The Nova, Chevrolet’s venerable compact, became popular in 1973. It got a styling refresh in ’73 and ’74 that added a hatchback to the mix. As a result, the car enjoyed its second-best sales year to date. A new option for budget campers was the Hatchback Hutch, which added a tent to the rear of the Nova, Vega, and LUV pickup. The seller’s automobile has that feature.
Chevrolet treated the Nova to its first facelift in five years in 1973. The front and rear looked a little bulkier, and the side windows were a bit larger. But it still shared the same overall look as the 1968-72 editions. Because a hatchback was now available, buyers could spring for the new Hatchback Hutch that provided an extended tent with the hatch open. We don’t know how many were ordered, but the seller’s car is one of about 43,000 Novas built as a Custom (better trim) with a V8 engine.
We’re only allowed three photos of this car, which the seller describes as a project waiting to be completed. Two of the pics show a nice car, while one shows it on dollies with the tent displayed. Both the 350 cubic inch V8 and TH-350 (?) transmission are said to have been rebuilt with 120,000 miles on the odometer. But we don’t know what work is unfinished. At any rate, the Nova camper is in West Des Moines, Iowa, and is available here on craigslist for $10,000. Who wants to head to the nearest state park?
You could pull the wool over your girlfriends old man by picking her up in this instead of the hippie van. I never knew they were for the Vega or the LUV.
Who knew(not me)? In my 5+ years of membership to this site, this is probably the most unusual vehicle that I have seen on here, aside from the self-constructed Eldorado-Minos that we see occasionally. I kind of like it. Shame that they only included 3 pics. GLWTS.
Very rare options, I hope it finds a good home. Not outrageously priced, too.
Hi Mike! Long time, no see up here!
Hope things are going well for you and soon, you’ll be up and walking again. As for this car, I’ve never seen
one close up before, only on TV and in the brochures you could get at your
local Chevy dealer. Like you, I didn’t
know that you could get it on the Vega or the LUV too. I’d really love to
see this setup on the LUV as I helped
Dad buy one and tricked it out for Mom before we gave it to her for
Mother’s Day in 1974 with those Jackman white spoked rims, fat tires,
a CB radio, and driving lights. After all that, we striped it up using striping tape we got from an auto parts store.
It was a sharp little truck when it was
finished, and Mom was queen of her
Workplace whenever she drove it to
work. It was options like this that would spice up a line of otherwise boring cars and trucks. I think they offered it on the. ’75 and ’76 models as well.
Yes they did have it in ’75 as my auntie had a Nova in 77-78 with the canvas pop tent on it. It wasn’t her daily driver and being a 18-19 year old kid put it to use on a few occasions around the Finger Lakes area. Buddy and myself took our girls out on weekend camps . Got cozy but we had so much fun. I drove that damn thing with the tent deployed on those back roads going 40-50 mph with my buddy and his girl stripped naked in the back doing their thing and laughing til we cried! These are cool but I’m not sure about the demand these days.
Hi Ken, I hope all is well! I have been keeping an eye on Ol man Franks FB page, still hoping to get down there! Take care buddy.
3 pics? Seriously? And the seller wants to sell it? Good luck.
Sold
Uhmmmmm….ok?
The Holden Torana (General Motors – Holden) Aussie GM. Had the hatchback hutch as an option from 1974 till the demise of the Torana hatchback.
I always wondered where it came from.
There as rare as rocking horse @#$&. And extremely expensive.
Looks like it also has the rare “Skyroof” fabric sunroof.
if anyone is interested, I actually have that option still from a nova HB I had, fits all years, includes poles, etc.selling since car is long gone!
sharp to see one in “action” precusor to the envoy and aztec tent packages in the 90/00s
( another face palm), Well, it gets you off the ground and away from critters anyways, but what a silly idea. Still, it’s America, and everyone has a shot at it, no matter how half baked the idea may seem. When I was dating my ex-wife back in the Byzantine Era, she had a ’77 Monza with a hatchback that we,,,um, slept in( cough), I suppose this enables you to stand up, for whatever reason and out of the rain and bugs, but in this case, I’d almost prefer a tent. Research shows, AMC offered the “Hornet Hutch” as well, as a factory option. I believe GM was also an option too. I can’t find the cost, but some say only a few Hornet Hatchs were sold.The car is really nice except for that barnacle hanging off the back. Novelty aside, I doubt many will go for the tent part.
Posting already deleted so I’m assuming it sold fast , not surprised at that price for such a high option Nova in that condition
Exactly. Love the tent or hate the tent. It was a high optioned car that is not super easy to find. Especially with the Tent ! Internet value and collectability experts be darned, she’s gone already. Lol.
No.
This was an accessory for the Holden Torana hatchback from 1974 to 78 but not widely ticked one here in Australia
I would rip that tarp off and trash it. Then put a real engine in it… a Chrysler slant 6 to p-off the chevy guys.