The Chevy II/Nova enjoyed a long and healthy run from 1962 to 1979. The compact was still popular at the end of the ‘70s, but it was scheduled to be replaced by the front-wheel-drive Citation in 1980. The engineering was dated, with an inline-6 and RWD. The seller has a nice 1979 edition that was one of 97,000 produced, but that wasn’t for a full 12 months. It has a 250 cubic-inch inline-6 with a TH-350 automatic transmission. Maybe only needing a new home, this Bow-Tie is in Sherwood, Oregon, and is available here on craigslist for $9,000.
Three body styles were offered in 1979: the 4-door sedan (50% of production), and the 2-door sedan (45%), with the hatchback comprising the rest. Chevy’s Nova spawned three other GM cars in the 1970s, the Olds Omega, Pontiac Ventura, and Buick Apollo. Coincidentally, if you take the first letter of the names of all four cars, you end up with “Nova.” Changes to the 1979 Nova were few over the 1978 because Chevy already knew the Citation was the future (little did they know……).
We’re told the mileage on this Chevrolet is only 58,500, so there should be plenty of life left. The body, gold/yellow paint, and black interior seem to be in good shape. It’s not a show car but has the makings of a daily driver if need be. Options were few but typical, including power steering, front disc brakes, and Rally outside mirrors. The vehicle is registered and tagged in Oregon, and those plates can be permanent if you wish (and are in-state).
There were no Nova Super Sports after 1976, so turning this car into a clone wouldn’t make a lot of sense. You could drop in a 350 V8, but why not leave well enough alone since these cars, even if they’re not awe-inspiring, are only original once. Once again, “Curvette” delivers in the tips department.
Once again Curvette found a nice one!!! It won’t win any drag races, but that 250 straight 6 and THM 350 are bullet proof. I honestly wouldn’t change a thing.
I agree, these were very simple and easy to maintain vehicles. Dad had a 75 with the small V8, no power windows, seats, defogger or AC, just the basics. I remember January 1984, he drove around and jump-started family and friends with that car, it got down to 20 below. That is cold in southern Kentucky!
Yes, and interesing that it has tilt wheel. I’ve only seen that in one other Nova, a 4 door Concours with velour interior and power windows and A/C that shows up to local car shows. Also interesting is that it is reasonably priced. Usually, we see cars priced double and triple what they’re really worth.
I would add a V8 with overdrive and A/C. The visceral sound of a V8 and the feel of cool air is preferred. The aftermarket also has a nice in-dash gauge cluster available. And the ’79 vintage 14 x 7 ‘kidney bean’ rally wheel would look great.
I’m surprised that Curvette hasn’t grabbed this one for himself!
Can anyone tell me about the 77-78 Nova Concourse? My husband had one in college, it was a really pretty teal color with white interior. I’d love to find one for him!
The Concours was make in 76 and 77. It was a luxury version of the Nova made to compete with the Granada Ghias and the Valiant Broughams of the world. Luxury in a small package. The 77 looked better with a different grill and tail lights.
The Concours was a continuation of the ’75 Nova LN, Luxury Nova. That was the year GM began pushing their small cars up market. Monza and Towne Coupe to counter the Mustang II. It traveled through all the brands.
My brother had a Nova Concours in the late 1990’s. It was a white 4 door red interior, 250 6 cyl, 350 trans, p/s, p/b, and A/C. I put a 350 in it in 2001. Sold it here in Nevada in 2002. I still have the hubcap set which has NC on them.
My cousin had a 2 dr sedan with the hatchback when he was in HS back in the mid 80s. Wonder what one of those would bring today?
I got this car’s 1979 Omega twin, light blue with dark blue vinyl roof, for $80 back in 1992 as a pizza delivery/winter beater. Mine had the 305 2-bbl. Rusty but a very reliable car the winter I had it. I guess scarcity has raised the price just a tad!
I like to see simple, basic cars of their day, since most were used up and discarded long ago. This car as it stands is more interesting to me than a hi-po Nova. Check out that low-rent upholstery.
Dad bought a early-model Citation. Transverse-mounted engine was the big draw for him. He also bought one of these first Voyager minivans. Engineer that wanted the new technology first.
I did my driver training in one of these when I was 15-1/2. Great reliable cars.
I wish that I bought a used Nova instead of the new Chevy Citation. The front wheel drive 4 door economy car was a great concept but the quality was horrible mechanically and fit and finish wise. I would like to see engine pics and under carriage.
A pet peeve of mine… why doesn’t the seller vacuum and clean the car before advertising it? It says to me… you can’t be bothered, so you probably didn’t take care of the car while you owned it. No thanks on every car I’ve seen listed where the owner is too lazy to vacuum and clean the car before taking photos.
Paul, have you ever looked through real estate listings? Same thing, junk laying around, beds not made, etc. And these were properties listed and photos taken by a realtor!
Yes, I have seem homes for sale and for rent that were awful because no one cared to declutter, clean. Me, it sends a clear message, the owner doesn’t care about the car, home, property, so it wasn’t maintained.
I wonder if the tin worms are hard at work behind those massive chrome wheel well covers. After all, it is the northwest.
Any place that can trap dirt and moisture is a concern. (a tin worm nesting ground) Take it from a gearhead that grew up in the rust belt. And then got out as soon as possible. Only a,physical inspection will tell for sure.
9k for a buzzing half dozen and no a/c is a lot for what it is.
One nice Nova! I don’t think I could live with the color, but these were very nice units in their last gasp. An old friend had a 78 Concours 4 door, black, black vinyl top, red velour interior. 350 4bbl, F41 suspension. That car was relatively quick and handled like it was on rails! It was very comfortable and a blast to drive. Also delivered over 20 mpg when driven gently. One doesn’t see these anymore, someone is going to get a nice Nova!
I’d take this over a modern suv any day. This would be a great daily driver. Seems to barely need anything other than a new owners personalizing.
Older brother ordered a brand new 2dr Concours back in the day when you could still get what you wanted as opposed to what was on the lot. Don’t remember the year , 76 or 77. He ordered a v-8, probably a 350? Nice car. First car I ever pushed over 100mph. Was up to 120 before he told me to back off before I broke his speedo.
The only thing that would make this one better for me would be a 3 on the tree or a 4 on the floor … and maybe a color change.
Had a 78 Concours in exactly this color. Nothing really “luxury” about it but it did have the 350 so it was a good, reliable driver with a little bit of pep. If I recall I paid $1800 for it and it was in decent shape.
Sadly, had to sell it when the first kid came along. If you’ve ever tried to get a kid in a car seat in the back of an old Nova you’ll know why. Even my young back couldn’t handle that :)
In 1979 I was in the market for a new car and went down to the Chevy dealer to order a Nova. But I discovered that the “First Chevy of the 80s” the Citation was available so I ordered that instead. Never a regret, it carried me for 36,000 trouble free miles (lease). :-) Terry J
Special Interest Plates in Oregon, register once, permanently. My 1928 street rod qualifies (at least 25 years old). BUT you can only drive your vehicle in exhibitions, parades or club activities. Not allowed is using it for normal transportation. Some states allow use in pleasure drives or to test equipment but not this state. I still thought about it but decided that it wasn’t worth being hassled in a traffic stop. :-( Terry J