When it was shiny and new, this 1971 Chevrolet Nova was a meek and mild vehicle that served as a daily driver for its original elderly owner. A few years ago, the seller purchased the Nova and transformed it into a brute that would threaten genuine muscle cars when the pedal meets the metal. All good things must end, meaning that he has listed this beauty for sale here on eBay. The Nova is located in Rochester, New York, and while forty-four bids have pushed the price to $22,300, this remains short of the reserve.

The seller states that apart from some minor touch-up work, most of the paint gracing this classic’s panels is original. That brings us to a small mystery to ponder. The only shade in the 1971 Chevrolet color palette that comes close to this is Sandalwood. However, this car’s paint appears to be too “yellow” to be that shade and is closer to a 1970 color called Gobi Beige. If this is an early build car, it is possible that the paint is a carry-over from the previous model year, or it could be some form of inconsistency in the supplied photos. Only a peek at the Trim Tag would reveal the truth. The seller admits that its condition is better than average for original paint from this era. It carries a few chips and marks but nothing of any significance. The panels are in excellent condition, while the Nova appears rust-free. The exterior shows no evidence of problems, while the underside shots reveal nothing beyond the occasional spot of light surface corrosion and most of the original paint intact. With spotless trim, chrome, and glass, there are no immediate cosmetic needs. Rounding out the exterior is a new set of American Racing Torq Thrust wheels wrapped in Cooper Cobra tires. They clearly indicate that there may be more to this Nova than first meets the eye.

This Nova rolled off the production line equipped with a 250ci six-cylinder engine backed by a two-speed Powerglide transmission. With 145hp on tap, it would have covered the ¼ mile in 20.5 seconds. That may not look that impressive, but it was probably more than enough to satisfy the needs of its original elderly lady owner. When the seller purchased the Chevy, they transformed it into a powerful brute capable of threatening many muscle cars. The original engine and transmission were consigned to the bin, and they filled the space with a 383ci stroker V8 and a Turbo 350 transmission with a Summit 2400 stall converter. With Sniper fuel injection feeding the stroker and Patriot headers and a dual exhaust dumping the spent gases, this V8 produces 450hp that has been dyno-verified. Not content with merely making the Nova a jet in a straight line, the seller added a Right Stuff power front disc brake conversion, complete with a new booster and master cylinder. The front end received a host of new parts, indicating that they viewed this build as a total package. The sole remaining original drivetrain component is the rear end, which serves adequately for regular use. However, the seller suggests that a 3.73 Posi could be a wise investment if the buyer intends to drive this classic hard. They say that the car runs and drives perfectly, although it only sees service on fine days. Interestingly, they claim that the fuel injection makes the Nova so tractable and civilized that it could serve as a regular driver. That’s an intriguing idea to consider.

As with the panels and paint, this Nova’s interior is largely original. The upholstered surfaces present nicely, with only a single repairable seam separation on the back of the driver’s seat as a fault worth noting. The dash and pad look spotless, as do the remaining upholstered surfaces. This Chevy is a “stripper” model, so there is no carpet, although the factory rubber floor mat is free from wear and physical damage. The owner dropped in a few practical upgrades that complement the car’s new drivetrain. These include a B&M shifter, a column-mounted tachometer, and a cluster of gauges hanging under the dash. That stroker under the hood will have cost a considerable stack of cash, so monitoring its health is a wise move. It isn’t all business because there is also a Kenwood stereo for those who don’t wish to listen to the sweet tune emanating from that awesome V8.

By 1971, the finish line was in sight for the classic American muscle car. Many enthusiasts lamented their passing, but a few hardy souls preserved these vehicles to be appreciated by future generations. Our feature car is not the real deal, but it is a fitting tribute to a bygone era. If this 1971 Nova were a genuine SS, placing a value on it would be pretty straightforward. However, it is a custom build, and these types of cars are usually worth whatever someone is willing to pay. The bidding history suggests that plenty of people like what they see, and with time left on the auction, I see no reason why the car couldn’t top $30,000. If you have been searching for a classic car with genuine performance credentials, this Nova deserves a closer look.