The 1968 to 1972 generation of the Chevrolet Nova is one of the most-cloned muscle cars from that era. So, it’s refreshing when we run across one that is not a tribute, like this 1972 example of the 2-door sedan. It looks to be original except for the mag wheels, including a 350 cubic inch V8 (2-barrel as the 4-barrel was reserved for Super Sports). Located in Cincinnati, Ohio, this running project may largely only need a little bit of rust repair and new paint. It’s available here on Facebook Marketplace, and the take-home price is $11,500. Thanks, “Ted,” for yet another tip from yesteryear.
Chevy’s Nova entered its 11th year in 1972 and was virtually unchanged from 1971. Sales were robust at more than 369,500 units, clearly holding the top sales spot in the compact car segment. 44% of them were pillared coupes with a V8 engine (307 or 350). The seller’s car has the more desirable 350, which produced 165 hp with the change to SAE net ratings. This vehicle has a TH-350 automatic transmission instead of the other self-shifter, the Powerglide.
We’re told this Nova has just 45,000 miles, which might be legit given the condition of the interior (unless it has been reupholstered). The car has front disc brakes, but we see no signs of a power booster. The original owner ordered it with factory air conditioning, but we don’t know how well it works. And this compact has tilt steering, rarely seen on cars in this price range.
Given the presence of grey primer over some of the blue paint, it’s an indication that an attempt has been made to fix things up. If you do manage to finish what has been started here, this could be a nice non-Super Sport Nova. And that’s okay,
Gone already? Oh well.
Given its location, if rust isn’t a big issue it’s not surprising it sold, especially if the seller was open to offers. It’s well optioned and complete, that is a big deal.
Steve R
$11,500. The new $2500. What a way to keep the hobby alive and kicking.
There are plenty of good deals out there, many aren’t advertised. Most 1960’s and early-70’s 2dr American midsized cars, even Nova’s, have been popular for decades that’s why they are expensive.
Over the last 50+ years there have been countless performance makes and models produced that are easily found for significantly less that what this Nova sold for and would make great drivers. The idea that desirable cars are out of reach is nothing new, in the early-1980’s, me and my friends could not afford the cars we really wanted. Many of us broadened our search by figuring out what we could afford, then search for the best car in that price range. Some friends wouldn’t budge, most of them never bought their “dream car”, those that didn’t really never put in the work to find one in the first place. Just because a 50+ year old cars are expensive doesn’t ruin the hobby, ignoring affordable and easily attainable options, then complaining about it is.
Steve R
That’s why I bought a Pacer…. 🤫
I’m not worried about you, me, or the other folks who don’t sneeze at dropping $40k on a classic Nova. I’m concerned about the younger guy who might be interested in the hobby, and doesn’t want a ’98 Accord to mess around with. I’m glad that you can find these performance cars out there for cheap. And I’m not complaining about it. Just voicing my opinion.
Big C
Big C, why do you assume I’d drop $40k in a car? There are other options than 98 Accords, mid-90’s through early-2000’s Mustang GT’s are plentiful and inexpensive. There are also plenty of other car/trucks to choose from such as turbo charged Chrysler compacts, midsized supercharged GM front wheel drive cars, Thunderbird Turbo’s and SC Coupes, then you can start looking at import performance cars. It’s not that there is a lack of availability, it’s a lack of imagination. That’s nothing new, anyone that’s willing to start their search based off of their budget rather than fixating on a specific year/make/model and do the work will likely find something in short order.
Steve R
$2,500 in 1972 is the equivalent of around $18,000 currently.
I’ve only seen one other Nova with tilt steering, that was a late 70s Nova Concours with other nice options. It’s nice to see an older one with a few options like that and factory A/C, and a turbo 350 instead of the powerglide.
Maybe it had a vinyl top?
1st’n 2nd gen R the 1s 4 me.
Guess everyone’s gota preference.
I DID drive the 4th (a big hatch) in WVa (poncho’s Ventura)
and
the related NUMMI chevette asa ‘company car’ in Cali. Yup,
any of the nice ‘square lines’ early 60s (some of the similar ‘80s)
and the curvaceous Italians (50’s – 70s) rock (similarly ‘our’ late 30s
thru very early 50s). 2 good lookin eras for me, not this, tri five or muscle.
I’m originally from northwest Ohio & if this car was around Ohio for the blizzard of 1976 & 78 this car is ready for the killers!