Buyers in the know could order their new 1965 Nova 400 with a tasty drivetrain combination. That is the case with our feature car, which is 1-of-319 featuring the range-topping L74 version of the company’s iconic 327ci V8. The rest of the drivetrain combination ensures that it possesses performance that makes it a wolf in sheep’s clothing. The seller has been the car’s custodian for over twenty-five years, and it came to them with a known ownership history. It needs a new home, so the seller has listed it here on eBay. The Nova is located in Clifton Springs, New York, and while the auction opens at $50,000, there have been no bids at the time of writing. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Larry D for using his well-developed classic radar to spot this fantastic classic.
The Nova came to the seller with a known ownership history. It has spent more than twenty-five years in this dry garage when it isn’t terrorizing the streets, making its overall condition no surprise. It is unclear whether it has received any restoration work, but with the mention of NOS parts in the listing, I suspect it probably has. The Regal Red paint shines magnificently, and its lack of defects guarantees it will turn heads. The virtually spotless underside shows no evidence of gravel damage or corrosion, supporting my belief that it is a carefully and meticulously restored vehicle. There is no visible rust, and the seller doesn’t mention any prior repairs in their listing. The trim is in as-new condition, with the same true of the glass.
The spotless presentation continues when we assess this Nova’s interior. The seats wear Red cloth and vinyl that shows no signs of wear, while the remaining upholstered surfaces, headliner, and carpet are equally impressive. The bright trim is in as-new condition, and there are no aftermarket additions. The mechanical specifications suggest the original owner was primarily focused on performance, although the pushbutton radio is a nod to comfort. It wouldn’t stretch credibility to describe the interior condition as showroom fresh.
Lifting the hood reveals what helps this Nova stand out from the crowd and why it deserves nothing but respect. Buyers in 1965 could select from a vast array of engines, but this car’s original owner went for the best of the best. It is 1-of-319 featuring the L74 version of the 327ci V8. The rest of the drivetrain includes a Muncie four-speed manual transmission and a 12-bolt rear end. At 3,036lbs, the Nova is a relative featherweight. With its V8 churning out 300hp, its ability to scorch the ¼ mile in 14.6 seconds is no surprise. If the driver is brave enough to keep the pedal to the metal, the needle will eventually nudge 131mph. It may be an unassuming-looking car, but those figures demonstrate it possesses genuine muscle car credentials. The seller indicates this Chevy is numbers-matching, which is significant when assessing its potential value. They supply no information on how the car runs or drives, but the news should be positive if the engine bay presentation is an accurate indication. We may not receive much information, but the seller is approachable and willing to answer any questions that genuinely interested parties pose.
If there’s one aspect I find appealing with this 1965 Nova 400, it is its “sleeper” quality. There are no glaring indications of the potential performance locked away in this classic, meaning it could spring a surprise or two at a “Traffic Light Grand Prix.” Its presentation is hard to fault, and its originality will attract many enthusiasts. The auction opens close to the top end of the Nova market, but its condition and mechanical configuration should justify the figure. It is virtually impossible to speculate on the reserve, and it appears the seller isn’t worried about whether a buyer emerges from the woodwork willing to pay their price. Since the reserve is pure speculation, what do you think it could be?
Wow! What a beautiful Nova. Just imagine the thrill of picking this beauty up at the dealership when new. Rare and stunning. Good luck to the seller and new owner. Color me jealous.
nice
I’d suspect he will get no bids on this car. It would have made more sense to set a reserve rather than a starting minimum bid. Clearly, the seller wants to keep it, unless he hits a grand slam.
I’ve not yet sold a car on ebay, but have sold close to 1000 items over the last 20+ years. I know what the minimum price I will accept is (and I am very reasonable) and begin the auction at that price. It seems to weed out the trash, those who are familiar with the item know the value and bid accordingly.
This is one of those cars that is WAY TOO MUCH MONEY, However if I could afford it, I would buy it. The seller just needs the right buyer.
Imagine the original owner’s grandma looking at this car when it was new and remarking that it would probably get good gas mileage!
The owner of this Nova may be doing just what a friend of mine does by advertising on ebay. He prices his stuff really high knowing that, more than likely, no one will buy it BUT he gets a ton of exposure for his car.
BTW, I sent this car in to BF because I LOVE it!
If it only was a L79 car.
I don’t believe the 350 HP L79 327 V8 was even available in a Nova in 1965. The restyled 1966 Nova it was, and I think there were only 11 1967 Novas built with the L79. I think the L79 is one of the best small blocks Chevy ever built…along with the DZ 302 of course!
Nice Find Larry, I wanna Post Model 65 Nova same For Sale Red same Motor Trans. Add In AC. for Arizona then I could be truly a Happy Man.
jj ?
Nice, beautiful, but not 50K worth.
Wow ! Back in 1971, in Eastern Kentucky , at age 19, I bought a 1965 Nova hardtop from a local guy who was a little older than me. It was that ubiquitous turquoise color, black interior. It was an SS, with bucket seats, console, and SS gauge package. 283 2bbl with a 4 speed and 10 bolt rear. For $ 700. Dead stock, perfect. sold it a couple of years later.I have never seen another like it, or even anywhere near This spec. The car in the ad is a unicorn, but not a 50k unicorn
Was the L79 available in a ’65 Nova? I had a ’64 with a 283/4 speed, I bought it in ’66 for $800, I wonder how many of them were built?
Not until ‘66 and only 6 built in ‘67!
Beautiful Nova, but wow what a price tag.
50K and no bids? Any way you look at this one it truly is a gorgeous car. Any one who can afford this one will never part with it. A real keeper!!!!
When the top goes down the price goes up. I have a 63’ restomod convertible with an LS3 connect and cruise package,450 HP, and a Heidt front clip with tubular control arms and rack and pinion steering. 4 link rear end with coil overs and a Ford 9” with posi and Wilwood 6 pistons. I am not sure if I could get for my car.
Nice!
sounds like you have a modern car with a classic body.
Best of both worlds!
That is really an excellent car and has the awards to justify his starting price. It’s probably just shown and doesn’t get down the road too often. Hard to believe they built such a dangerous ball of fire. Can’t believe first owner anyway didn’t open that 4bbl and let her rip. Power to weight ratio had to make this a very quick car. Love it, myself I don’t have the will power to let this car sit idle. I know one of 300. Myself never seen one. Not with a factory installed 327.
In 1971, I owned 1965 Nova 2 Dr ht SS.
Turquoise over black with buckets, console & SS guage cluster ( same as the work vans ) 283 2bbl 4 spd ( Saginaw ?? ) , 10 bolt rear end. This is the first 65 I have seen since then, even close to the same spec. Both Unicorns.
Grandma drove it to church in the morning, Grandpa drove it to the drag strip in the afternoon. Great find!
2005 AACA national prize winner, 2006,Grand National Champion, still looks like new, rarity, I’d say it’s worth whatever the reserve is.
@Fred
I think so too. Where are you going to find another one with all the impeccable credentials this car has? Honestly, this is a one-in-a-million car. It is the ONLY one I’ve ever seen that I knew was for real and not a made-up version.
As of 9 PM on 09/07, the bidding sits at $50,300 for the little Nova. So, yes it is worth at least $50k to some people who can afford it.
Looks like something, someone might see Mr. Drucker speeding around Hooterville in.
nice car. I had a 63 SS and a 64 post in my past.
two things always bugged me about the 65, making them ugly to me… both probably due to some sort of federal regulation.
1) The headlights are a bit bugeyed compared to earlier novas. just looks wrong.
2) the early taillights were distinctive and beautiful. 65 was boring and ugly.
(cranky old man, logging off…)
No L79 or Muncie Nova in 65’… the badge under the 327 badge clearly says 300 on it.
3.07 rear gear ⚙️ probably. Perfect for this liteweight 4sp.
Beautiful car, but the thought of a 1965 Chevy Nova going 131 mph is terrifying. Does it still have bias ply tires, drum brakes, and 14 inch wheels?
But it is beautiful.
Auction for this Nova ended 09/11/2022 at 3:20 PM PDT. There were 12 bids.
High bid was $54,200 and that did NOT meet Reserve.