If you watched Top Gear UK in its glory days, you will probably remember Jeremy Clarkson’s focus on power when testing any vehicle featured on the program. I know he typically didn’t warm to American vehicles, but I suspect he would approve of this 1969 Chevrolet Nova. If you ignore the slightly larger wheels, it is a sleeper demanding respect. That is because the engine bay now houses a 454ci V8 producing over 500hp. With spotless presentation and an immaculate interior, this Nova appears to be a total package. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting it listed here on eBay in Riverhead, New York. The seller set their BIN at $45,000 with the option to make an offer.
After a successful introduction in 1968, Chevrolet only made mild tweaks to its Third Generation Nova range in 1969. It didn’t see the point in reinventing the wheel because the public warmly embraced the larger car, which offered increased interior space. This Nova rolled off the line in 1969, ordered by its first owner in Burnished Brown Metallic. That shade is one of the most interesting to feature in that year’s color palette because it changes significantly depending on the prevailing light. I probably wouldn’t have picked it off a color chart, but once applied to steel, it looks pretty sweet. The car’s presentation is impressive, with the paint holding a depth of color and shine that you could almost sink into. The panels are as straight as an arrow, with the seller stating that every square inch of steel is original. The underside images confirm the car’s rust-free status. The trim and tinted glass are excellent, and it is only the slightly wider steelies and dogdish hubcaps that hint at more to this Nova than meets the eye.
The seller includes the original Window Sticker, which makes interesting reading. It reveals that this Nova left the factory with a 350ci V8 producing 250hp and 345 ft/lbs of torque. The first owner teamed that motor with a three-speed Turbo Hydramatic transmission, a 2.56 Posi rear end, power steering, and power front disc brakes. The engine specifications are largely irrelevant because the 350 is now a distant memory. Instead, lifting the hood exposes a 454ci V8, teamed with a Turbo 400 transmission, and a 10-bolt 3.73 Posi rear end. The big-block is anything but ordinary, being the LS6 version from 1970. It would have produced 450hp and 500 ft/lbs of torque, representing an enormous performance boost. However, even that wasn’t enough for the seller, as further upgrades have pushed the power to 513hp, which is dyno-confirmed. Therefore, if you have the money and desire to transform tires into smoke, this Nova is up to the task. The engine bay presents beautifully and doesn’t flatter to deceive. The seller states that the car runs and drives perfectly, making it a turnkey proposition for its new owner.
One aspect of this Nova that is astounding is its interior. The seller states that it is original. If so, its condition is quite incredible. Trimmed in Black vinyl, there’s no visible wear or evidence of deterioration. The dash and pad are spotless, and there are no aftermarket additions. The Window Sticker confirms that the first owner ordered the car with the Special Instrumentation Package, including console-mounted gauges and a tachometer in the main gauge cluster. They also ticked the box for an AM radio, which remains in situ. Overall, there is little to criticize about this interior.
Okay, the big question is what isn’t to like about this 1969 Chevrolet Nova. Its paint shade is distinctive, and its presentation, both inside and out, is almost flawless. However, that fire-breathing big-block is the star of the show, providing performance beyond what Chevrolet envisaged for this Nova when it left the factory. The seller’s price is well above what buyers might typically expect to pay for a pristine, original example. While it is pristine, it is not original. Therefore, it is worth whatever someone is willing to pay. I think the seller’s figure is realistic, but do you agree?
Nice car, lousy color.
The car presents well, but the LS6 engine would need to be properly verified. I would like to see the full engine ID pad, casting number and date code. I’m not an expert on the font’s used, but the engine suffix font would need to be verified as well. Other than that, it is a nicely optioned car, it’s strange to see the U17 gauges, G80 limited slip, console, buckets on a non SS car. I think the price is a bit high, my guess would be around $35k. A lot would need to be verified (original sheet metal and the engine/trans) before shelling out some cheddar. The weak link would be the 8.2″ rear in the car now. It should have a 12 bolt, or at least a 8.5″ 10 bolt, but easily corrected. I like the car, if it’s what it’s listed as and checks out. The ebay ad gives so little info.
Nice car.
Don’t really want to be That Guy, but can’t help believing the 454 adds considerable weight to the Nova’s front end, which in an ideal world would be compensated for — at least to some extent — by some suspension upgrades, starting with heavier-duty springs and shocks. Nothing said about that.
Likewise, doubling the horsepower calls for some attention to braking which, again, is not mentioned by the seller.
Obviously, the seller — or the person who modified the car — paid attention to detail, which is worthwhile. But I wouldn’t consider dropping that kind of money on the car without knowing the work goes beyond a massive power boost and pretty paint.
A 454 weighs basically the same as a 396, 402, and 427 and yes big block novas are not autocross cars unless you get your big block in aluminum. Chevy built them with 396’s so it should handle like one of those original cars.
Yenko and Dick Harrell also sold 427 powered Nova’s.
This is at least the 3rd time this car has been featured on this site, he’s dropped the price considerably over that time, unlike some sellers.
This is a nice car, with some good factory options with well thought out and executed modifications. Not sure why he stuck with the 10 bolt. The price is getting close to the point it doesn’t matter if the engine is a 1970 LS6 or a later crate LS6’s (which were produced into the mid-1980’s).
Steve R
Its in beautiful condition, but I’d be more likely to buy it with the original engine.
Been featured on here before and the seller has been trying to sell for a long while (over a year now). I think that the exterior color is what is holding it back, as burnished brown won’t appeal to many. Personally, I like the car. No fake SS’ifying, just a clean and stout plain Jane Nova. There’s a vid on Youtube of it and it sounds healthy and seems to run strongly.