The compact Chevy II/Nova was a sales winner for Chevrolet from 1962 to 1979. The most popular iteration may have been the generation built from 1968 to 1972 and the latter year was the second best-selling version of the automobile in its first 11 years. This 1972 Nova is a two-owner automobile with only 68,000 miles. It’s been revived after 25 years and runs and looks good, though the paint color was changed years ago. Hopefully, it doesn’t become a Super Sport clone.
Nearly 350,000 Novas were built in 1972 and only two body styles were offered (2 or 4-door sedans). More than one-third of them left the factory with the 307 cubic inch V8 like the one here. It was a step up from the 250 inline-6 but a notch below the also popular 350. As the story goes, the seller’s father-in-law purchased this Chevy from its original owner when it was 18 years old with just 52,000 miles. Only 16,000 more have been added since then, but it has spent two dozen of the past 34 years stored in a basement.
The body looks perfect, and the seller says there’s nary a hint of rust to be found. The Nova wore cream/white paint when it was new that his/her family member didn’t care for, so the color was changed to maroon in 1991. Other than dual exhaust, this Chevy is stock all the way. The 307 is paired with a TH-350 automatic transmission (though the Powerglide was still around).
When revived, this Nova received a tune-up and a new battery and now runs great. No mention is made of other items that time would dictate changing, such as the tires. This is a solid-looking compact that has few frills (no power assist for the steering or brakes). Located in Blountville, Tennessee, you can find the vehicle here on eBay where the reserve is unmet at the latest bid of $14,600.
My first new car. It was Mojive gold and cost around 2600$. Ok everyday car, handling was terrible, 350 would have been better.
This one has a nicer interior.
A lighter 250 6 cyl & 70 series radial tires & optional quicker steering would have been better – for handling.
I would keep stock but pull the drivetrain. A stroke 383 putting out 450 HP a reworked 350 transmission. Depending on the rear end if it needs to be pulled or beef it up with 3.73 positive gears. And nobody would know what you have… it looks stock on the outside stock and on the inside and go have a lots of fun. Good luck to the next owner. 🐻🇺🇸
Or you could leave it stock and not ruin it!
Too late. The color change ruined it. Not that the new color isn’t attractive, it is just far from original and would cost a small fortune to bring it back to stock.
Beautiful car, I’d preserve and enjoy it just the way it is. They’re only original once.
It may be stock, but not original. At a minimum it’s had a color change and repaint and detailing of the engine and engine compartment, the upholstery pattern doesn’t look original either. There isn’t much reason not to modify it if the next owner wants to.
Steve R
Is there a way to put the orihinal air back in the tires too????
@ David Carroll, New business idea unlocked. Sell vintage tire air for restorations!!! Could be the scam of the century if it catches on, Lol. Are you in?
307 with a TH350 and likely a 2.56 gear in the rear makes for a cruiser. 60 mph at only 2000 rpm.
The one I had was a 3.08. On that subject the rear was an early failure part. Locked up at 100k miles.
Sweet looking old Nova. The V8 puts some pep in its step. Nice old driver.
There are so many of these out there that trying to restore it to stock would kinda be a waste of time and effort. I’ve got a 74 SS that I’ve been working on for years, and they can turn into a money pit. With this one, I’d just add PS/PB and AC and drive the heck out of it!
nice car but what does this owner thinks it worth? 15k is a stout # for a plain non a/c nova. Really need to lose the olds rally wheels they do nothing for it considering chevy rallies are a dime a dozen.