It has been said that a “rising tide lifts all boats” and that’s a metaphor that can be applied to many different aspects of life. No, I’m not going to get all philosophical here, I’ll apply that sentiment to cars, particularly this 1972 Chevrolet Nova. It looks nice but it’s really a standard pedestrian model. But with all of the hubbub that surrounds ’60s and early ’70s Chevies these days, even a standard Nova gets a kick upstairs and is now seen fit enough to be represented by a classic auto dealership in Ocoee, Florida – stick around and I’ll explain. This Chevy X-body is available, here on eBay for $11,700 with the reserve not yet met.
The sun was setting on domestic performance cars by ’72 but each manufacturer was still keeping a hand in that market slot. Chevrolet continued to cover the board and their “budget” entry was the Nova SS with its 200 net HP V8 adorned with all of the usual badging and other accouterments. Our subject car, according to its VIN, is a standard V8-powered Nova Custom coupe. By ’72, Chevy’s uber-successful third-generation compact was in its fifth year of wearing virtually identical bodywork; the ’73 would change with the times, and subjectively speaking, not for the better. Still popular in ’72? You bet, Chevrolet moved almost 350K Novas that year.
The dealer selling this car is a well-known Central Florida classic car operation. They handle a ton of Chevelle SS sales along with performance Camaro models and other marques too. The seller claims that this Nova has seen just 45K miles of use and it’s still wearing all of its born-with sheet metal and most of the original Van Nuys plant applied Cream Yellow paint. Speaking of Van Nuys, I didn’t know that plant assembled Novas as I believed that they all originated at Willow Run – I guess not! This car was a California resident for most of its life and its condition, especially its underside, supports that assertion. The finish has been touched up as there is evidence of overspray on the floor pan and subframe, but how much is a touch-up is not disclosed. The seller mentions, “Rally wheels painted to match the car beauty rings and caps. Goodyear raised white letter tires“. I see the Polyglas tires but the wheels look like standard steelies with doggie bowl hupcaps. As for the black vinyl roof covering, a late ’60s-’70s staple? No complaints.
Under the hood is a 165 net HP 350 CI V8 engine fed by a two-barrel carburetor. It’s no great shakes but it, along with its Turbo-Hydramatic three-speed automatic transmission, will respectably move this 3,200 lb. compact. The seller tells us, “Runs and drives like new“. Of note, the “350 Turbo-Fire” air cleaner decal is incorrect for ’72; Chevrolet discontinued that practice with the ’71 model year.
The black vinyl, bench seat interior is clean and inoffensive – it’s in great shape, it’s just not too exciting. The environment gets points for originality and it’s unusual to find such a car still sporting its Delco AM radio. This is a factory air-conditioned car and the seller claims that “everything” works – I guess that means the A/C too.
The verdict? This is a pleasing compact that has, obviously, been well cared for. I’m a bit surprised that Past & Present Motor Cars is handling this sale as a non-performance model isn’t really in their wheelhouse but I guess the low mileage, included build sheet, and originality made it one for them to consider. I’ll be curious to see where the numbers come in and if the reserve is met. The tide for older Chevies has definitely been on an upward trajectory for years – what do you think that will do for this ’72 Nova Custom?
I think that some nice factory wheel would make it
look so much nicer than what it has now,& those white-
lettered tires don’t help either.
Seems like it should have a trim strip running along the length. Our family’s had a basic 307, 3 on the tree, & no A/C but the trim & full wheel covers dressed it up a bit. Oddly, ours had cloth seats & no carpet.
The strip was an option as was carpet.
Been for sale (and on aBay a few times) from that dealer for many months…no doubt that the comical 60k asking price is the reason why. Nice basic Nova, absolutely ridiculous price.
Agree. $30K and that would be the high end.
It’s currently listed for $43,xxx on the website. It’s nice, but hard to see it pulling that number.
Steve R
yep….and there’s that old original or touched or re – …..paint….looking at the door jam….
Very , very nice Nova and A/C too….perfect ! Even better if it had a 4-speed, dual exhaust and perhaps chevy rally-rims. Just a thought !
My thought’s too Add some dual exhaust and ralley wheels and drive it!!
Wow, what a beautiful original car, totally unmolested. My aunt had a 71, 307 2bbl with a powerglide and no A/C. This one must be nice with a 350 and a 3 spd tranny, and factory A/C. I hope it finds a good home where it’s nicely preserved as original and enjoyed for what it is.
Look like rally wheels. Painted yellow.
Those are the stock wheels and hubcaps they won’t fit on GM Rally Wheels. That the same combination that was on my 1970 Nova.
Steve R
and my 1971 350/3sp standard on the floor…….
A clean, solid original car that could be enjoyed as is, or carefully upgraded with bolt-on parts while still allowing the car to be returned to original condition, if desired. Exhaust and intake upgrades come to mind, as 1972 wasn’t a great year for drivability. The anti-smog gear was starting to bite much harder, with all of the issues that entails, such as low power, hesitation, stalling and dieseling as common complaints. The only way this car could be better would be if it had bucket seats and a console, but again, those can be bolted in or removed by the next buyer. I’m not a fan of the vinyl roof, but in the interests of originality, I’d keep it, unless unless the vinyl roof has caused rust through of the roof sheet metal. If that has happened, the vinyl comes off, never to return, as part of the repairs.
I bought a 1owner 71 Monte Carlo 350/240 hp 2 bbl motor.Same decal on same air cleaner.Also, that Corvette master cylinder doesn’t look right with the car. Does this car have a tilt column,I’m assuming it has front disc too.
Clean and well preserved Nova. This car is well equipped with air, a 350 and the custom interior, a year before the Custom name would appear. That gave you the carpet and the stitching in the upholstery. Since tilt wheel and the power conveniences were yet to be offered about the only thing missing is the sunroof. Those tires give it a nice stance. It’s probably a deal at half that price.
Stick an LS in it!
Add ralley wheels dual exhaust and maybe passenger outside mirror to round things out!!
The wheels on it look, good rallys would be nice too. It’s nice to see some sidewall, especially on these older cars, a guy in my neighborhood has 69 Camaro with black rally wheels no rings or caps it looked stealth then he put 18 or 19″ chrome wheels on it made it look like crap. Just my opinion.
Are you guys kidding about the reserve for a smog restricted 72 nova…good luck to the seller. Doesn’t really matter,no 4 speed,console ect.Better off buying a 69-70 for the same price with some horsepower and appreciation potential.
I really like it. I even like the wheels. They kind of give off a “copo Camaro” vibe. If I had it, I’d want to put a 4 barrel carb and intake on it and dual exhaust. That’d be about all it needs, in my opinion.
It’s 40K on their website.
Geesh!
had a 72 SS Nova, 4 speed, bench seat and correct rally wheels, did move
better than my 75 nova 4 speed my 79 was a slug 307 but cool riders