Beginning life as a 1967 Chevrolet Nova station wagon, this one was transformed into something entirely different, coined a Nova Camino by Barn Finds reader Chuck Foster when he spotted it and sent us the tip. In addition to the cool customized body, this one’s also a strong performer, and there seems to be plenty of good points to get excited about here. This unusual creation may not quite be a museum piece, but it does appear to be a very nice driver, and probably worth at least close to the $17,500 the seller is hoping for. This one’s in Linthicum Heights, Maryland, and can be found here on Facebook Marketplace. Nice find, Chuck, and thanks for making us aware of it!
Some visions turn out better than others, and I have to give kudos to the builder here for doing a fine job of making his idea into a well-thought-out reality. When compared to some of the other bowtie offerings from the period, a Chevy II wagon isn’t exactly the most intriguing car to start with. However, the blending with the truck bed works well here, and the workmanship appears to be of good quality. The outcome is an appealing, one-of-a-kind custom that’s bound to get lots of attention, and the blue paint is a tranquil choice that helps keep the attention more focused on the body than the finish.
This one’s not just a looker, as powering this Chevy II truck is a 358 cubic-inch SBC engine, which is a bit bigger than even the largest motor that could be had here from the factory in ’67. The seller says it has a mild cam and runs well, with more positive news being that there’s also a Muncie 4-speed close-ratio manual transmission, plus a Lakewood blow-proof bell housing. Out back is a positraction rear end with 4.11 gears inside, so acceleration between stop lights must be exhilarating, and it’s probably good that there are also traction bars on the leaf springs.
The abridged interior appears to be in excellent condition, and the Hurst shifter, under-dash gauges, and column-mounted tach are all fun and functional additions. The concept of turning a Chevy II wagon into a high-performance truck was not only a good idea, but also well-planned and executed here, so I’m guessing it likely won’t take very long to find an eager buyer. Any thoughts to share about this so-called Nova Camino?
“358” and a 4:11 rear end means tire burn outs galore! I’d like this “El Nova” but not at that price.
I’m wondering if he’d be further ahead to have just built the wagon out like this.
But in a different colour.
I’m no expert, but from what I can see in the photos the work performed looks like it was done to a very high standard. A health small block Chevy, 4 speed and a 4:11 rear promises for some brisk acceleration if you can get the tires to hook up. Kind of makes me think what would’ve happened if GM went the Ford route with the Falcon for the Rancheros. It could have worked. Nice find here.
I am a big fan of el caminos and this is great to me.
I think it would have looked better with 2 door Nova doors , a little longer.But still a good job.
Couldn’t put my finger on it til I read your comment. Thats the flaw in my eyes. Its not the worst example of this type of custom, but it seems unnecessary. Maybe people think this is still better than a four door.
Yep. That’s the missing link.
This is started life as a wagon. Ergo 4 doors, as Novas weren’t available in 2 door wagons. Since they are unibody cars, attempting to splice a section of a 2 door onto a 4 door is not something that can be done easily. Would require fabing a frame etc. Besides then you would need a 2 door sedan donor car. Now you have cut up 2 cars, not just one.
Its a Nova “no go” for me..
Good luck with sale
Nice build, but I’m guessing the cabin is a tight fit for taller folks. Seat travel is restricted due to the bulkhead.
Nice looking El Camino, but that’s not a 1966 Nova, unless it has a 67 front end. Judging by the front end, it looks like a 1967 Nova model.
I had to look up pictures of the Nova wagon and I think it looked better than this thing. Nice engine though
That near vertical rear window spoils it for me. My 71 SS El Camino, has the slanted back glass that’s nearly a fast back. Looks like a nice drive train, though.
These things are usually atrocious. The rear cab is almost always very noticeably backyard fabricated. This actually looks like something GM could have built. The period correct lockout shifter is a nice touch.
really cool but it’s a shame that a nova wagon was sacrificed for this.
yup (sez ‘Wagonman’ Chad) but… may B 2nd best over what was the sedan. I agree w/Drivein. The lill chero is a fave of mine, few chebs catch my eye but the cheb II sure duz (nice straight lines). This isa winner no matter the doors…
Gets Chad’s ‘seal of approval’ “& I’m stickin 2 it” (Click’n Clack).
Just a note to say….I like it….
Novamino. Cool.
I would like more pictures but, the back window leaves something to be desired.
Nice ute!
Everything about this looks very well done and like it’s a Chevrolet concept car. It does look a little weird with the wagon front doors and the vertical back window, but look on the bright side. This makes the bed that much more usable and the re-engineering of the conversion as a whole that much less complicated which means less of a chance for short cuts being taken by the builder. Fortunately, I’m 5’10”, so fitting behind the wheel would be pretty easy for me and the third pedal makes it that much more enticing. If it were mine, I’d swap the gears to a more streetable ratio, add A/C, and have a color-matched Line-X spray-in bed liner added so I could use it like a truck when needed. GLWTS.