying it runs and drives, the seller admits to knowing little about the Chevy. A lien is involved that must be satisfied, so you should take steps to ensure the title is not encumbered when you take physical possession (or turn over the money, for that matter). The black paint has faded and looks blue to me and there is evidence that the car’s original color was red (look at the driver’s door where the panel is missing). Also, there are no “307” or “350” insignias above the side marker lights in front which was customary when a V8 Nova was ordered.

The front seat has been changed out of what is otherwise a basic Nova interior. All that’s going to need redoing, anyway, including finding a stock steering wheel to replace the aftermarket one. This car has power steering and brakes, but we don’t know which automatic transmission (2 or 3-speed) is in the vehicle as both were offered. Given the overall condition of the vehicle, this has a future Super Sport clone written all over it (I, for one, hope not).

From all indications, the body on this Nova is solid, which will provide a good foundation for restoration. Located in American Canyon, California, this Chevy is available here on eBay where a reserve is not in play at the current bid of $4,500. The car is reported to have 59,000 miles, but the odometer could easily have turned over after 54 years.