Years of experience have taught me to be cautious regarding extreme owner claims about their classic car. Sometimes they don’t add up, but that may not be true with this 1971 Chevrolet Nova. It wears its original paint, although the seller added stripes and upgraded wheels. There is one obvious flaw that may undermine the claims in the minds of some, making it interesting to gauge reader feedback. If it is all they say, recapturing its factory appearance should be straightforward for those preferring a more “stock” look. It needs a new home, with the seller listing it here on Craigslist in San Diego, California. They have set the price at $26,500, although they might consider a partial trade for the right vehicle. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Pat L. for spotting this gem.
The seller claims to be this Nova’s second owner, stating it has been garage-kept throughout its life. If correct, the lack of exposure to harsh UV rays makes the original paint claim plausible. However, if it is accurate, I see adding the Black stripes over the Sandalwood paint as a backward step that I would reverse ASAP. They enhance the car’s appearance but will cause uneven fading and other issues if they remain a long-term feature. The paint shines impressively, complemented by sparkling chrome and trim. The combination of a sheltered life and a dry climate have worked to ensure this Nova is rust-free. There are no evident problems in the supplied photos, and the seller doesn’t mention problems in their listing. The Chevy rolls on a shiny set of SS wheels wrapped in new tires, and the tinted glass is spotless. As with the stripes, swapping those wheels for something more stock would be straightforward.
Powering this Nova is its numbers-matching 307ci V8 that sends 200hp to the road via a three-speed manual transmission. The original owner also selected power assistance for the steering and brakes to guarantee an effortless driving experience. The 307 offered an excellent compromise between performance and economy, allowing this classic to cover the ¼-mile in 17.3 seconds. The seller recently installed a stainless steel dual exhaust, a new master cylinder, and rear air shocks. Throw in a complete new clutch assembly, and this beauty is a turnkey proposition for its new owner. They state it has a genuine 63,000 miles on the clock, and if this is verifiable, it should add credibility to the other claims regarding originality.
Opening the doors reveals what could be the only chink in this Nova’s armor and one that might place doubt over the other claims about this classic. The overall impression is positive, with the dash and pad looking spotless and no carpet or back seat issues. However, there is a significant split in the center of the front seatcover, and it is beyond salvation. There is no information on how or why this happened, but a new cover will be on the buyer’s shopping list if they seek perfection. This flaw means the buyer must find an additional $530 to address the problem, which is disappointing when you consider the positive news we’ve received so far. The air conditioning was recently upgraded to R134a, and the factory AM radio is intact.
It will be fascinating to gauge your opinion on this 1971 Chevrolet Nova. The seller seems confident with their claims regarding its originality and odometer reading. If they can back them with documentary evidence, it could be a genuine winner for someone with the available funds. My only worry surrounds the front seat damage because that doesn’t rate a mention in a listing that extolls the car’s virtues. However, if everything is verified, is this a classic you might consider pursuing further?
According to Musclecarfacts.com, “The Nova SS came standard with a 350 CID V8 that produced 270 horsepower, and this was also the only option available to the SS.” Can somebody explain to me how this ’71 SS has a 307 in it? It doesn’t have the two faux grills on the hood or an SS badge on the steering wheel. 1971 also saw the engine designation above the side marker light which this Nova does not have. The SS dash also had a “Nova SS” emblem which I don’t see here. Besides all that, I’ve never heard of or seen a Nova SS with three-on-the-tree. This car, while in good condition and a pretty nice Nova, is not a true SS.
It’s because this Nova isn’t a true SS, but a clone, and a poorly executed one at that. I knew the second I laid eyes on the grille it was a cone because the SS Novas used a blackened grille with a bright trim line on the top and bottom of the grille. This Nova has the standard grille that someone just slapped on an SS emblem. Of course if some resaler buys this to flip, I’m sure they’ll point to the grille and say “see that SS on the grille? That means it’s a real SS”. 😆🙄
I had a ” 70 ” Impala and put a SS on the grill. I was really surprised at how many people thought it was a true SS. My initials are SS My Wife is a RS
I don’t understand the confusion. The seller never states in the ad that the Nova is a Super Sport. All he did was put on two SS emblems, which I would immediately remove along with the stripes.
This is true the Seller did not mention at all that the car was a Super Sport. I had read everything he said about the car and all he did mention was the change of the Wheels & Tires as the gentleman before me mentioned.
Because it’s not an SS.
My buddy just sold his 71 350 4 speed Nova true SS buckets console AZ car for 22k .He put 7k into a BB Chevy that he installed but kept the #’S matching engine which went with the sale.Didn’t have the original paint though otherwise solid as a rock with nice interior.This imo is over priced.It’s a cool car though.I like the 307 3 speed and the wheels and stripes I would leave as imo they look cool.I’m thinkin around 15k imo.glwts.
Very nice survivor Nova even if it’s not a true SS. Fairly high optioned commuter car with the V8 , power brakes and AC, most were 6 cyl and plain. The three on the tree would be an anti theft device today! I don’t understand the fascination with going back to it’s hubcaps and vanilla non stripes look, as is it represents the day two mods many would have added with the wheels and stripes. I’d even go a step farther and add a set of factory bucket seats and console. As long as it wasn’t misrepresented as a true SS I see no harm in that. Price seems a little high, but rust free California cars do bring premium prices.
You could change the clip and make it a Ventura. Or not. You already have bigger plans.
I was thinking an Omega… clips might be easier to find. lol
Love the California rust free bodies, nice car in general, it’s a clone for sure, and overpriced.
Buick Apollo front clip would be my first choice.
Hmm,, those stripes make it look kind of chevelle(ish), can’t help but wonder if back in the day GM designers weren’t toying with that idea,,,,
If it were priced right it would make a great SS clone. Add the correct hood, grille and emblems, these are way easy to clone. Go all the way and make it a 396 SS 4 speed. When you do one right you will still yield a good price when selling. This 307 3 on the tree version, even numbers matching , will never bring any good $$$.
SS, RS and Z28 clones have been done to death already. Return this car to stock and it will draw a crowd at a car show. When was the last time that you saw a three on the tree V-8 Nova coupe?
Agreed. I’d ditch the SS emblems and remove the stripes. Then find 4 steelies with full wheel covers. It’s not a hot rod with a 307, never mind the 3-on-the-tree. Put back to looking stock, this would draw a crowd with that engine and trans combo. However, I’m with Maggy on the price; $15K give or take is about tops for it the way it sits.
Beautiful car. I’ve always loved the 1968-72 Chevy Nova. If only more pics were posted on Craigslist. 12 pictures hardly seems like enough to show everything you want to show of the car. $25,000 sounds a tad too expensive. I’d pay between $10k and $20k, including insurance, inspection, etc.
I would go the other way, buy it for the right price ( about $15K) and shove a 479″ BB with 700-R4 (with floor shifter) and 12 bolt Truetrac diff under the car. And get rid of the SS emblems.
A 307 2 barrel, three speed manual trans cars is never going to be a particularly collectible item.
About as exciting to drive as watching paint dry. Then throw more money away with duel exhaust for that 307 with a 2bbl to wheeze through. That’s why the price is so high, those emblems, stripes and wheels were probably paid for double the retail to some shop and professional installation at a small fee. My gosh it has antlers and red nose in one picture. Car was a utility driver when built and still is. Price is over the top.
John 58
On the 71 Chevrolet to start on the amount he was asking for the Clone SS I would have never paid that price especially with me coming all the way from Central Florida. And then having to lug it back in a loaner trailer or some sort no way! It is a clean outside car yes the interior could use some love and car but that’s what we buy these kind of cars for right but not halfway around the world 🌎.