The owner of this 1969 Nova SS 396 appears to be very protective of this classic. He actually goes so far as to say that if anyone is looking at the vehicle intending to undertake a restoration, then they should look at another Nova. He refers to the car as being “sacred” due to how original and clean it is. I have to say thank you to Barn Finder Pat L for referring an extraordinary barn find through to us. The Nova is located in Otis Orchards, Washington, and has been listed for sale here on Craigslist. Of course, an original classic like this is never going to be cheap. So hand the owner $59,999, and the Nova can be yours.
According to the owner, the Hugger Orange SS 396 was placed into storage back in 1982. It remained unused and untouched until recently when it was revived and returned to a roadworthy state. He says that the vehicle has some evidence of some minor touch-up work, but that the paint is mostly original. The panels appear to be laser-straight, with the gaps being tight and consistent. Rust does not appear to be an issue, with the owner stating that no rust of any description to be found anywhere on the vehicle. As is the case in several aspects of the listing, he is exceptionally forceful on this point. I guess that you can’t blame a guy for being passionate. The trim, chrome, and glass, all look to be in excellent condition. The owner does concede that the door seals will need to be replaced, as they are quite dry. Otherwise, he feels that the Nova doesn’t need to be touched.
Lifting the hood of the Nova reveals what makes this car so special. What we find hiding here is the L78 version of the 396ci V8. This monster of an engine pumps out 375hp, which finds its way to the rear wheels via a 4-speed manual transmission. The performance was legendary when the Nova was new, with the ¼ mile being demolished in 14 seconds. This is a numbers-matching car and has never been touched or molested. The exception is the rear end, which has been regeared from 3.31 to 4.10. The Nova was parked back in 1982 and has only recently been revived. The engine and transmission have never been out of the car. However, the original carburetor, starter, alternator, master cylinder, and the brake booster, have all been treated to a rebuild. The owner states that the vehicle runs and drives well and that the buyer will get to experience that…after they’ve paid for it.
The interior of the SS is upholstered in all black and features a bench seat. The photos aren’t very enlightening, but they generally paint a positive picture. There are a few flaws, but these are typical for a Nova. These include some tears in the seat on the driver’s side. There are also some cracks in the dash pad, as well as some in the wheel. The rear parcel tray has also been cut to accommodate aftermarket speakers. However, a replacement seat cover will cost around $215, while you can expect to pay $340 for a dash pad. Add another $300 for a replacement wheel and $250 for a parcel tray, and the interior will be looking pretty good. The original radio has been removed from the dash, but it is included in the sale.
The owner of this ’69 Nova SS 396 refers to it as being a unicorn, and it is easy to see why. To find an original and unmolested classic like this one that has been left undisturbed for the best part of four decades makes it an incredible find. That it is entirely rust-free just adds to both its story and its desirability. I have been fortunate enough to find one relatively rare low-mileage classic car hidden away in a barn, and that was an extraordinary experience. I can’t even begin to imagine what must have gone through this owner’s mind when he unearthed this incredible vehicle. I can’t believe that he is willing to part with it. I certainly wouldn’t.
The Ad lost me with ALL CAPS. Nice car, $60k, Is that normal? I wonder if the new owner will need written permission to change out the worn interior pieces…
Nice car, but not worth nearly what the owner is asking, especially considering the work it needs! It’s not a Barrett Jackson auction car, by any means!
Wow.
Nice car but not worth that kind of money to me.
“The engine and transmission have never been out of the car.” 82,000+ miles and the clutch never changed? Something fishy about this ad.
Replacing a worn clutch and a complete rebuild of the entire drivetrain are two very different things.
Could be a great car at 10 to 15k. Wait is that a 427 restored yenko?
That price might have been accurate 20 to years ago.
Steve R
I understand how you can be loyal to a car. I had a 69 Road Runner Conv. I had to sell (new baby) and it broke my heart when the new owner totalled it 3 weeks later. BUT if I pay $60,000 for a car nobody better try to tell me what I can or can not do with it. If he thinks I am going to pay for it before I can drive it then he needs to change whatever he is smoking in his pipe.1
From when a hot street/strip car could be bought right from your local Cheverolet dealership. All you had to do was find the right salesman who knew about the L78 option in the little Nova.
This one looks too good actually, a hot machine like this served the purpose of going very quick and scaring the heck out of passengers, bystanders… Nice ride!
If this car is a documented original, he may get that price. Original car always command more money. With about 5K built, how many would be left?
The seller seems to be a bit over-the-top, but the car is as well. I agree with him that restoring this could be considered vandalism. Craigslist is hardly the venue for this thing. But then it got on here, so he’s doing something right. Next stop Bring a Trailer?
It’s being talked about here, I’m sure this has made the rounds of interested collectors, this is the sort of information that gets passed to multiple enthusiast forums.
Steve R
What a great find. The L78 and or the L89 were the only “real” 396’s Chevy built. This one is destine for a decerning collector. If the car checks out as nice as it looks $60k is probably reasonable even in this market. This is a very special Nova.
If it is a true 375 horse then it is a 402
I thought the 402 was started in 1970,
Wikipedia is usually pretty reliable.
For the 1970 model year the 396 was bored 0.03 in (0.76 mm), resulting in a 402 cu in (6.6 L) engine. Despite this, the motor was still badged as a 396. 1970 was also the final production year for the L78. Although 1970 LS6 Chevelles are generally more collectible today, 1970 L78 Chevelles are in fact rarer (4,475 units versus 2,144).
First year of the 402 was 1970.
Oh man – this makes me all squishy. I’m all in for 35K. Wish I had deeper pockets.
Well, here’s your chance. It’s now listed at 29K. I wonder if it includes a bridge or a case of “whatever ails you” tonic.
If I pay 60 large for a car and the title is signed over to my name I’ll cut it to pieces if I want!!!
$59,999 is a ton of money, L78 or not.
Actually, if this car is what they say it is, I’d consider 59k to be somewhat reasonable (in context mind you). These are very rare, and even rarer in low mile original condition. This is probably 1 of a kind.
But of course, the price has dropped to 29k, which is simply unbelievable. I won’t go so far to yell “scam,” but I’d be extremely suspicious. This doesn’t sound right.
I would take the large ask and find-a 1st Gen Camaro 302 Z28 for the price.
I do like it but its a Nova and thats a “no go” for price.
$59,999 – – – Not even at MajorAuction would it pull a figure like that.
That is unless some nutbar with a ton of money Just Had To Have It regardless – – –
They do exist. Those “Nutbars” you mention have shown up consistently with tons of money a did exactly just that, paid the big money for the right car.
59.9k isn’t a nutbar price for a L78 Nova with low miles and all original parts, at least in this market.
The front grill does Not support a SS emblem, no pics of the back to see the panel with the SS emblem
Looks like a scam to me. The ad says $29,000 today.
https://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/cto/d/los-angeles-1969-chevy-nova-ss-396-l78/7158327545.html
A $30K price drop! You could be onto something?
That new ad is from Los Angeles. The original ad is from Spokane. There are Craigslist scammers who will steal ads – usually from Bring a Trailer or eBay, this is bold – and advertise a vehicle at an irresistible price.
Of course, when you call, you will be told there are a lot of offers and you need to reserve the car. You will need to paypal or QuickPay them a nice down payment to hold it for you.
So he didn’t Really drop his price by 30,000. But if you to try, go for it! Let us know how that works out for you. Or better yet, report it to Craigslist.
I see that the price on the Spokane ad has dropped to $29,000 as well. My BS meter is tingling. There is no way this is a $29,000 car in this market. Proceed with caution everyone.
…and it’s got black plate Cali plates in the video. The resolution on my phone is not enough to look at the background vehicle plates, but I think the Spokane posting is a scam..
Ad is still up. I wonder how many $2,500 deposits they’ve collected so far!
rare rims i know of like 5 sets in a junk yard near my house,
You should buy them and put them on eBay. The 14 x 7 steel wheels referenced in the ad only came on SS’s ordered with hubcaps for a couple of years in the late-60’s and early-70’s.
Steve R
For 60k$ I would think he would have had
the rubber flap that covers the top of the radiator/support.
Interesting piece of automotive history! Can’t imagine there are that many “unmolested” 1969 SS Nova’s in existence anymore – mine didn’t last as long as it took to drive to the Speed Shop and pick-up a Hurst shifter and get the get the Cragar SS mags installed.
I’m always kind of suspicious with anything listed on Craigslist – seen too many “questionable” ads. Two listings here, both obviously the same vehicle, with somewhat more pictures on the SoCal ad.
I’m also not sure what the “L78 Registry” is or who does the “registering”, but the VIN listed isn’t for a V8-powered 1969 Nova – that should begin with 114279! Typo maybe?
Good catch. It actually has the correct number for the V8. That looks to be the 114 part of the beginning.
The 37 portion of his VIN doesn’t match a 2 door (27) and a 4 door nova (69).
That are the only 2 options for doors on that year. Makes you wonder who went to go through the effort to print out a certificate and miss-fired on the VIN so badly?
car needs restored and a price to reflect it. That guy had a real hard time finding ware the key went. No paint left around that switch. LoL
60 grand is not for you nay sayers. The man obviously doesn’t want to sell it to people like you. He’s looking for a serious Nova fan who will keep it as is. It’s his car so he has the right to discriminate as to buyer. For those who feel since it’s their money so they can do what they want with it just pass on by, there’s plenty of cut up junk out there for people like you.
God bless America
I think is ad is BS… do you really think he is going to discriminate with &60k in cash in front of him? I think it is just sales hype.
Actually the buyer who would pay $60K would be the purist this guy wants.
Anyone else that would pay 60 and restore/ modify would be an idiot, as these comments say, you can get a nice one for a lot less money and then hack it or trash it lol
I hope the 4.10’s weren’t in it for all 82k miles
These don’t pop up everyday so the price is not over the top. Been offered 55 grand for my 72 396 4 speed Camaro with 25000 miles on it.
These don’t pop up everyday so the price is not over the top.
I love these 3rd gen Novas.
I’ve owned several, still own a 69 SS with a FI BB & auto. Only a clone but, I never plan to get rid of it. Even being original this one is overpriced. IMO 45k-50k…maybe & ALOT closer to perfect then it is.
The seller stated in his ad that the car will be listed on eBay. The new price of $29k is stated as being the “opening bid” not the asking price.
Anyone can look at the current BJ or Mecum auctions and see this car is way overpriced for the condition. He can sell it to who ever he wants but it is not going to sell to anyone that has good eyes.Just remember that 4:10 gear was put in not to get to church faster unless that church was at the end go of a quarter mile road.
The radiator is green the fan shroud is missing. The interior is mediocre at best. Sounds like something to avoid at this price otherwise a very nice car
I just looked at the Craigslist ad and I am even more convinced that there’s something wrong with this car. One line says original paint the next says the hood is repainted. Keep saying no rust I see rust in the door openings terrible weather stripping. Zoom in on the door handle and the edges around the handle is rough. Not even close to a 60g car valve covers leaking left valve cover is covered with corrosion.
How does a dipstick handle, & alternator pulley & fins get rusty like that?
I read a while back the rubber mat over the whole floor here is actually heavier than carpeting & its padding! True?
IMO the mat is not all that attractive & belongs only in police cars, taxis & pickups.
Fan shroud missing.
There are a few 69’s and a few 70’s L78 Nova’s on both eBay and cars on line that are far cheaper and restored. .If he had a Camaro he would be right on the money for asking price but unfortunately it is a Nova.
How many times do you really need to write the same description of a car??? Beautiful car, would love to own. Re-sprayed and touch up are not considered untouched or never repaired. Awesome car but think there might be a screw loose somewhere!
I always mention that the first car I bought new was a 69 Nova 396 four speed. I lived in Lake City, Washington and worked for Boeing Airplane company at the 747 plant in Mulcateo. It was about a 25 mile drive one way to work making that 250 miles a week. The car needed refueling twice a week, ofcourse I did put a few extra miles on over the weekends. Gas I think was about .35c a gallon so It didn’t break the bank was just annoying. I really liked the car in its dark green with black vinyl top and ralley wheels.
God bless America
Is it a true SS car, I cant remember seeing an SS with that body moulding, & no grille SS emblem, in the one picture of the drivers side partial 1/4 panel , partial roof C pillar and drivers door it looks like there is a dent in the roof, at first I thought it was a reflection like on the C pillar & 1/4. Also , how did it wind up with 4 seat belt buckles on the front seat , no way for a $ 60 K , maybe if it were a real bonafide SS car with no sketchy questions otherwise I call scam.
Anybody have n idea why there are four seat belts on the front seat instead of three??????
Up to around 1971 one was for the lap belt the second was for the shoulder belt. They were separate, the shoulder belt actually tucked on the headliner over the door
Thank You for that explanation, my memory must be fading cause I had a ’69 Nova and don’t recall that set up.
It was really inconventient to use both belts(& i would say 1 in a 1000? also used the shoulder belt), especially if running a lot of errands – lots of buckling & unbuckling.
& the non inertia(but very safe!)shoulder belt “locked” you in place, making it nec to disconnect it to reach the radio on some cars. lol
Nah, sorry, you lost me, 60 large for a crate with wheels, that needs interior work, motor was never freshened up, over 80,000 miles, when you start fixing things your gonna have 100,000 Nova, I like being an individual but, hey it ain’t all that
If you look at the ad, the guy keeps repeating himself. I have seen this in scammer ads too, where the wording is exact and repeated 2 or 3 times. I am not saying it is for sure a scam, but tread lightly. If real, it is an awesome car! Just meet the seller in person, face to face (or mask to mask lol).
Look what 35K will get you.
https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/chevrolet/nova/2205609.html#&gid=1&pid=8
Although this one is probably not a real Yenko I think this one would be a much better deal for someone then this ’69 listed here, look it over and judge for yourself,
https://www.ebay.com/itm/224079132051
Just a heads up late 69 started the 402 BB not sure of the date of the change but have a friend that has a 69 with that 402 block from the factory.Bet it was way at the end of production and only they can tell us when that took place.