The third generation of the Chevrolet Nova (1968 to 1972) was its best-selling run. They’re also the most likely to be made into Super Sport clones. The seller’s 1971 edition is a one-owner, Grandma-style sedan with an inline-6 and a 2-speed Powerglide automatic transmission. It looks to have been sitting for some time with flat tires, yet we’re told it runs and has no rust. Located in a garage in Reisterstown, Maryland, this storage find is available here on eBay for $8,000 OBO.
Differences between 1970 and 1971 Chevy Novas were few. The front turn signal lenses changed from clear to orange, and the standard steering wheel changed in ’71. That was about it, and it could have contributed to a 37% sales decline. But General Motors had labor issues that year, and that could be the main issue, as sales bounced back in 1972 with the cars little changed once again.
Whoever purchased this 1971 Nova 2-door sedan new didn’t spend much on options. Besides the automatic tranny and maybe a radio, this looks like a bare-bones edition. The interior is basic and may even have a rubber floor covering instead of carpeting. The paint looks like it could be original black, but that’s just a guess. Since it’s also a one-owner machine, I wouldn’t be surprised if the 40,800 miles are original, too.
With a bit of luck, perhaps this could be a driver one again without spending a fortune. But if the prospective buyer is okay with the price, this Nova could very well become an SS clone one day. Since I’m an advocate for originality, I hope it stays a Grandma car. The seller hopes to add more, better photos before the auction ends, so more may come to light.
Although lacking photo’s and much info, I’d take a gamble on this at this price verse a lot of the Camaro’s that have recently popped up on BF lately for $20K plus.
Overpriced car, if you look at his eBay listings, including completed, it gives off the impression they are pre-selling a flip. Too much unknown for a non-running project from a rust prone area for the $8,000 asking price. There are better deals out there for people that are patient and willing to put in the work.
Good deals sell quickly, they aren’t online long enough to get featured on sites like this, that creates a false impression the market is collapsing which naysayers are more than happy to push. One thing that never comes up is these flippers are getting their cars from somewhere, at considerably less than they are asking.
Steve R