Let me be the first to say I understand and agree with the seller’s logic that this 1970 Chevrolet Nova seems like a prime candidate to be turned into something more special than how it was born. Dropping a V8 into the bay would undoubtedly be an enjoyable upgrade, as has been done in numerous X-Body cars over the years. On the other hand, keeping this one numbers-matching and restoring it to factory specs isn’t a bad idea either, so the next owner will have to ponder which direction to head in here. Whatever you’ve got in mind, this ’70 Nova has been a California resident its entire life and is presently in Costa Mesa, and can be found here on eBay. A buy-it-now price of $13,900 has been posted, with the option available to make an offer.
In 1970, the Nova offered a plethora of engines, from mild to wild. Surprisingly, the inline-6 as can be found here wasn’t the smallest- that honor would go to the 90 HP four cylinder powerplant. This was also the last year the mighty 396 could be had. Dropping in one of these, or another small or big-block V8 of your choice under the hood, would certainly provide a rewarding experience. However, with the present sixer said to be running strong, it isn’t exactly imperative.
Being in a favorable climate since new has helped preserve the sheet metal, and for an unrestored car, this one seems more solid than most. To still be the original finish, the Gobi Beige paint doesn’t look all that bad, especially since it’s almost as old as I am. The only area that’s obviously rusted through is a section on the passenger-side fender, and even this appears relatively minor. A close encounter with some hard object has caused some damage up front, so repairs here will be required, but this Chevy seems to be at a decent starting point overall.
Although the interior is mostly complete, it’s pretty basic, and since most of the components in here need refreshing anyway, this might be a good opportunity to install some buckets and a sportier steering wheel. I’m envisioning black everything inside, but, as with everything else, the buyer will have complete control over what happens next. The seller sounds spot-on when he describes this car as a great blank slate for whatever build the next owner desires, and fortunately, all of the directions I can think of here seem good. How would you move forward with this 1970 Chevrolet Nova?
Could ya get any more basic?
I think you could get it with a 3 on the tree.
Yep. It could be a 4-cylinder.
And rare as hen’s teeth if it did. I only have ever seen one with the 153 CID 4 from ’68-’70
Decent car but not worth what their asking in my opinion.
About 1/2 the asking price is realistic, maybe a bit more, depending on the condition of the floors under the rubber moisture traps that were used instead of carpet. The value rests with the condition of the sheet metal.
Steve R
Basic Nova that can be saved but the price is too high here. Trunk looks solid and the body looks pretty solid and this looks like a car that was well used and the inside is very worn. Just get it very cheap and put a older running v8 307 or 350 in it. The add says it has a 3 speed trans in it. It might even have a powerglide in it. Just make it a running project to work on. Forget all that LS swap nonsence and keep it old school here and teach the younger generation the basics of these kind of cars. But again the price is way too high here.
I feel like $13900 is too much for this, but that angry, crunched up face makes me afraid to offer anything less.
I would consider restoration back to the factory orginal condition. Just because everyone else is doing the LS swaps. Very seldom do you see a factory orginal 6 cylinder car at a car show. But I would at least recommend removing the front bumper and putting it in a press to straighten it out. Just to give the car a bit more curb appeal.
I think I’m with you on keeping the original motor, but if someone absolutely insists on an engine swap, how about a GM LL8 (synonyms: Vortec 4200, Atlas) engine swap instead? Good for almost 300 hp in stock trim and some examples are putting out close to 500 hp with forced induction and extensive internal upgrades. In a light car like a Nova, it will fly, and the straight six, made entirely out of aluminum, is much lighter than a traditional LS or LT swap! The low weight would reduce understeer and that six cylinder would leave plenty of room in the engine bay to work on it, LOL!
P.S. It never ceases to amaze me how someone selling something like a car is too lazy to give the thing a good cleaning to improve the appearance! Especially the interior!
Where do these people get the ideas to ask for such outlandish numbers? $13,000 for a Nova because you can put an LS in it. What about the bench seat, no buckets, no console? Seriously, get a grip! And all the other dreams from people who think they have gold when it isn’t.
Axel Foley!
I’m not falling for that trick the banana in the tail pipe!!!
I get the comments regarding price. However, you are paying for a rare car still intact, 55 years and a vision of what this Nova can turn into…These old cars from the muscle era are just about gone..for good….If you want one of these cars in the near future, it will already be completed and cost you thousands…keep that in mind.
Dear Not-
“a rare car still intact, 55 years and a vision of what this Nova can turn into”
I sorta agree with the first point, but it’s clear that the current owner didn’t do much to preserve the wonderfulness of it. Converting to a sleeper would be expensive, and alas…it would still be a 55 yr old Nova, no longer original, and some would say ‘a Chevelle wanna-be’.
It’s a cool ride, needs lots of love. I’d address the rust issues, preserve as much of the paint as possible, leave the bent beak as-is, (it lends character), revamp the inside with redone seats, headliner, etc. & toss in a LS for some giggles.
I wouldn’t change the survivor Nova. It is a well preserved example of the popular Chevrolet. Some readers are surprised how this California car was equipped. In 1970, the Nova was the smallest abd cheapest cm model in the Chevrolet lineup. The subcompact Vega did not come along until the 1971 model year. Buyers did not spend lots of money on a gussied up compact in a time when every larger engine, every 4 speed or automatic transmission, every popular feature like a radio, air conditioning, power steering and power brakes were extra cost options. Some did splurge on performance goodies and the Nova SS version but that is why those Novas are rate and valuable today.
The price is high, but that is taking the current soft market view into account. At the end of the day, a car will get what someone is willing to pay. I think it could probably be had for a reasonable offer.
It’s a true survivor 1970 230 Nova. A once ubiquitous car. Not many around anymore.
I thought of Axel Foley when I first saw this as well, didn’t his have some front bumper damage too? I can’t say I have ever seen a Nova from this generation with tan interior, I only remember black or green.
WAY too high a price for what is there. Way too much rust as well. This car was never taken care of in the least. I’ve seen much better in the junkyard.
California dreaming here. this is a 4500-5k car. its beat up not rust bucket but has issues. i don’t need an L/S jammed down its throat either. leave the buzzing 1/2 dozen but not at the ask price and get the feeling there is no room to barter
I agree and I have a comment a few back. Forget all that LS nonsence!
Front plate is Illinois rear plate is cali ?
You can get a very decent C4 corvette for this price. What would look better to father-in-law , when you pick up your girl friend ? This ? He be thinking….loser…
Get it cheap, install a 292 6 cylinder with a 700R4 transmission. Take a walk through the Clifford catalog. (6=8) and update the brakes, suspension, wheels and tires, and call it good. Until you can get around to doing the interior and then the body work. You can drive it all the time when making these mods/improvements. So a slow methodical approach for your teenage grandson.
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Lets put an LS engine in EVERYTHING, or better yet DON’T. These engines aren’t without their own problems. There’s supposed to be 900K + Chevrolet, Cadillac and GMC vehicles with LS engines that may be subject to an engine transplant. If this Nova has to have an engine, you can’t go wrong with a small block Chevy of whatever displacement you choose.
Look closely at the RR quarter, the whole lip is shot, so it will need a skin or better yet, a full quarter panel. I’ve seen similar condition but V-8 Nova’s out there for the same money.