I admire enthusiasts like the current owner of this 1968 Chevrolet Nova. They admit that they have too many projects on the go. Rather than letting this 1960s classic deteriorate, they feel it deserves a new home with someone who has the vision to return the car to its rightful place on our roads. The buyer could follow the sympathetic path, although the upgraded V8 under the hood makes it a prime candidate for an SS tribute. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Rocco B. for spotting a classic offering a world of possibilities.
Chevrolet introduced its Third Generation Nova range in 1968, and our feature car is from the first production year. It looks pretty tired and is begging for love. The existing paint isn’t original, with evidence the first owner ordered it in attractive Grotto Blue. The color change is, to be polite, low-quality. The fact it appears to be peeling in places suggests the buyer faces the prospect of stripping most of the car to create a sound working base for their build. However, the news isn’t all bad, because this Nova has split its time between California and Colorado. Both states feature sympathetic climates, and the indications are that this beauty could be virtually rust-free. Only an in-person inspection will uncover the truth, but things look positive in the supplied photos. Some trim pieces require replacement, although the Rally wheels appear to be fairly new.
The seller supplies no engine bay photos, and there is no indication of what was originally hiding under this Chevy’s hood. The most potent powerplant offered in “garden-variety” Nova in 1968 was the 327ci V8, producing 275hp and 355 ft/lbs of torque. The SS variant upped the ante with a 350ci V8 and a 396ci big-block. The seller reveals that the original engine and transmission combination are ancient history, with the car now hosting a 350ci small-block and a Turbo 350 automatic transmission. Both components are only sitting in place, meaning the Nova doesn’t run or drive. There is also no information on their health, but since this Chev is no longer numbers-matching, it might be a prime candidate for resurrection as an SS tribute.
The word “tired” springs to mind when assessing this Nova’s interior. It has undeniably seen better days, with most of its Blue vinyl upholstery exhibiting significant deterioration. A previous owner cut holes in the door trims for speakers, and there is a gaping hole in the dash where the factory radio once lived. However, the critical components are intact if the buyer chooses a faithful retrim. Alternatively, kits to create the previously-mentioned SS clone are readily available, or a custom approach might appeal to some readers. Imagination and money would be the only limiting factors in such circumstances.
Affordability is a relative term that means different things to different people. However, almost any classic from the 1960s with a four-figure asking price has to be a strong contender for that title. The seller listed this 1968 Chevrolet Nova here on Craigslist in Denver, Colorado. You could roll it onto a trailer and take it home by handing over $6,500. Considering all it appears to offer, that must make it awfully tempting. Do you agree?
I can tell it was a three on the tree manual shift car by the way the brake pedal looks I also see a lt of rust on the lower body panels this is a parts car
Snow plow behind it tells all you need to know…………….RUN
Although the ad says only 3 days, this car had been on CL for quite awhile, and has been reposted a couple of times. Since it’s such a desirable year and body style, would think it’d be gone by now. Must be some real issues….besides the color.
Someone special ordered a three on the tree six banger stripper Nova ? Come on, every dealership had base cars on their lot , one was always there as a loss leader , and every Chevy dealership had a row of Chevy IIs ! .
Looks like a factory AC dash… surely wouldve helped save that seat from Jalapeno burns! YIKES…
I notice the left door has the deluxe trim around the posts and the rest of the car doesn’t, so at least one body panel has been swapped out – a cheap paint job hides a lot
This one screams that it needs a full “rotisserie” restoration, and given the cost of such an exercise, it would be followed by the full “restomod” treatment, as spending that kind of money just to install the stock drive train makes about as much economic sense as putting a 1500 square foot house on a one acre lot that costs $400k, that is to say, no sense whatsoever!
There are enough better quality Novas out there that are tired but not rusted or wrecked for not that much more money. It makes no sense for someone doing a high end restomod to start with a car like this. The buyer will likely be someone, typically a beginner, without much experience or knowledge that only sees the low entry price. I’ve made that mistake and have a lot of friends that have made it too. The trick is not to make that mistake a second time.
Steve R
Rare th350 trans with the Bluetooth shifter.
Surprised the steering wheel is not cracked – nor has it turned light green.
Maybe that only happened to the delux wheel with the 2 horn buttons in other ’68 chevys?
That heavy factory rubber floor mat should not have been ordered if this car was intended to drive in/park out – in the rain. Or at least the entire mat should have been pulled out long ago to see what’s underneath – & kept out.
Same with trunk mat – if any.
Nobody ordered a rubber mat , that’s what they would have come with if you didnt want carpeting. this was a base model Nova , being that the car was from CA, I’m not surprised that its only option was A/C . As someone already said , it was more than likely shipped to the dealership as a loss leader
Am i the only 1 finding this exterior color hard on the eyes?